Watch a concert, read a blog, follow an NGO, – it’s spectator activism – more spectacle than substance. Like rich kids in american suburbs sporting Che t-shirts.

I think this case here nicely summarizes what’s ineffective with the mainstream form of awareness of the third world: easy consumption of a nice-feeling while the real issues (fair trade coffee, agricultural policy, unfair competition, commodity prices, etc) are not fun enough to engage with.

It’s the infantalism of the Brave New World variety.

This is why I call them “F***’in Bucks”. I can’t stand it. It’s right up there with their non Fair Trade “Africa for Africa” coffee that gives $1 from each pound to RED. That’s right, farmers exploited in Africa to save Africans with AIDS. Fair Trade may not be a panacea, but at least it’s far more accountable (I am very aware of the problems, but it’s a start).

This post was mentioned on Twitter by aidwatch: New post: The Starbucks and RED say All You Need is Love http://bit.ly/akRDtP...

Danes will always be crazy…

“Sign up”
“Friend us”
“Shop”
“Spread”

And then way down at the bottom: “Give directly to the Global Fund.”

Because ‘Friending’ them would be SO much more participatory – and effective! – than donating directly?

When do you think under Take Action they’ll provide things like:

Prevention starts with you. (Practice safe sex).
Get involved locally. (Provide database of HIV/AIDS orgs taking volunteers.)
Get educated about the issues (References here.)
Give money to groups doing good work (References here).
Get politically involved (Whole lotta references here).