Latest comments for http://www.rednow.com , comment 0 to 1 out of 1 comments http://www.rednow.com Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:33:31 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.rednow.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=330&Itemid=158#pc_50 I've been wrestling with the critique of Project (Red) and the question whether consumption is a viable response to this world's needs. As a follower of Christ, I agree with buylesscrap.com's message that consumption is not an adequate response to human suffering and ecological responsibility. I believe that all humans are responsible to care for those in need, and that consumer-based solutions do not absolve individuals of their social/ecological responsiblility. However, I am troubled by the criticism that has surrounded Project (Red), as well as a recent critique of Travelocity in the July 2, 2007 issue of Time Magazine for providing air travelers with the opportunity to donate money equal to the amount needed to the cost of absorbing the polution generated by their flight. If Project (Red) was simply a revenue generating campaign, and if air travelers really thought that their contributions alleviated further concern for the environment, then I would be concerned that social consciousness was becoming a product to be marketed. However, what I believe is overlooked by buylesscrap.com is the symbolic value of the (Red) line. In a culture were personal appearance and fashion communicate a great deal about a person's interests and priorities, a T-shirt is no longer just a T-shirt. It has become a billboard. Consequently, the money raised by Project (Red) is only a portion of the overall impact of the project. Rather than the end-all solution, I believe its value lies in its ability to start conversations and spur higher levels of interest in both personal and corporate responses to world-wide need. Similarly, air travelers that are concerned enough to balance their environmental impact are unlikely to commit environmental evils without remorse. Certainly there is a place for skepticism of corporate concern for the weak and oppressed, but there is an important distinction that must be made between skepticism that leads to the exploration of motives, and cynicism, which overlooks imperfect solutions to complex problems. - L. Perry Mon, 23 Jul 2007 15:45:38 +0100