Free haircuts
I’ve seen a number of feel-good news stories with the same theme: a good-hearted local businessperson gives free haircuts (or free drycleanings, etc.) to unemployed people so they can go to job interviews. The reporter shows a before and after, interviews someone choked up with gratitude, and concludes that people are coming together in adversity. What a country!
This is all style and no substance. No new jobs have been created. The same people are going to the same interviews for the same jobs. At best, Mr. Fresh Haircut gets the job instead of Ms. Split Ends. There is zero net effect on the economy. There is something pathological about congratulating ourselves for making a difference while doing something that doesn’t make a difference.
On the other hand, if the same business donated the price of a paid haircut to the local food bank, for example, there might actually be a net gain to society. It wouldn’t make as good a story, though.