Mastercard's $500 Million Donation

Recently, Mastercard decided to nobly answer the call to end financial inequality; or at least attempt to lessen it. Mastercard originally decided to donate $100M, spread out to black-owned businesses all over the world, but they decided to increase the sum to $500M. This could be due to a plethora of reasons, however, I think the main cause of the sharp increase was a re-evaluation of the injustice that is currently painfully obvious in today's society all over the world.

Mastercard’s movement was inspired by the death of George Floyd - who was shown the injustice of our species first hand when murdered by a corrupt system. Mastercard also took inspiration for the rise in the “Black Lives Matter” movement, deciding to play a part in the contribution to the possibility of peace. Originally, Mastercard planned to donate $100M. However, I believe that Mastercard’s true motive behind the unexpected increase in funding is due to their desire to create a more meaningful contribution to the struggle to end financial inequality.

In 2015, it was reported that there were 2.6 million black or african-american owned businesses in the United States of America; up 1.9 million since 2007. This is only a 37.5% increase over the course of 8 years. In 2020, there are now 30.7 million small businesses in the U.S. This makes up 99.9% of all businesses in America. These statistics insinuate that there are obstacles black or african-americans’ face when trying to create and preserve their business. There are countless examples of systematic inequality in the USA; many of which have been prominent issues for decades; some centuries. For years now, black people have had to face fewer job opportunities, higher unemployment rates lower pay, and greater job instability, all because of the colour of their skin. Billions of people have harsh disadvantages forced upon them at birth all because of the colour of their skin. After five thousand years of civilisation, I personally would have thought that we as a species would have moved past petty issues such as a person’s skin colour.

Mastercard have provided millions of people with a brand new opportunity to make something of their dreams - however, more can be done. Large businesses and corporations can follow Mastercard’s lead and donate money to people of all different skin colours and faiths; in order to provide everyone with an equal opportunity. People and businesses can provide training sessions on equality, or send their own employees to attend and feedback to colleagues. This could bring on new rules and abolish old cruel superstitions, again, to provide everyone with an equal opportunity.

Mastercard did a brilliant deed by donating a sum they saw fit in order to give everyone a fair chance, but just because you dont have a spare $500M to spread out worldwide doesnt mean yon you can’t help. Charity organisations work countless hours to give their contribution. Voluntary work is always appreciated, and if you have not the time for a donation of time, spreading the word can do all the same, if not more. whether you donate $500M or $50, $10 or $2, 2 hours or 2 weeks, anything you can give will be appreciated, and will contribute to making a difference.