Philanthropy or Advertising?
Philanthropy is great, but at what point does philanthropy become another way to advertise? John Legend is walking a fine line with the “Philanthrotisement” below. The images above appeared on the internet radio website, Pandora. Singer John Legend is pictured here with students from Harlem Village Academy where he is a major financial supporter and sits on the Board (with new school Chancellor Cathie Black.)
It is commendable that Legend is taking an interest in education and making financial contributions to schools, however, philanthropy is not the first word that comes to mind when looking the image above with a caption that reads, “CLICK HERE TO ADD THE JOHN LEGEND MIXTAPE.” It looks like John Legend is using the school and its students to bolster his image, sell more records and ultimately collect more royalties. To be fair, a donation is made to his charitable organization every time you forward the mix tape to one of your friends. On the other hand, Pandora pays Legend royalties each time you play his track.
