Comments on: Interactive Waste Disposal http://www.sportsbabel.net/2007/02/interactive-waste-disposal.htm disconnect in the sportocracy Mon, 21 May 2012 18:11:38 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7 hourly 1 By: kim bauer http://www.sportsbabel.net/2007/02/interactive-waste-disposal.htm/comment-page-1#comment-33593 kim bauer Wed, 07 Nov 2007 15:58:41 +0000 http://www.sportsbabel.net/2007/02/interactive-waste-disposal.htm#comment-33593 some thoughts: Sending the losing teams jersey's to Africa can be considered polluting or contaminating, in the sense that we attempt to bombard them with materialistic messages (reebok etc) and consider it charity (in order to get a tax return). But in the grand scheme of it all, are both sides not benefiting? Does Africa, or would anyone, despise receiving brand new clothing, littered with symbols that do not hold any relevant meaning to them? Do they refuse to accept these offers? How do we know that they do not want this charity? Where else could it be sent? Although, I recognize that there are moral stipulations to consider (ie. is it ethical to ship off our unwanted goods/to whose advantage is it), but in essence - it is a t-shirt, or a sweater... and it is something that they do not have/could not get on their own. Is it just clothing that is sent over? What about a logo infested football? This could promote sport and play and physical activity (which we all know does wonders to our bodies/mind). This in mind, it almost seems acceptable, and even honourable to ship off our unwanted corporate goods to people who don't even have the resources to read our opinions here, let alone probably eat a decent meal. But yes, populations similar to that of Africa - those who would similarly require a gift of clothing and warmth, do exist locally. .. and the idea that they wouldn't want it makes me wonder why anyone else would want it (want it, or be allowed to have it). So it doesn't sit right with me. If publicity and marketing were not as valued within our society, there would be no need to make both teams merch prior to the outcome of event. Perhaps the sponsors could wait a single day (probably even only a few hours) and send Africa (some of) the money that would have been spent on making the losing team's merch instead -- This would provide a more appropriate form of aid/relief. Patience wouldn't kill the sponsors, and hey, it might even save some lives. some thoughts:
Sending the losing teams jersey's to Africa can be considered polluting or contaminating, in the sense that we attempt to bombard them with materialistic messages (reebok etc) and consider it charity (in order to get a tax return). But in the grand scheme of it all, are both sides not benefiting? Does Africa, or would anyone, despise receiving brand new clothing, littered with symbols that do not hold any relevant meaning to them? Do they refuse to accept these offers? How do we know that they do not want this charity? Where else could it be sent?
Although, I recognize that there are moral stipulations to consider (ie. is it ethical to ship off our unwanted goods/to whose advantage is it), but in essence - it is a t-shirt, or a sweater… and it is something that they do not have/could not get on their own. Is it just clothing that is sent over? What about a logo infested football? This could promote sport and play and physical activity (which we all know does wonders to our bodies/mind). This in mind, it almost seems acceptable, and even honourable to ship off our unwanted corporate goods to people who don't even have the resources to read our opinions here, let alone probably eat a decent meal.

But yes, populations similar to that of Africa - those who would similarly require a gift of clothing and warmth, do exist locally. .. and the idea that they wouldn't want it makes me wonder why anyone else would want it (want it, or be allowed to have it). So it doesn't sit right with me.

If publicity and marketing were not as valued within our society, there would be no need to make both teams merch prior to the outcome of event. Perhaps the sponsors could wait a single day (probably even only a few hours) and send Africa (some of) the money that would have been spent on making the losing team's merch instead — This would provide a more appropriate form of aid/relief. Patience wouldn't kill the sponsors, and hey, it might even save some lives.

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