Thursday 20 November 2014

The Band Aid 30 debate

After recently watching the original Band Aid song with Grade 12 and being branded as 'old and past it', I was excited to hear that Band Aid was being re-released with a group of musicians that both I and the students had heard of so that we could enjoy the new version together. 

I was also pleased because the release of this song coincides with Grade 11 looking at the question of whether aid is a successful strategy and Grade 12 looking at Africa's perceived role as one of the 'losers' of globalisation.




So does this form of aid work or is it perpetuating Africa's image as a 'loser' of globalisation?

What the critics say

Dambiso Moyo (Zambian economist) has long criticised the work of Bob Geldof, arguing that he is perpetuating a negative image of Africa which may deter foreign investors and tourists thus not helping Africa develop in the long term.

"Saying no to Bob Geldof was hard, but when I saw how negatively the lyrics portrayed Africa, I had no choice" Fuse ODG, musician

" For the last few years, Ethiopia has been trying extremely hard to change its image as a poster child for poverty. This uphill battle is always hindered when such reminders of the past appear again on the screens of the people trying to be persuaded" Dawit Gebreselassie, Financial Analyst

What the advocates say

"The single, released 3 days ago managed to raise $1.8 million in just 5 minutes, money that West Africa otherwise would not have in the fight against Ebola." Bob Geldof

"There is no doubt the emergency is real, and it it is a choice between buying the record and doing nothing else my view is that - for all its faults - you probably should." David Nolan, University of Melbourne.

Many people argue that this is a useful form of humanitarian aid and that the proceeds will go to charities such as doctors without borders. The chancellor of the UK has announced that the single will not be taxed and therefore 100% of the profits should go directly to the intended cause - helping fight the Ebola crisis in West Africa.


What Mrs Chambers says

No comment. You need to formulate your own opinion and I don't want to influence your point of view. Remember to look at the arguments on both sides before making your decision. 











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