Ethics discussion

When discussing the most ethical way to give foreign aid in case of famine, I realized that is frustrating to think about the hypocrisy and inefficiency involved, but at the same time it is an inevitable part of giving at this point. We discusses in class that America's materialistic society makes it impossible to give without receiving anything in return. The return does not have to be material, it could be status. If is accepted that governments and private organizations are going to act immorally, even when they are being charitable, then we can solve the problem through regulation, rather than just hoping that these institutions will act ethically on their own. Lavish parties to celebrate accomplishments within organizations could be prevented if they were given bad press or it disqualified them from tax breaks. At the same time, if people need bracelets in order to donate money, then give them bracelets. It would be more unethical to not give bracelets because people are donating for selfish reasons, and then not receive the donations that could help people.