Haiti: Absolving Corporate Guilt.
It is disgusting to see politicians and corporations exploiting the tragedy in Haiti.
January 21, 2010.
Like most Americans during the past week I have been flooded with emails, tweets and web ads either asking me to contribute to help out the people of Haiti, or companies and politicians wanting to let me know that they are wonderful because they gave money to help the people in Haiti.
To be sure what happened in Haiti is truly tragic. One of the poorest countries in the world was hit by terrible earthquake. It's a bad situation and they need help. Yet, we know that is not the reason why multinational corporations and politicians are prominently advertising relief to Haiti — is to cover up institutional sins by encouraging an unquestionably good thing.
All of the pleas for help and self-congratulations by corporations cheapifies the tragedy. While one can hope that Haiti quickly gets back on it's feet and rebuilds itself, the real reason for it's success or failure will not rest upon pandering corporations who seek only to exploit Haiti for their own benefit.
