It’s tempting to blast celebrities (or political candidates, though there isn’t much difference) for their public philanthropy.
Like the big name Hollywood actor who earned millions for doing a commercial, then let his publicist promote the story about him donating $10,000 to a local homeless shelter. I remember cynically thinking at the time, “Wow, so generous, you gave almost .1% of the income you earned doing a one day photo shoot.”
But the truth is we all do it. Maybe we don’t have a publicist (I don’t, but if you want to volunteer give me a call). Maybe we give a lot more than .1% of one days salary. Maybe we give because we really care, not because it’s good for our reputation.
Still, we’re all tempted by the recognition. It’s the whisper of wealth stealing our hearts again. I’m guilty of it. Not all the time of course, but more often than I probably even recognize. And even when I’m not guilty the temptation is there … the whisper of wealth, of fame, of recognition and honor.
So I try to be patient with athletes who bring camera crews along as they walk through a children’s hospital for an hour, or businesses that splash their corporate name across a charitable event, or philanthropists who have the new symphony hall named after them.
I’m as guilty as they are. They just do it in a fish bowl for all to see. So I don’t judge, or try not to. Truth is, resisting the whisper of cynicism is almost as difficult as resisting the whisper of wealth.