MySpace Organizes Sudan Fundraiser

tanman writes to tell us CNN is reporting that MySpace is sponsoring a series of 20 concerts as an effort to raise awareness about the humanitarian relief efforts in Sudan. From the article: "The concerts will take place October 21. Artists include TV on the Radio in Philadelphia, Alice in Chains in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Ziggy Marley in Medford, Oregon, Citizen Cope in Seattle, Gov't Mule in Spokane, Washington, and Insane Clown Posse in St. Petersburg, Florida."

Marketing

[elucido]

How much money will actually make it to the Sudan?

I don't see how having a concert or two is in any way related to solving real world problems. What? You going to party your way to a better environment?

This is a perfect way to sell tickets and raise profits. It will be like Live8.

Let me rephrase this for you

[BearRanger]

The way the west has dealt with Africa since pretty much the beginning of time is shameful, and it doesn't look like it's going to improve any time soon.

The way *Africans* have dealt with Africa is shameful. Sure, we can blame colonialism for many of Africa's problems, but we're more than 40 years on from the last of Europe's colonial possessions. At some point the Africans themselves have to reject corruption, violence and tribalism and begin to work cooperatively for a better life for themselves. No amount of charity on the part of the west can help them with this.

(And yes, I know Africa is a continent and that not all African countries are in this predicament. Still, why have Europe's former Asian colonies done so much better?)

Re:Every little bit helps

[chill]

African Union, a regional force made up of troops from different African nations. The theory is "locals" would be more palatable than former "colonials". They already have a small number of troops in Sudan to help police the issue. However, they have been trying to increase this number but have been thwarted by the Sudanese gov't. Sudan militarized a couple of ports and prevented their entry.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6033231.stm [bbc.co.uk]