Product (RED)
With a desire to listen to some 'tunes while I try to begin working out regularly, I'm considering buying that most iconographic of American electronics: the Ipod. After looking at Apple's website, I came across an interesting version of the Ipod nano: the Product(RED) nano. Which, after investigating, led me to the Product(RED) website and this included manifesto: 
Great idea, right? People buy (RED) products, pay a similar amount of money (the Ipod in question costs no more than a non-(RED) one), and consequentially help the lives of AIDS-stricken people they'll probably never meet. You get the product you want with an added life-saving bonus; does it really get any better than that?
Perhaps it does. Perhaps, with a conscience seared to do right to people who desperately need to be shown the love of God, we can give to causes that support saving a life just because these causes exist to save lives. Perhaps the idea of giving of ourselves to help another in need, without the thought of any return, is what we're supposed to do.
Is Product(RED) a good idea? My perspective says yes, though it can seem to border on catering to American laziness and consumerism (a whole different discussion). It's ideals will be deemed much greater, however, if this company convinces people to give to real life-changing charities without the expectation of return.
Will I buy the (RED) Ipod? That remains to be seen (I still have to come up with at least $200 for the contraption); however, the idea that a company supported by other established brands would give a proceeds of their 'earnings' to life-change around the world is very encouraging.
Great idea, right? People buy (RED) products, pay a similar amount of money (the Ipod in question costs no more than a non-(RED) one), and consequentially help the lives of AIDS-stricken people they'll probably never meet. You get the product you want with an added life-saving bonus; does it really get any better than that?
Perhaps it does. Perhaps, with a conscience seared to do right to people who desperately need to be shown the love of God, we can give to causes that support saving a life just because these causes exist to save lives. Perhaps the idea of giving of ourselves to help another in need, without the thought of any return, is what we're supposed to do.
Is Product(RED) a good idea? My perspective says yes, though it can seem to border on catering to American laziness and consumerism (a whole different discussion). It's ideals will be deemed much greater, however, if this company convinces people to give to real life-changing charities without the expectation of return.
Will I buy the (RED) Ipod? That remains to be seen (I still have to come up with at least $200 for the contraption); however, the idea that a company supported by other established brands would give a proceeds of their 'earnings' to life-change around the world is very encouraging.
posted by Josh at 3:51 PM
