Time as Money: Time bank

This is a response to watching a movie called: "Time As Money" on June 18, 2015 at Clatsop Community College.

We must unlearn the economy of capitalism, and remember, or relearn the economy of community. I propose to you that when you feel a sense of belonging, feel safe, feel useful, you will feel better. who doesn't want to feel better. I believe that throwing (more) money at whatever our "problem" is will not lead us to feel better, maybe temporarily, but not long term. 

When you pay someone to do something, they do it, and I believe many times the heart is left out of the job. I think in the arena of time bank the heart is brought back into the picture. When time banks or something similar are used, social capital is built. This really means people get to know one another. 

When people live in closed boxes (houses), trust is lessened. When people pay strangers to do things for them, trust is diminished. When people choose to use a time bank dollar to pay someone, trust is increased. When people ask for help and when people receive help using time dollars, trust is strengthened. I believe trust is important--now more than ever.

In Samoa, people live in "fales" (houses) without walls. A house without walls creates a more open environment. It is becomes easier to ask for and receive things. The culture in Samoa is one of sharing. So it is normal to give and receive. It is expected. In our American culture, we are attempting to create something along those lines with the time bank concept. Samoan culture is tight knit. People know people know people that know you. So watch what you do. I believe that is why they are happy, much happier than we are as a society. The money does not create the happiness. Samoans have very little, by our standards. What they do have is worth much more than money.