Allow me to be a jackass for a minute when I say that I’m tired of seeing events for Haiti relief and artists doing collaboration songs about it. Yes, I’m serious. I just don’t see the point. What happened in Haiti is a devastating crisis. Every time I read an article or see photos, a little piece of my heart bleeds. I can’t begin to imagine what these survivors are going through as they have to walk stench filled streets amidst dead bodies, searching for food and water. It warms my heart to see the international community rally behind this small country (that has honestly needed or help for quite some time).
The media has done a great job of covering this (especially CNN), so the idea of happy hours for Haiti boggles my mind. This isn’t an issue that needs awareness. Unless you’re a jackass that lives under a rock, you’re aware of what’s going on. (This is specifically to the US, because when I walk around in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil, I have a feeling that plenty of people have no idea about this, but that’s another issue for another day.) We don’t need to drink to donate to money. There doesn’t need to be a mass gathering. it would be more effective to just send an email t friends reminding them to donate. I would love to receive as many as these as possible, however, I’m not partying for Haiti (I mean, I’m out of the country, but I wouldn’t go if I was there.) Save the gas money it would take to get to one of these events and the cost of drinks and add that to the donation. Take the time of organizing these events and use it knocking on doors in your community or through the Internet to reach even more people. That’s if, you really want to help and not just make a name for yourself. OH! And this is more troublesome for me because you want me to give you the money and then hope it gets there when this texting campaign is so damn easy. I’ll pass.
And for the celebrities making Haiti songs and participating in telethons, I’m not convinced unless you’re also donating. I think this George Clooney inspired telethon is fine (especially since Clooney has given USD $1 million) as long as the celebrities aren’t just using it as a great photo opportunity. Actually, I don’t think they should be allowed to participate unless they give a substantial amount. Haiti needs money for food and water, not collaboration songs. Does it seem like they’re partying in the streets as they walk by cadavers?
So yes, please continue to support, pray for and send funds to Haiti. The country desperately needs our help. What it doesn’t need is a bunch of people exploiting this tragedy.
Simple ways to donate:
Red Cross: Text “Haiti” to 90999 to donate $10 or donate online.
Yele: Text ‘Yéle’ to 501501 to donate $5 or donate online.
cynthia
1 month ago
I’m so with you.
A Pemberton Killjoy
1 month ago
The idea that people seek to monopolise financially or add on to their 15 mins of fame sickens me! Happy Hour gatherings for Haiti? Is that really necessary? The only way I’d buy into that is if 100% of the proceeds went directly to Haiti but that is unlikely as the venue still has to pay their bills for the night. After they pay their bills, they venue will be donating the proceeds to another organization which will also take their cut before the people on the ground actually get anything. As you can see its pointless to support such an event. Awareness isn’t needed, Action is needed!!! Please people, give effectively and practically.
Thanks for the post
shannon
1 month ago
Yes, if the venue gave their proceeds also, I would feel much better about it. I just don’t like the idea of people profiting from this. But, I guess that’s the way our world works.
Rhona
1 month ago
Preach! At lunch I was driving and heard on the radio about some specials with Bono and all these other people and the first thought that popped in my head was, really? Are they doing this for Haiti (wholeheartedly)? I doubt that. I think in the end, the cause and effects are admirable but as you said, put that travel and drink $ to good use…the people in need!
Heather
1 month ago
I am mixed about it. I do like the idea that you have to give $$ before they put you on camera. But, people want to do something, more than just give money they want to feel connected to some effort that is bigger then just them - connected in their bodies. We’re communal animals, we want to be together in difficult, confusing and uncertain times. So sure you can send texts from your couch or send money over the internet, but a happy hour, or restaurant event while it may not be the most efficient or cost effective thing to do, it brings people together, and bringing people together can create infinitely more good things then having them sit home alone. And singing heals too. CNN and others have been reporting on hearing people singing and playing music in the parks where people are sleeping at night. So Bono writes a song and they play it on the radio and singing along gives someone a way to “feel” about what’s going on down there, not just “think” about it. That can’t be bad either. I don’t know, I am just thinking this through - but thanks for the prompting.
shannon
1 month ago
Heather, you make some great and valid points. I agree that we are communal people and that coming together helps us feel connected. The only thing is this is such a huge international cause that it’s easy to feel connected anywhere we go. I’m in Brazil and my roommate and I talked about it for hours. Connection complete. I’m sure people are talking about it at work and with their friends, I just don’t know how much connection we need.
And even if people need more, I’m all for it until I feel that people are doing it more for publicity than the actual cause. For example, BET is now having a telethon. Why? Keisha Cole sent out a press release the other day saying she’s “seriously considering adopting a Haitian orphan.” Why? Who cares what you are considering?
Celebrities coming together for a telethon is great. While I appreciate them using their voice and status to help raise awareness, it doesn’t mean much to me if they don’t also participate in what they are saying. Don’t encourage me to give money when you haven’t.
Heather
1 month ago
I agree with you. I was thinking more of regular ppl connecting, not celebrety attention grabbing. I hadn’t been paying attention but a quick google search there are all sorts of stars talking about adopting Haitian babies now. I think the press release you mentioned was from Trina - its rediculous! It would be interesting to know how much people who participated in the telethon gave. I would guess/hope that Bono and Wyclef and the other organizers give in order to participate.
Caldeia
1 month ago
So true Shannon….
You know we’re just 9 million people in Sweden and yet we’re the 3rd biggest donator so far to Haiti. We don’t need galas, where artists dress in clothes worth as much as a person would live for an entire life in Haiti. The most effective way here is you send an sms to a number and give 50 SEK (about 5€) for each txt msg. And to involve more people, a newspaper started a campaign that everyone should donate what they earn in one hour at work.
So rich or poor, everyone donates! I’m sorry to say but the US have to stop tyring to be the best, the biggest in all aspects. We need to help people in need not to party as you say. What we in Europe think about US politics against Haiti is another great discussion….
So long friends, don’t forget to donate! You don’t even need to get out of the house!
Taru
1 week ago
I totally agree. Feeling sick every time I see them
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