It seems like every time I turn around there is another cause or benefit that is grabbing for my attention. While I don’t knock the cause itself (most of them, anyway), I have begun to question the continual influx of similar events—particularly showcasing a myriad of talented musicians, under the guise of “supporting the greater good of mankind.” Each cause is, of course, asking for one’s investment, both of time and monetary value. In conversation with several friends about this very topic, I have concluded that I am not alone in my stance on this issue. A delicate issue, it is, but one that nonetheless ought to be dissected.

- I feel bad for not caring about all of these causes, but there are too many!

 

- It’s a fad that’s saturating the music scene right now. Everything’s a benefit. It’s never about going to a show or concert anymore simply to enjoy music. There has to be an excuse to come pay money to listen to music, and its usually not benefiting the artist, which is difficult when playing is their livelihood. The artist in turn feels bad for wanting compensation or for not accepting the opportunity when it’s for a cause!

 

- I have been burned by those who think that I owe it to their cause to donate large amounts of time and resources. My generosity has been abused.

- I’ve been burnt out by investing so much time into causes that are not my sole passion. I feel that since I’m doing a good thing for someone, it’s worth it; but in the end, if it’s not directly something that I feel passionate about, I’ve wasted that time. Everyone cares about something. I don’t feel bad anymore because it’s not my responsibility to care about everything.

 

These various opinions on the issue come from those who have been involved to some degree or by those who have simply attended such events. In a nutshell, the last comment sums it up to me:

 I don’t feel bad anymore because it’s not my responsibility to care about everything.

When one’s compassion gets stretched so thin, it’s hard to sincerely care in great degree for any one cause. I don’t think it’s the intent of any particular cause to demand all of one’s efforts and concern; however, the overabundance of causes made known to the world (thank you, Facebook) bombards and overwhelms the average folk. I feel guilty when I “ignore” the plethora of causes sent to me online. I feel worse when I do accept, and then delete the emails sent because it’s really just not that important to me.

My conclusion: whatever makes one “tick,” whatever stirs their spirits, whatever injustice lights a fire in their hearts… whatever their passion is… there lays the place where they ought to devote their energies. That’s not to say one cannot support other causes and participate; it simply means they ought not feel bad for placing their sole interest and investment in the area in which they have the most heartfelt concern.