Just Another Emperor? The Myths and Realities of Philanthrocapitalism.
| Author | Breeze, Beth |
| Position | Book review |
Michael Edwards
DEMOS/THE YOUNG FOUNDATION, 2008
The question mark in the title of this book is rather redundant as the author harbours no real doubts that the hype concerning philanthrocapitalism is as unwarranted as the lavish praise for the emperor's non-existent new threads.
But, just as it was the swindling tailors, rather than the emperor himself, who persuaded the crowds to applaud their skills, so too it is arguable that any hype about new types of philanthropy has been whipped up by observers rather than rich donors themselves.
Edwards is extremely exercised by the claim that 'a new movement is afoot that promises to save the world', yet the only people who could be accused of making such an arrogant statement are the journalists Matthew Bishop and Michael Green whose book Philanthrocapitalism: How the rich are trying to save the world does at least contain the qualifier 'trying' to save.
So at the heart of Edwards' interesting, well-written and passionate argument is a straw man. Of course it would be presumptuous, over-blown and untrue to claim that business methods alone can save the world by creating large-scale social transformations--but who, apart from the critics, says it can?
Indeed, Edwards provides us with many examples of philanthrocapitalists who make far humbler claims. Melinda Gates acknowledges that 'we know we didn't invent philanthropy ... we have relied so much on those who came before us'. Ebay founder Pierre Omidyar concurs with Edward's arguments about the limits of using the business approach in civil society saying, 'I don't believe there is a for-profit answer to everything'. And Bill Clinton is quoted as suggesting this approach should be used only 'where it is appropriate'.
Perhaps this trio are the exception, and most American philanthrocapitalists do need to eat the slice of humble pie being served up by Edwards. But in the UK we are still in the phase of encouraging role models to put their heads above the philanthropic parapet, and should be in no rush to encourage a backlash.
In parts, Edwards' conviction in his own critique is in doubt, as he appears fully aware of the significant impacts made by the targets of his ire. In addition to citing the successes of micro-finance and the new green revolution, he notes: 'Given that someone dies from malaria every thirty seconds and that treated bed nets can be produced and distributed at very low costs, these investments are extremely important and there is...
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