This of course only applies in areas where blood has not been commodified. But if you live in a place where the medical system hasn't been completely corrupted by capital, you should do it.
And yes do it for others, but do it for yourself too. It lets you, for half an hour every few months, exist in a totally profitless environment where members of the community voluntarily gather to give to other members of the community they will never meet. Do it to remind yourself how many people on your community who don't identify as leftists participate in something like this.
Giving blood is Kropotkin's coast guard ideal.
I'm not saying giving blood is praxis, or that it will bring about the revolution, but it's an opportunity to temporarily escape our neoliberal hellworld.
Ok, I listened to the episode. It was good; thanks for sharing it.
Basically, there are markets between the various blood banks where the usual market mechanics play out (although generally just competition between nonprofits FWIW). Which is bad, but the need for blood is still there. If it doesn't go to your own community, it will probably end up going to another that needs it, which is fine. They mention NYC as always in demand, and it would obviously be better if they didn't have to pay more for it, but it's still going into people's bodies and there are still shortages that can kill people.
So, like, it's still worthwhile although calling it "mutual aid" is definitely a stretch.
It's something that's worsened and cheapened by the capitalist society it exists in, but it's still valuable. It doesn't have to be totally pure to be important.
Very cool. Now apply this reasoning to "essential workers". Do you think boomers volunteering to man fast food counters for free are comrades?
Do you think cheeseburgers are necessary to keep the sick and injured alive?
I dunno. Lemme ask the homeless guy with a bag of McDonald's.
People also volunteer to feed homeless people, so I don't see what point you think you're making.
Mutual Aid is good. Supporting the charity industry just lines the pockets of capitalist wives and failsons.
Great, let me know when mutual aid blood donation exists.
Seriously. Whether or not it counts as "mutual aid" and whether or not you are compensated (which, yes, you should be), if you can and are allowed to donate blood, it's helpful and does one no harm.