The Obligation To Give Gifts
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 Dr. Kevin |
 Dara Jane |
This week, Dr Kevin and Dara Jane take on the issue of gift giving. Where does the idea of having an obligation to buy gifts come from? They start with the historic idea of “Noblesse oblige,” the obligation of nobility, or “those with that with wealth, power and prestige come responsibilities,” and from that discuss how big business and the media have turned all the holidays into occasions where everyone should feel obligated to buy expensive gifts. Have we as a society been taught to believe that hand made presents should not be valued as much as the latest electronic gadget? Are there some occasions where we should feel obligated to purchase gifts? Should we feel bad if we cannot afford to buy something as expensive as another person gives us? And do gifts have to be a tangible item to have value?
Listen, then let us know what you think!
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