Uneven Development: Listening to the 'South', Listening to Vancouver

So a few months ago I discovered this plush Hasbro elephant named “Zambi”. I almost used the video “See what inspired project Zambi”  on the the site for my blog post… but couldn’t detach myself from it enough emotionally to be coherent about it (Click Zambi to follow a link to the page). The drawings on the ears were created by kids at a school in Zambia where I volunteered  for six months. Fifty percent of the money from the sales of this elephant will go charities chosen by Hasbro, HIV/AIDS orphans being one  group to benefit. I’d love to have any thoughts you’d like to share about this … just because I’m curious (though I know everyone is likely studying). I can’t figure out how to feel about it… it really upset me, but nobody else i’ve shown it to seems to have had the same response…

The message to the parents is interesting:

http://www.hasbro.com/en_CA/discover/The-Story-of-Project-Zambi.cfm

I can see that there are benefits. Importantly, the toy raises awareness of HIV/AIDS in a young privileged demographic, namely North American childern. There is a “focus on making a difference” and an entire page for parents about how Project Zambi can teach children about empathy, caring and the global community. In technocentric self-indulgent culture, getting children to start caring about others is important. Gettign a gift that also “does something for others,” might begin sending the message that “other people are important.”

However, I know the kids in the video…. and the way they are shown is never the way I would chose to depict them. Through my lens, the video and side shots really make them look like victims, which is rather contrary to my experience. I’m hesitant to give a description, at risk of generalizing or speaking for them, but many of the kids I met in Zambia  were as happy and energetic as any children in Canada. Those who’s parents had died of HIV/AIDS were some of the strongest, smartest and most compassionate at the school,  often looking after brothers and sisters. Also, while they do talk about interdependence (right at the bottom of the parent page), for me, the overwhelming message feels like “We (the lucky ones) should help them (the unlucky ones)”

The above picture is more the image I have of the kids at the school, but feel free to critique this as well… I am certain to have my own biases and welcome your extrapolations on any and all of the above… Thanks! All the best with studying!