Comments on: The Philanthropist http://tacticalphilanthropy.com/2009/06/the-philanthropist Fri, 19 Mar 2010 08:09:21 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9 hourly 1 By: Deborah Brancheau http://tacticalphilanthropy.com/2009/06/the-philanthropist/comment-page-1#comment-8283 Deborah Brancheau Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:36:01 +0000 http://tacticalphilanthropy.com/2009/06/the-philanthropist#comment-8283 I agree. And sometimes those minor details can really be bothersome. It is good to point them out so that shows like The Philanthropist can continue to improve. We just want to make sure that shows likes this that have important messages to communicate stay on the air. We realize they have flaws and that they need viewers like you to keep them honest. Hopefully, if we can get this show back, we can convince them to revisit the Nigeria storyline and introduce some real Nigerian culture. Deal? I agree. And sometimes those minor details can really be bothersome. It is good to point them out so that shows like The Philanthropist can continue to improve. We just want to make sure that shows likes this that have important messages to communicate stay on the air.

We realize they have flaws and that they need viewers like you to keep them honest. Hopefully, if we can get this show back, we can convince them to revisit the Nigeria storyline and introduce some real Nigerian culture. Deal?

]]> By: trunigafacn http://tacticalphilanthropy.com/2009/06/the-philanthropist/comment-page-1#comment-8282 trunigafacn Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:17:32 +0000 http://tacticalphilanthropy.com/2009/06/the-philanthropist#comment-8282 Thanks, it is true what is going on there and and i have read about it, the message is portrayed in the show from that point of view. Thing is people tend to over look other minor details , but they matter to some people. Other than that, I kinda enjoy the show and it will be a pity if it got cancelled. It is something different from the monotony of the criminal justice, party drama kind of shows. Thanks, it is true what is going on there and and i have read about it, the message is portrayed in the show from that point of view. Thing is people tend to over look other minor details , but they matter to some people. Other than that, I kinda enjoy the show and it will be a pity if it got cancelled. It is something different from the monotony of the criminal justice, party drama kind of shows.

]]> By: Deborah Brancheau http://tacticalphilanthropy.com/2009/06/the-philanthropist/comment-page-1#comment-8281 Deborah Brancheau Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:08:20 +0000 http://tacticalphilanthropy.com/2009/06/the-philanthropist#comment-8281 Thanks so much for your feedback on the show. However, the show never claimed to shoot in Nigeria. The specifically said they shot in South Africa, Mozambique and Prague. It is too difficult to shoot in a country like Nigeria due to the government corruption and violence in the delta region so most movies and TV shows film in South Africa to depict African countries. If you'd like more information about the level of violence and government corruption in Nigeria check out HRW's report on Nigeria (http://www.hrw.org/en/world-report/2009/nigeria). This, by no means, is a commentary on Nigerians. This is just evidence that the Nigerian people (especially those living in rural areas and in the slums) are suffering under a corrupt government which the show was trying to expose. As for the Nigerian heritage, you're right in that they did not use Nigerians but I do not think it was their intent to destroy the Nigerian heritage. Anytime a culture or country or person or whatever, is depicted on TV it is never going to 100% accurate. Heck most of the time when they say there in St. Louis, or Seattle, or Washington DC, there really in Vancouver, BC. The point is to look past the accents and at the message. And one of the messages in both the "Nigeria" episodes was that Nigerians still are struggling with government corruption. If you'd like more information from HRW about what is happening in Nigeria, check out: http://www.hrw.org/en/africa/nigeria. Thanks so much for your feedback on the show. However, the show never claimed to shoot in Nigeria. The specifically said they shot in South Africa, Mozambique and Prague. It is too difficult to shoot in a country like Nigeria due to the government corruption and violence in the delta region so most movies and TV shows film in South Africa to depict African countries. If you’d like more information about the level of violence and government corruption in Nigeria check out HRW’s report on Nigeria (http://www.hrw.org/en/world-report/2009/nigeria). This, by no means, is a commentary on Nigerians. This is just evidence that the Nigerian people (especially those living in rural areas and in the slums) are suffering under a corrupt government which the show was trying to expose.

As for the Nigerian heritage, you’re right in that they did not use Nigerians but I do not think it was their intent to destroy the Nigerian heritage. Anytime a culture or country or person or whatever, is depicted on TV it is never going to 100% accurate. Heck most of the time when they say there in St. Louis, or Seattle, or Washington DC, there really in Vancouver, BC. The point is to look past the accents and at the message. And one of the messages in both the “Nigeria” episodes was that Nigerians still are struggling with government corruption.

