From ABBA to Led Zeppelin: using music to teach economics
From ABBA to Led Zeppelin: using music to teach economics

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20 Dollars - Angie Stone

JEL: a d h i 

Can you loan me 20 dollars
'Till I get my check next week
Said I only got 20 dollars
And me and my baby got to eat

Now I'm suppose to take from the child, oh Lord
Make it harder on me just to make it worth your while
Now honey, I don't think so
Cuz you ain't pay me back the ten-spot
From three weeks ago, no

What do you do when you're through
When you're always helping people and
Nobody's there for you (Tell me)
What can I do or say
When you constantly staring in my face

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Assignment:

This song places the listener in the uncomfortable position of questioning whether or not they should help someone who asks to borrow a small amount of money. This is what is referred to as the Samaritan’s dilemma. Why does the dilemma have important policy ramifications? What does the song say about the dependency created by charitable handouts? Finally, giving is not costless. What are some of the things that are foregone in order to help others?

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