Bono's (Red) doing little to raise money for AIDS
Filed under: Charity
I'm not a big fan of Bono's "philanthropic" efforts. As I discussed in a recent post, Bloomberg Markets has exposed him as essentially a big-talking tax dodger, big on photo-ops but less willing to contribute his own funds to the causes he urges governments to contribute taxpayer money to.
According to the New York Times, the (Red) clothing brand that Bono has championed as a way to raise money for AIDS in Africa is also coming up short: Detractors "criticize a lack of transparency at the company and its partners over how much they make from Red products, and whether they spend more money on Africa or advertising.
One concern is that advertisements for (Red) products have focused on trumpeting the underlying brands rather than raising awareness for AIDS in Africa.
People will go back and forth about the efficacy of the (Red) program -- In aggregate I'm sure it's a good thing but I think consumers can do better.
If you want to give money to support AIDS in Africa or some other cause, just write a check -- That way, you get a tax deduction, which is much better than a lot of the overpriced (Red) products that I've seen.
According to the New York Times, the (Red) clothing brand that Bono has championed as a way to raise money for AIDS in Africa is also coming up short: Detractors "criticize a lack of transparency at the company and its partners over how much they make from Red products, and whether they spend more money on Africa or advertising.
One concern is that advertisements for (Red) products have focused on trumpeting the underlying brands rather than raising awareness for AIDS in Africa.
People will go back and forth about the efficacy of the (Red) program -- In aggregate I'm sure it's a good thing but I think consumers can do better.
If you want to give money to support AIDS in Africa or some other cause, just write a check -- That way, you get a tax deduction, which is much better than a lot of the overpriced (Red) products that I've seen.
Recent Posts
- The Job Hunt: Under-employed numbers increasing (1/07/2009)
- Identity theft grows nearly 50% in 2008 (1/07/2009)
- Books for hard times (1/07/2009)
- New year, new sweepstakes at Dollar General (1/07/2009)
- Yes we can!...buy an Obama throw blanket and other trinkets, thanks to QVC and others (1/07/2009)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-06-2008 @ 11:18AM
Paul said...
Problem is that you can't wear your tax write-off on your shirt for the world to see how great a person you are.
On one hand, you get certain demographics to think once or twice about others less fortunate. On the other hand, you commodify others' poverty and turn it into a social transaction: I buy something that makes you think I'm cool. It's vapid.
Reply
2-09-2008 @ 2:39PM
Scott said...
You just don't get it. The whole idea behind (RED) is IF you are going to purchase a t-shirt why not purchase a t-shirt where some of the proceeds actually go to help someone. Do you own an iPod, a watch, shoes, a computer? If so, were those purchases "vapid"? I'm sure you purchased those types of things with a thought of "who will see this?" Next time instead of thinking of ONLY yourself when purchasing a product (that you're going to purchase anyway) - buy something (RED) so that some good for others can come from your purchase.
Incidentally purchasing (RED) product does not keep you from writing a check for charity...do that too.
2-06-2008 @ 11:18AM
bob sakamano said...
yeah
your sister (brother?) blog engadget wrote a nice article here
http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/25/dells-xps-one-product-red-a-charitable-rip-off/
about the computer being a waste of money and you being better off donating directly to an AIDS cause instead of buying the product.
Reply
2-06-2008 @ 2:51PM
Paola said...
Say what you will about the RED campaign but to critizie someone for their philanthropic efforts is a bit uncalled for. Bono is what he is, but what if all his preaching leads to one person doing a little reaseach about Africa. Next that person rallies a group of people together with the same desire to help. In a few short years these people are making a difference in the daily lives of people across the African continent. Sound like an unrealistic achievement? It's not - check out the work of the African Well Fund (www.africanwellfund.org) and see that all it takes is a little push for something big to happen.
As for my Inspi(RED) shirt...I wear it not so people will think I donated money...I wear it in the small chance that someone, one of my students maybe, will ask me about it or about Africa and I can in some way inspire them to make a difference in their own special way.
Reply
2-06-2008 @ 4:10PM
Kimberly Battis said...
At least he is trying to do something to raise awareness like PAOLA says. He gives plenty, his money, his time..and that is much more important that your copycat views on a true hero in our world we live in today. We need more people to come forward to try to help the world in some way. Oh so if had a chance to pay less tax, you wouldn't do so? Oh lets stone him and his organization and the accountants for doing so. You would be LYING, if you said, you would not. The RED project, which cost an estimated £50million to set up, has raised just £9million for the needy, critics have claimed. BUT, remember this: It is not a failure when people are giving more for charities because of this. It isn't a failure when world leaders will stop and listen to him and help also. It is a connection and that is all he wanted to do, and he did it.
People will say what they want to make their web sight worthy of news but this conversation is so old, its creepy.
Reply
2-07-2008 @ 9:20AM
Elaine VanCleave said...
Product RED isn't one company as your article implies. It involves GAP, Dell, Apple, Converse, Hallmark, plus several others. These companies give a portion of the profits to the Global Fund. That's great!
Reply