December 9, 2009

xmas altruism

...after hearing another Starbucks commercial about fighting AIDS in Africa by buying a latte, i have decided that everything has been commoditized, even altruism.

5 comments:

Veronica M. said...
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Veronica M. said...

Check out this film on the comodification of Christmas. Interesting look at how gift exchange is practiced in the US.

What would Jesus buy?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ypgs2s3lEzs

Conor said...

You know how else people could help others in Africa? Getting on a plane and going to Africa. I know this is easier said than done, but it is feasible.

Giles said...

If only altruism could be so pleasant all the time. I love Lattes, and if I feel good for any reason other than that caffeine, count me in! Wait a second... If I start liking it, is it really altruism? Hmmmm...

Jasaw said...

Starbucks has been naughty and illegaly used Prehispanic images on their mugs. you cannot be altruistic and hold the Aztec calendar stone in your hand at the same time:

http://haecceities.wordpress.com/2010/01/09/starbucks-and-the-illegal-use-of-prehispanic-images/