Charity and Promotion

Last night I stumbled across a J.C Penny “Concert for America’s Kids,” an event held to raise money for Dr. Phil and his wife’s (Robin) foundation’s efforts to set up after school programs for children. A good cause, I am sure. And I certainly don’t question the sincerity of any of the performers. I didn’t see much of it, but John Legend certainly turned in a remarkable performance. What bothered me, though, was the completely commercial and promotional nature of the whole thing. Is it really charity when a fund raising event becomes advertising for a department store? And Dr. Phil and Robin McGraw appeared constantly, making it too much of a self-promotional event for my tastes.

By the way, check out the Dr. Phil Foundation site to see what I mean by self-promotion through charity!]]>