If you’d like more information from HRW about what is happening in Nigeria, check out: http://www.hrw.org/en/africa/nigeria.

]]> By: trunigafacn http://tacticalphilanthropy.com/2009/06/the-philanthropist/comment-page-1#comment-8272 trunigafacn Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:57:52 +0000 http://tacticalphilanthropy.com/2009/06/the-philanthropist#comment-8272 So they say say they were in Nigeria but if you are going to put a show up on the internet you have to do enough research. i mean Nigeria and South Africa are far away geographically so that goes to say that culturally they will have differ too. I just do not get it. They say he is in Nigeria and yet walks into a cultural ceremony that... yes it is fiction but come on, better make u a country than destroy one's heritage. The actors and actresses are all from the south and the accents.... bad, if it was not for the mafia guy, really he is the only true 'nigerian' in the entire cast. as for the language, the songs and the burial of bankole.....at just the track they played was enough to kill the moment. fine terry is helping these people and we get that message but when the shoe says it is made in Nigeria, please make it as Nigerian as possible. This is what make the show not very entertaining, and if they are to go back to Nigeria again, please make it more 'Nigerian'. I love Terry tho. So they say say they were in Nigeria but if you are going to put a show up on the internet you have to do enough research. i mean Nigeria and South Africa are far away geographically so that goes to say that culturally they will have differ too. I just do not get it. They say he is in Nigeria and yet walks into a cultural ceremony that… yes it is fiction but come on, better make u a country than destroy one’s heritage. The actors and actresses are all from the south and the accents…. bad, if it was not for the mafia guy, really he is the only true ‘nigerian’ in the entire cast. as for the language, the songs and the burial of bankole…..at just the track they played was enough to kill the moment. fine terry is helping these people and we get that message but when the shoe says it is made in Nigeria, please make it as Nigerian as possible. This is what make the show not very entertaining, and if they are to go back to Nigeria again, please make it more ‘Nigerian’. I love Terry tho.

]]> By: Sean Stannard-Stockton http://tacticalphilanthropy.com/2009/06/the-philanthropist/comment-page-1#comment-8122 Sean Stannard-Stockton Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:01:28 +0000 http://tacticalphilanthropy.com/2009/06/the-philanthropist#comment-8122 Thanks for the info Deborah. I've tweeted your comment and added it to my Daily Digest post for tonight. Good luck! Thanks for the info Deborah. I’ve tweeted your comment and added it to my Daily Digest post for tonight.

Good luck!

]]> By: Deborah Brancheau http://tacticalphilanthropy.com/2009/06/the-philanthropist/comment-page-1#comment-8111 Deborah Brancheau Wed, 28 Oct 2009 05:31:10 +0000 http://tacticalphilanthropy.com/2009/06/the-philanthropist#comment-8111 I realize this article is nearly a 4 months old, but just recently NBC decided to cancel The Philanthropist. A number of us fans and supporters of the show are trying to do something about it. We just started a Facebook cause titled "Save The Philanthropist through Charity". The purpose behind this cause is two-fold. First and foremost is to save this show from cancellation. This show is a great example of how two different ideologies (for lack of a better word) – capitalism and philanthropy – can coexist and work together effectively. In fact, the show not only demonstrates philanthropy and giving of oneself but it also shares ideas about how to solve tough social and economic problems by encouraging job stability in war torn and poverty stricken areas. The second purpose of this cause is to demonstrate the impact that a show like this can have on its audience. Therefore, we have decided to collect donations on behalf of Human Rights Watch, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the human rights of people around the world. We are asking fans and supporters of the show and of human rights in general to: 1. Become members of "Save The Philanthropist Through Charity" by visiting: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/380724 a. As you go through the process, you will be asked to supply your email address. While this is not necessary, it is highly recommended so that we can keep you up-to-date on the status of the cause and the show. 2. Donate at least $10 to the cause. The money will go directly to Human Rights Watch. If you have any questions about how donations are handled check out http://apps.facebook.com/causes/help?category=Donation+questions . 3. Urge NBC's President of Primetime Entertainment to reverse the decision to cancel The Philanthropist by Following the directions for this action: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/actions/2241?cause_id=380724 You can also find this information at: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/causes/380724/about Please take the time to help us save this show. Our cause is also entered in America's Giving Challenge which ends November 6th! So the sooner you can help us, the more money we can raise for HRW! Nevertheless, we will continue this cause beyond November 6th (until we get the show back on the air) so please join us when you see this message. Thank you for your time, Deborah Brancheau Cause Administrator I realize this article is nearly a 4 months old, but just recently NBC decided to cancel The Philanthropist. A number of us fans and supporters of the show are trying to do something about it. We just started a Facebook cause titled “Save The Philanthropist through Charity”.

