What Money Can't Buy

Actual Text

1. The few pages that discuss how some people have resorted to buying wedding toasts online. Today, there are actual websites such as ThePerfectToast.com that requires you to fill out a questionnaire on how the bride and groom met and how you would describe them. Once you fill out the questionnaire and pay the $149 you will receive a 3-5 minute toasts in the mail.

2. "Gift cards are now the most popular holiday gift request" (Sandel, 105).

Responses

1. When I first read the section about the wedding toasts I was truly in shock. First of all I had no idea that websites like ThePerfectToast.com even exists and like Sandel states "wedding toasts are goods that can be bought, but buying and selling them changes their character and diminishes their value" (98). I understand that some people are shy and would not want to get up in front of a room full people, but if you are the best man or maid of honor you have an obligation to the bride or groom to say a few kind words. This is supposed to be the best day of their lives and I think as a best man or maid of honor it is the least you can do as a best friend. Personally, if I ever found out that my best friend bought a pre-written speech online it would completely diminish our friendship. After being friends for 17 years I would hope that she could write up a few kind words about me because I would be willing to do the same for her.

2. When I read this statistic in the article I can honestly say I was not surprised. I do agree with Judith Martin that gift cards "take the heart and soul out of gift giving" but sometimes you just do not know what to give a person. I do agree that if you are giving a gift to a loved one, friend, or family member then you should get them an actual gift because it shows thoughtfulness. However, if you do not really know the person then I think a gift card is acceptable because it is not worth it to shop for an item that you know they probably won't like. I know everyone says that "it's the thought that counts" but realistically if a distant relative gives you a sweater that is just plain ugly you are never going to wear it. I think that is worse then getting a gift card that you will actually use then having their money waste away in your closet.

More blog posts in this category Common

• The Wound & the Blessing/The Economy of Communion Project Post
• The Crest- Jewel of Wisdom & Work as a Spiritual Practice Post
• "What Money Can't Buy" Blog Post
• Blog Post Ni: FTRN Booklet & Arithmetic of Passion
• Work as a Spiritual Practice (The Transformation of Work)