It’s totally legit to protest aid cuts, but enough of the white saviourist evocations of ‘millions of starving children will die’, and the lamentation over the loss of a nations completely mythical messianic status in addressing global injustice really grates the nerves. https://twitter.com/bondngo/status/1384930084323307525

There are surely better ways to make the case without resorting to justifications whose roots lie in 1960s/70s poverty porn?

A tragic blow to the industry isn’t the same as a tragic blow to the marginalized; their endless traumas and violations have barely been checked by aid.

Also a sense of proportionality. In 2020:
- Total UK aid budget: US$19 billion
- UK to Africa remittances: US$7 billion
- illicit financial flows from Africa: US$88 billion
Let's be real about how important UK aid is to "saving lives" compared to other $ inflows/outflows.

ODA today is a pitiful bandaid on a gaping wound.
(a generous interpretation)
Sure, let's defend it, but let's not pretend it is more than it is.
If it's too hard to make an honest case about who is 'aiding' whom, at least spare us the sanctimonious wailing and ritual outrage.

"a tragic blow" ... really? in the history of Empire?

End of thread