With the way the world has reacted regarding the response by the US to the tsunami disaster, I think some of this vanity is in self-defense: "I did give! See, there's my name on the plaque!" We may be the most prosperous country in history and we have our faults, but we are not unique in this regard."But if Americans are generous, they are also vain. That's the sad conclusion to be drawn from the fact almost every new concert hall, museum, hospital wing and university building bears at least one donor's name. The 'naming opportunity,' as it is called, is the instrument of choice for development officers--their tried-and-true method of coaxing money from wealthy people. The strategy has raised hundreds of millions of dollars for worthy causes. But with its bald pandering, it has also corrupted the true spirit of philanthropy.
I'd prefer to see more anonymous donations. I don't particularly like 'naming' everything. This is getting especially tiresome in sporting venues and events (hey, isn't the Nokia Sugar Bowl tonight?).
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