The purpose behind this cause is two-fold. First and foremost is to save this show from cancellation. This show is a great example of how two different ideologies (for lack of a better word) – capitalism and philanthropy – can coexist and work together effectively. In fact, the show not only demonstrates philanthropy and giving of oneself but it also shares ideas about how to solve tough social and economic problems by encouraging job stability in war torn and poverty stricken areas.

The second purpose of this cause is to demonstrate the impact that a show like this can have on its audience. Therefore, we have decided to collect donations on behalf of Human Rights Watch, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the human rights of people around the world.

We are asking fans and supporters of the show and of human rights in general to:

1. Become members of “Save The Philanthropist Through Charity” by visiting: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/380724

a. As you go through the process, you will be asked to supply your email address. While this is not necessary, it is highly recommended so that we can keep you up-to-date on the status of the cause and the show.

2. Donate at least $10 to the cause. The money will go directly to Human Rights Watch. If you have any questions about how donations are handled check out http://apps.facebook.com/causes/help?category=Donation+questions .

3. Urge NBC’s President of Primetime Entertainment to reverse the decision to cancel The Philanthropist by Following the directions for this action: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/actions/2241?cause_id=380724

You can also find this information at: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/causes/380724/about

Please take the time to help us save this show. Our cause is also entered in America’s Giving Challenge which ends November 6th! So the sooner you can help us, the more money we can raise for HRW! Nevertheless, we will continue this cause beyond November 6th (until we get the show back on the air) so please join us when you see this message.

Thank you for your time,
Deborah Brancheau
Cause Administrator

]]> By: Julie http://tacticalphilanthropy.com/2009/06/the-philanthropist/comment-page-1#comment-7532 Julie Tue, 11 Aug 2009 01:30:59 +0000 http://tacticalphilanthropy.com/2009/06/the-philanthropist#comment-7532 Does everyone have to take everything so literally - really? It's a fun show, someone is doing great things with their $$. No gangs, no killings and some realization to it, it makes us think that maybe, just maybe, we need to pitch in help, somewhere - be it time or money. I enjoy it for what is, fun and entertainment. Maybe you should too! Does everyone have to take everything so literally – really? It’s a fun show, someone is doing great things with their $$. No gangs, no killings and some realization to it, it makes us think that maybe, just maybe, we need to pitch in help, somewhere – be it time or money. I enjoy it for what is, fun and entertainment. Maybe you should too!

]]> By: Janet Wasserstein http://tacticalphilanthropy.com/2009/06/the-philanthropist/comment-page-1#comment-7226 Janet Wasserstein Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:14:38 +0000 http://tacticalphilanthropy.com/2009/06/the-philanthropist#comment-7226 Sean: I can't resist telling you how much I agree with your comments on The Philanthropist (and not with the Council on Foundations viewpoint). Yes the program is entertaining and the scenes tracking through the jungle sans shoes was over the top. But the spirit of the program is exactly right and from what I've seen and read that's just how social entrepreneurial donors feel. It may get more unrealistic and dissolve into "action/adventure mode" but maybe not. The Return to Khayelitsha video on the blog http://www.nbc.com/the-philanthropist/ production-blog/ shows that the production crew are not in neocolonialism mode. I rely on your daily blog to keep me up to date so thank you! Janet Sean:
I can’t resist telling you how much I agree with your comments on The Philanthropist (and not with the Council on Foundations viewpoint). Yes the program is entertaining and the scenes tracking through the
jungle sans shoes was over the top. But the spirit of the program is exactly right and from what I’ve seen and read that’s just how social entrepreneurial donors feel. It may get more unrealistic and dissolve into “action/adventure mode” but maybe not. The Return to
Khayelitsha video on the blog http://www.nbc.com/the-philanthropist/ production-blog/ shows that the production crew are not in neocolonialism mode.
I rely on your daily blog to keep me up to date so thank you!
Janet

]]> By: Sean Stannard-Stockton http://tacticalphilanthropy.com/2009/06/the-philanthropist/comment-page-1#comment-7224 Sean Stannard-Stockton Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:02:18 +0000 http://tacticalphilanthropy.com/2009/06/the-philanthropist#comment-7224 Thanks to all of you for your comments. I've just be invited to debate the show at a think tank next month. I hope the show stays good and Rist's understanding of effective philanthropy improves over time so I don't have to flip flop during he debate! Thanks to all of you for your comments. I’ve just be invited to debate the show at a think tank next month. I hope the show stays good and Rist’s understanding of effective philanthropy improves over time so I don’t have to flip flop during he debate!

