How the world works

*Comments are open for this post*

Nature matters more than nurture

Sex matters more than gender

Friends matter more than parents

Situation matters more than character

Norms matter more than laws

Institutions matter more than culture

Economics matters more than morality

Family matters more than state

Narrative matters more than truth

Identity matters more than rationality

Cohort matters more than generation

Class matters more than income

Status matters more than well-being

Race matters

Moral pressure at the cash register: No one likes it.

I asked my Twitter followers how they feel about the growing trend where retail outlets ask you if you care to make a donation to a charity of their choice, just as you are slapping down an unreasonable amount of money for booze, junk food, trinkets, gewgaws, or other unnecessary items. 

Either I have a churlish set of Twitter followers, or it's a widely despised phenomenon. Here are some responses. 

@MSoloduk @jandrewpotter Giving a donation when you're wallet is already out is kinda like getting sucked in by an internet pop up.

@wholecloth @jandrewpotter I always say no.

@CarrylW @jandrewpotter I think (I KNOW) it works. I would like to know how big the "guilt factor" is - why do not more people say no?

@AakankshaT @jandrewpotter annoying but wonder if it is effective.

@johnarobertson @jandrewpotter I think it's fine if they want to put a box out, but when they ask you while you are paying I feel pressured

@RandChange @jandrewpotter If they offer charitable donation receipts, then I have no problem.

‏@MissHelveticaB @jandrewpotter point of sale promotions are highly effective. I'd rather donate a couple bucks to charity than fall for an impulse item.

@jessieradies @jandrewpotter Hate it

@KatieBrist @jandrewpotter awkward as hell for the cashiers

@lynnkool @jandrewpotter Annoying. Do they get the tax break for the donation?

@JButlerMcPhee @jandrewpotter Depends on how reputable the charity is and how hard the sell . . . but I'm not opposed to it in principle.

@LexyCameron @jandrewpotter I don't agree. They put you on the spot. Their choice may not be my choice.

@the_beheld @jandrewpotter Hate being asked, hate that a cashier is forced to ask me. Feels like supporting their corporate "goodwill," not cause itself

@JoelWWood @jandrewpotter interesting use of social pressure, e.g., dont want to look like a Scrooge to cashier & people in line.

@joyce_byrne @jandrewpotter I hate it. And I'm cynical so I know that the strategy is "people can't refuse so it's a golden idea for fundraising".

@j2nelson @jandrewpotter Hate that. But often get sucked in. The guilt!

@RadicalOmnivore *%$#! RT @jandrewpotter: What do we think about retail outlets that ask you to donate to a charity of their choice at the cash register?

@Ken_Davis @jandrewpotter Good luck saying no to a CHEO donation when your kids are with you.

@pjames @jandrewpotter If it raises money for a good cause why not. If you disagree with the charity, just say no. Generally not a pressure sale.

@AndyChalk @jandrewpotter We feel bad for those employees, who have been told that their numbers are being tracked and minimums are expected.