By Giorgio Di Marzo
It is with great regret that I steal space from the article about Rodin, but even if this is not a topical magazine it is fair – sometimes – to be topical.
The question I ask myself is why some companies spend an enormous amount of money to publicise some products the gains of which should be donated to the paupers of the world. It would be sufficient to give the money spent in advertising and exclusive parties directly to those in need instead of let this money make such a tortuous journey.
No, they donate a percentage… but of what? I think it is just about profits, not proceeds. Ok, but how much? If it was 100% then we could talk about marketing dressed up as charity, less than 100% is just marketing.
If then the whole thing happens to coincide with the opening of new stores, perhaps the doubt gnaws even more… if then the whole thing happens putting on magazines covers a well known model who loves snorting a material with the colour similar to bicarbonate and talcum powder, then we really realise how everything is done for the paupers of the world.
And then I would also like to understand to whom this money is given and for what purpose. Perhaps it is me not to be informed enough and therefore to think maliciously, but as Giulio Andreotti [Italian politician – Author’s Note] said once “thinking maliciously is committing a sin, but nearly always one is right”.
I do not name anyone because I do not want to publicise: they are already good enough to do it by their own! Therefore I prefer to advertise all those who do something without flaunting their involvement in pseudo-humanitarian activities; most of all, my thought goes to those who does the real charity not giving away a ridiculous percentage of their profits, but donating themselves and all of their time to a cause in which they believe.
The show must go on… but I will be back on this topic on the next issue with a special interview to Adam Levin, a South African AIDS-affected journalist and writer who is doing so much for his own country. Ok, Adam is not exactly Italian and has not got anything to do with the Italian art and culture; but AIDS is a problem concerning all of us, even though we do not like to think about it.
I suggest everybody to read his book, AIDSAFARI, and to visit his website
www.aidsafari.com. Copyright 2006 GIORGIOSTUDIO – All rights reserved |
