Why You Should Never Fall For The Pity Ploy
By RK Finnell
@irishidid (8687)
United States
February 7, 2016 8:49pm CST
My daughter makes and sales small rugs. When I tell people about them I don't mention she is autistic but rather just let them decide whether or not they want to buy. There is no "buy from her because she's autistic and has disabilities". I want her product to stand on its own.
I know of another person who claims her son has numerous disabilities, including more gene disorders than I believe exist and an endless list of other maladies. She constantly brings up his issues and asks for money. Most of it is supposedly for something he needs. She takes a lot of pictures but I have yet to see him using any of the items she asked money for although she's bought things for herself.
I have nothing against helping out someone in need but the truth is people use it as an excuse to get money, etc from others.
Look at charity organizations and how they only show the worst of the worst. It is because they want your money. They are pulling at your heartstrings because they know it will open up your purse faster than if they showed you something positive. A good portion of it is nothing but fraud.
6 people like this
7 responses
@yukimori (10193)
• United States
8 Feb 16
Yep, exactly, and it's terrible that there are so many out there who will abuse the generosity of others like that.
We have career panhandlers in my area who seem to be out on the street corners on a daily basis with their handwritten cardboard signs. There's a group I've noticed recently that seem to be working together, because I've seen several of them holding the same sign that reads "veteran needs money help" at different times of the day.
It's hard not to question what people like that are up to.
On another note, I'd really love to see your daughter's work. Would you mind sharing a pic if you have one? 
3 people like this
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
8 Feb 16
I'll try to remember to post one tomorrow and tell about them. The original idea was for therapy. Her fine motor skills are that of a four year old and any detailed work helps to strengthen her hands. At first they were pretty sloppy looking but the more she made the better they got.
2 people like this
@yukimori (10193)
• United States
8 Feb 16
@irishidid That's fantastic! It's amazing how things like that can have therapeutic and artistic value. 
2 people like this
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
8 Feb 16
@yukimori I posted a piece about my daughter's rugged. Tried to tag you but it didn't work out so well. LOL Just look for "Leah's Little Rugs"
2 people like this
@fishtiger58 (29819)
• Momence, Illinois
8 Feb 16
I have seen this horrible behavior of parents using their child's disabilities for their own ends. My husband and I have worked with the disabled for many years.
3 people like this
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
8 Feb 16
Unfortunately it happens way too much and the reason I won't do it.
2 people like this
@whiteream (8567)
• United States
8 Feb 16
@irishidid One of the reason i rarely tell anyone about my son's disability. I want people to know him for who he is.
1 person likes this
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
8 Feb 16
I always treated my daughter as I did my other two. I expect her to do to the best of her abilities and not use her disabilities as an excuse. Naturally, I know she is limited in some ways.
1 person likes this
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
8 Feb 16
Exactly! You see this a lot especially with the Komen foundation and their pink nonsense. Another really bad one is Autism Speaks. Horrible organization.
2 people like this
@yukimori (10193)
• United States
8 Feb 16
Yeah, we were just discussing that the other day, weren't we?
What I really hate is how the organizations like the Komen Foundation are everywhere. They're so aggressive with their fundraising that they've become household names, so everyone associates them with the causes... which they could do significantly more to further than they actually do! 
@irishidid Isn't Autism Speaks the organization that's out to "cure" autism? I was curious about it because there was a thrift store that was somehow associated with it in the area, and that was one of the things that stood out to me. I know there are quite a few people who believe that the differences aren't a disability, so pursuing a "cure" for it really offends.
@irishidid Isn't Autism Speaks the organization that's out to "cure" autism? I was curious about it because there was a thrift store that was somehow associated with it in the area, and that was one of the things that stood out to me. I know there are quite a few people who believe that the differences aren't a disability, so pursuing a "cure" for it really offends.2 people like this
@whiteream (8567)
• United States
8 Feb 16
@irishidid I hate Autism speak. they never helped me at all and were always after money from me.
1 person likes this
@whiteream (8567)
• United States
8 Feb 16
My son is autistic. I hate when people do that. You daughter is very talented and that is what she should be know for.
1 person likes this
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
8 Feb 16
I agree and one of the reasons I don't mention her disability when it comes to her rugs.
1 person likes this
@boiboing (13147)
• Northampton, England
8 Feb 16
My friend's daughter in law exploited the genetic condition her son had to raise money inappropriately.
