"SNL' Hilarious Sketch Nails Important Point About Aid Programs
Bill Smith, ARRA News Editor: Many of us have seen the numerous TV ads that are constant pleas for money for numerous different relief causes which in reality demean the recipients. After a while, these ads motivate us to use the the "mute," "skip" or "off" button on the TV remote rather than send money to such a inanely produced advertisement.
You will enjoy the following Saturday Night Live skit addressing this situation, it's only three minutes, watch to the end.
Even the liberal leaning Huffington Post encouraged and briefed on the video.
by Ryan Grenoble: Ever wonder how international aid organizations determine how much to ask for from donors? So does "Saturday Night Live."
In last Saturday's show, during a sketch called "39 cents," the late-night comedy group took aim at Western charities that collect donations for Africa, lampooning them via a character named Charles Daniels, who serves as a generic stand-in for celebrity figureheads the world over.
"Hello, I'm Charles Daniels," opens Bill Hader, the actor who plays the character in the skit, as soft piano music plays in the background. "For years we've been taking you to villages like this, and showing you the heartbreak of families whose only mistake was being born poor."
"They need your help," he continues, as he rambles through the impoverished village and kneels next to a man doing laundry. "And for only 39 cents a day, you can provide water, food and medicine for these people. Just 39 cents -- that's less than a small cup of coffee, but it can make all the difference to the people of this village."
"Ask for more!" The man doing laundry whispers, surprising Daniels. "Ask for more money. Why [are] you starting so low?"
From there, the sketch continues to satirize the international aid industry, culminating in Daniels acknowledging he has no idea what country he's actually in, other than "Africa."
Despite the controversial subject, Mic applauded "SNL" for making "some valid political points," including questioning the efficacy of long-term aid in general, which critics say creates a culture of dependence and fails to address the underlying issues which create poverty in the first place. Thank you to one of our contributing authors, Norm Beznoska, Jr., for providing the Huffington Post link.
Tags: Saturday Night Live, SNL skit, 39 cents, African relief, aid program, Huffington Post, Norm Beznoska, To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. and "Like" Facebook Page - Thanks!
You will enjoy the following Saturday Night Live skit addressing this situation, it's only three minutes, watch to the end.
Even the liberal leaning Huffington Post encouraged and briefed on the video.
In last Saturday's show, during a sketch called "39 cents," the late-night comedy group took aim at Western charities that collect donations for Africa, lampooning them via a character named Charles Daniels, who serves as a generic stand-in for celebrity figureheads the world over.
"Hello, I'm Charles Daniels," opens Bill Hader, the actor who plays the character in the skit, as soft piano music plays in the background. "For years we've been taking you to villages like this, and showing you the heartbreak of families whose only mistake was being born poor."
"They need your help," he continues, as he rambles through the impoverished village and kneels next to a man doing laundry. "And for only 39 cents a day, you can provide water, food and medicine for these people. Just 39 cents -- that's less than a small cup of coffee, but it can make all the difference to the people of this village."
"Ask for more!" The man doing laundry whispers, surprising Daniels. "Ask for more money. Why [are] you starting so low?"
From there, the sketch continues to satirize the international aid industry, culminating in Daniels acknowledging he has no idea what country he's actually in, other than "Africa."
Despite the controversial subject, Mic applauded "SNL" for making "some valid political points," including questioning the efficacy of long-term aid in general, which critics say creates a culture of dependence and fails to address the underlying issues which create poverty in the first place.
Tags: Saturday Night Live, SNL skit, 39 cents, African relief, aid program, Huffington Post, Norm Beznoska, To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. and "Like" Facebook Page - Thanks!
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