FC NOW: The Fast Company Weblog
September 30, 2005
Capitalize on Social Work
A $100 dollar laptop? MIT's prototype is an innovation that could have real social ramifications for developing countries. It could be a huge bridge across the digital divide between our countries and others. Of course, it could be effective in the American education system as well.
The story also mentions that there may be a commercial model made available for $200. This would be wonderful as well, particularly for those who have a desktop and wouldn't mind a cheap laptop for work or travel (like myself). It could also make the models given through charitable channels more accepted by society, especially within the highly critical world of children and teens.
I think social capitalism has the biggest impact when the social aspect does not overtake the capitalism. Civic-minded projects need a mainstream component that earns money to help fuel the charity. Without that, it is an uphill battle and the project will have a diminished impact.
Posted by Kevin Ohannessian at September 30, 2005 12:42 PM | Category: social entrepreneurship |
4 Comments
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It is a welcome sign.But I have my own views too.
Social Enterpreneurship and corporate social intiatives carry, I believe, mainly publicityitem
or motif within.Many foundations are no doubt doing good and they should do it.Many big corporate houses are too in the race who do best or if not best then better for the people.It may be publicity stunt as well.If I want to help someone,I will deifnitely find someone next door who is really needy and requires help or guidance.Charity begins from home.One may not like my idea nor I am against philanthropic activities,but these things now a days plays supreme.A big film hero may advertise in public interest but what he gives to the Govt.in taxes or what is actually his earnings ?Any way , good people with genuine interest are also there,and there where we thrive on.
mahendrakumardash writes:
If I want to help someone, I will deifnitely find someone next door who is really needy and requires help or guidance.Charity begins from home.
I ask:
Why does charity begin at home? On what moral foundation do you base this claim/trite platitude? If your neighbour doesn't need help, then are you off the hook?
Then do you think I will move door to door and ask who is needy and throw away what ever I have
or what I intend to.
mahendrakumardash writes:
Then do you think I will move door to door and ask who is needy and throw away what ever I have
or what I intend to.
My response:
Helping the needy via social entrepreneurship neither requires you to throw away whatever you have, nor to forfeit your intentions.