To Serve And Profit

Much of our economy centers around the service industry. There are those that will satisfy practically any need or desire for a price. In some cases the line is blurred between serving others and profiting directly from them. What happens when what should be a public entity transforms into a private enterprise? Some institutions see the people they serve as huge dollar signs. Some for-profit companies chase after their customers' wallets and ignore their welfare. Service can all too easily lead to unadulterated greed.

I recently watched a documentary about the cruise industry. There are many who love the idea of seeing the world as they sail the high seas. Being pampered, fed and entertained is an alluring proposition. What many cruise goers do not consider, or do not care about, is what truly occurs behind the bulkhead.

Most cruise ship employees work for months on end, every single day, for very little remuneration. If this fact does not concern you then maybe the assault on your pocketbook will. Cruisers are blatantly hounded to spend, spend, spend. Whether it be on-board art sales, off-shore tours or simply extra drinks and dining, cruise ships work hard to get more of your green.

Speaking of art, I just visited the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto, Canada. They just finished a complete redesign of the facility. It is a beautiful building. It houses many amazing artifacts. One may feel that the eighteen dollar admission fee is worth paying. What makes me wonder is just what the gallery is really selling?

There is a large gift shop which comprises two levels. One can spend hundreds of dollars on art books or thousands on art prints. There are many enticements to donate money as well. A special membership is available which allows one to enjoy an exclusive lounge as well as a restaurant. You cannot walk too far without being reminded of just how much all of this costs and how much you may be a part of it.

My concern is that in these two examples, there are more I am sure, what started as a way to give pleasure evolved into a way to make a boat load - or a galley load - of money. When a company or organization constantly looks for ways to part us from our money there is something amiss. A relaxing cruise or the beauty of art become lost in the translation and seem like an afterthought.

Nurturing our minds, bodies and souls does not always come cheap. There are costs involved. The problem starts when people are used for what they can give rather than the other way around. The profit motive has caused many a decent person or company to lose sight of why they began to serve in the first place. Some say the love of money is the root of all evil. I say that evil is placing the buck before the love of our brethren.