Bono harnesses the power of capitalism to fight AIDS
With the help of Oprah, the singer Bono will launch Product Red in North America. Product RED is a venture that will increase the amount of corporate dollars that will be committed to HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. When consumers buy Converse Chuck Taylors (produced from African mudcloth), and specified products from Motorola, GAP, and Giorgio Armani, proceeds will go to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Malaria, and Tuberculosis. This is seen as a positive venture as consumers will do what they do best (shop), companies will make money, and corporate dollars will finally find their way to helping humanity. However, articles on the topci have stated that "up to 50%" of proceeds will go to the fund, which leaves it very unclear as to how much money will actually find its way into the Global Fund. Perhaps consumers should forego spending their money on more stuff, which will probably end up in some landfill, and just give it directly to the Global Fund. But then again, the prospect of indulging the need to have the latest cellphone and helping fight infectious diseases at the same time is quite tempting...
