How Can We Raise Awareness In Darfur Of How Much We're Doing For Them?

I thought this was great Onion News Network Video Clip. Find it at: http://www.theonion.com/content/video/how_can_we_raise_awareness_in

It seems like almost everyday I encounter people (at work, on campus, on the "real" news, etc) that do charity work or speak out for a cause just to make themselves feel good. Every person wants to feel like they matter, especially in the grand scheme of things. In reality, online petitions and small town rallies have little to no effect, but it allows individuals to attach themselves to a cause, feel like they are making a difference and have evidence that they are good people.

I love this fake news show's discussion, suggesting that it may be the people of Darfur's responsibility to spread the news of how much America cares. They suggest dropping press releases, putting up billboards, relying on African storytellers, and even hosting charity events in Darfur - in transparent tents, so that the people of Darfur can see just how much work caring Americans (like Clooney & Damon) are doing for them.

One of my favorite quotes is, "I think we're doing a terrific job." It sums up the entire idea behind this satirical video clip. Many people will say they support a charity or sign a petition and then pat themselves on the back for their extrordinary effort.

Another great part of the clip is when they debate what an appropriate "thank you" would be from the people of Darfur. A card perhaps, with a child's handprint, signed by elders, or even a clay pot- they make those in Darfur, right?

Then, not surprisingly, the entire team of newscasters is distracted by mention of the new batman movie. The worst part of watching this "spoof" news show debate is that at times, it was easy to forget that it was satirical and not a true news report.

I tried to find one of my favorite Onion articles ever, but I could not track it down in the archive. It was the story of a group of college-age roomates that all lived together and shared resources (food, alcohol, toilet paper, etc.). This story served as the latest evidence that communism does not work. Obviously, the roomates began fighting over distribution of goods and responsibilities. At the time that I first read it, I was living with 5 guys and the article basically described our house to a T!