]]> By: Ken Berger http://tacticalphilanthropy.com/2009/06/the-philanthropist/comment-page-1#comment-7219 Ken Berger Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:38:08 +0000 http://tacticalphilanthropy.com/2009/06/the-philanthropist#comment-7219 I finally got to watch the show last night. The main character reminds me of a cross between Indiana Jones and Bill Gates. It is truly a fantasy ride but so is most of what is on television. At least it has to do with a subject that gets so little air time and is so critically important. I finally got to watch the show last night. The main character reminds me of a cross between Indiana Jones and Bill Gates. It is truly a fantasy ride but so is most of what is on television. At least it has to do with a subject that gets so little air time and is so critically important.

]]> By: Edith Asibey http://tacticalphilanthropy.com/2009/06/the-philanthropist/comment-page-1#comment-7215 Edith Asibey Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:42:20 +0000 http://tacticalphilanthropy.com/2009/06/the-philanthropist#comment-7215 As David Brotherton and I argued in an op-ed in the <i>Chronicle</i> yesterday, this show might encourage foundations to be more aggressive and artful at telling their stories to the American public. You can read the op-ed at: http://philanthropy.com/news/updates/index.php?id=8675 As David Brotherton and I argued in an op-ed in the Chronicle yesterday, this show might encourage foundations to be more aggressive and artful at telling their stories to the American public. You can read the op-ed at: http://philanthropy.com/news/updates/index.php?id=8675

]]> By: Carol Stabler http://tacticalphilanthropy.com/2009/06/the-philanthropist/comment-page-1#comment-7214 Carol Stabler Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:59:08 +0000 http://tacticalphilanthropy.com/2009/06/the-philanthropist#comment-7214 Ten years ago, the average TV viewer would have thought that a show titled “the Philanthropist” would be about a stamp collector. The very fact that this program is being aired in prime time is an indication that we have moved the needle. Sure, it was a bit cheesey and overwrought; but hey, its a start. Let's hope that our hunky protagonist learns a bit more about effective philanthropy and leveraging grant dollars in future episodes. Ten years ago, the average TV viewer would have thought that a show titled “the Philanthropist” would be about a stamp collector. The very fact that this program is being aired in prime time is an indication that we have moved the needle.

Sure, it was a bit cheesey and overwrought; but hey, its a start. Let’s hope that our hunky protagonist learns a bit more about effective philanthropy and leveraging grant dollars in future episodes.

]]> By: Christine Egger http://tacticalphilanthropy.com/2009/06/the-philanthropist/comment-page-1#comment-7213 Christine Egger Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:39:50 +0000 http://tacticalphilanthropy.com/2009/06/the-philanthropist#comment-7213 No lost street cred with me, Sean. Always appreciate your thoughts on the art and science of philanthropy, whereever it may be found :) No lost street cred with me, Sean. Always appreciate your thoughts on the art and science of philanthropy, whereever it may be found :)

]]> By: Ken Berger http://tacticalphilanthropy.com/2009/06/the-philanthropist/comment-page-1#comment-7211 Ken Berger Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:12:25 +0000 http://tacticalphilanthropy.com/2009/06/the-philanthropist#comment-7211 Hey Sean! You state that the fact that Rist slept with the local doctor is somewhat "bizarre". Wait a minute! Have you been keeping track of the Governor of South Carolina, the Senator from Nevada, etc., etc. Hey Sean! You state that the fact that Rist slept with the local doctor is somewhat “bizarre”. Wait a minute! Have you been keeping track of the Governor of South Carolina, the Senator from Nevada, etc., etc.

]]> By: Autumn Walden http://tacticalphilanthropy.com/2009/06/the-philanthropist/comment-page-1#comment-7210 Autumn Walden Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:04:46 +0000 http://tacticalphilanthropy.com/2009/06/the-philanthropist#comment-7210 I'm glad you watched and reviewed the show, Sean. It actually makes me want to join in on the "philanthro-phun" and watch it too. This show, and the Matthew Broderick musical that you mentioned a while back, may help the nonprofit and philanthropic field, if only to help people who work and report on these real issues. Now that these topics have a wider scope of influence, the thought-leaders and social "changents" may be able to leverage the exposure to help further the methods and practices that are in need of attention. My two cents :) I’m glad you watched and reviewed the show, Sean. It actually makes me want to join in on the “philanthro-phun” and watch it too. This show, and the Matthew Broderick musical that you mentioned a while back, may help the nonprofit and philanthropic field, if only to help people who work and report on these real issues.

Now that these topics have a wider scope of influence, the thought-leaders and social “changents” may be able to leverage the exposure to help further the methods and practices that are in need of attention.

My two cents :)

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