We all know about the Haitian tragedy that recently occurred. One organization that is raising funds is run by Wyclef Jean. In recent days this group has come under some scrutiny leading Wyclef to post a public statement.
Have a look at this link (be sure to read the background and the comments below)and post your thoughts - http://mashable.com/2010/01/16/wyclef-jean-video-response/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Mashable+%28Mashable%29
We have talked in class about making statements - sincerity, truth, honesty, showing concern, etc.
What do you think?
Matt
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I think Wyclef was going for an emotional appeal to convince us that he only has the utmost of intentions and to suggest otherwise is undermining the work he's done and the cause itself. Instead of defending his integrity, however, he should have explained more of the allegations against his NGO, because the way his organization is running definitely needs a closer look.
ReplyDeleteWyclef seems very honest and sincere. Throwing in some of his native tongue to show his passion for the country is also an effective tool. Judging by the comments on the video, his appeal worked - to an extent. He successfully convinced some people to ignore the allegations based on merit alone. We just learned about the Canadian equivalents of an NGO, and I doubt anyone from our class would accept a defense like his based on few facts. So all in all, I would say it's a good message to send out to the general public and his fans, but I'm still skeptical and would like to see an audit before I make a decision.
I definitely agree with Deanna. After reading the website, the article by the Washington Post, and the reports made by the Smoking Gun, I find it interesting that instead of acknowledging (and going on to explain/answer) the allegations and questions many people have raised about his organization, he instead focuses on his emotional and cultural connection to Haiti. I don't believe it is his emotional connection that is being questioned here. Although it was somewhat effective for Wyclef to utilize and display his love and passion for Haiti, in a way, he is avoiding the specific allegations and concerns individuals have regarding the money being spent within his organization.
ReplyDeleteI believe it would have been much more beneficial for him, and his organization, to directly acknowledge and explain the questions and concerns many people have in regards to the money being donated and raised and where it is being spent. I think many questions have still been left unanswered and this will only cause people to become more uneasy and skeptical of his fundraising efforts. Individuals want to know that the money they are donating is being put to use effectively and for the people, especially, for example, in Haiti. Wyclef needs to further explain how the funds being raised are going directly to the people.
His credibility is sadly lacking.
ReplyDeleteIn opening statements he relates that he flying back and forth to Haiti- how? even relief groups cannot enter the airport because it has been completely destroyed. Emergency agencies can't fly in since air controllers were all killed. Where's the footage from him in Haiti.
Words never count- videos are more credible if not done in studios or imovie'd.
Remains to be seen
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe best thing that Wyclef said about allegations made against him was that some of the money he supposedly pocketed for his benefit concert appearance went to paying for the stage, the lighting crew, the band, the touring manager etc...This seems to justify why so much money have gone to Wyclef as opposed to victims in Haiti. As another reader also said on the Mashable website, if Wyclef can raise a lot of money through his concerts, then there's a chance that those initial expenses may be worth it.
ReplyDeleteBut I do agree with Deanna and Stephanie that Wyclef, over all, did a poor job of presenting these facts to his audience in the video. He should of just responded simply and logically to these (rather serious) allegations against himself and his organization and not focus too much on his Haitian language skills and his cultural connecitons to Haiti.
There are just too many information gaps about Wyclef and his organization that need to be filled. If what Wyclef said about having given a million dolalrs of his own savings to his organization is true, then it would certainly dispel alot of these negative perceptions of him and his organization. Perhaps more material evidence (bank records, accounting books) will better defend his case.
ReplyDelete