Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World
On NPR this morning. Read or listen to the entire piece.
Generous Giving Or Phony Philanthropy? A Critique Of Well-Meaning 'Winners'
August 29, 20185:01 AM ET
The writer Anand Giridharadas has a dark view of American philanthropy.
He's been writing about people who say they're changing the world for the better — except that despite their best efforts, it's not working.
Philanthropy In America Is Becoming 'Ideological Arms Race,' Author Says
"Rich people are playing a double game," Giridharadas says. "On one hand, there's no question they're giving away more money than has ever been given away in history. Every young elite graduate wants to change the world, and seeks out employers, and goes to Africa to volunteer. But I also argue that we have one of the more predatory elites in history, despite that philanthropy, despite that desire to change the world."
Giridharadas spent time talking with affluent elites. He argues that Internet entrepreneurs, tech innovators, even wealthy foundation directors tend to fight social problems in a way that doesn't threaten the people at the top.
An Internet entrepreneur comes up with software used by Uber — a great advance for part-time drivers, except most of the profits go to the wealthy. A new app developer helps part-time workers avoid cash shortages instead of fighting for better pay. Foundations spend billions of dollars to help people in ways that really just mitigate an unfair economy; meanwhile, the wealthiest have a larger and larger share.
It's the case he makes in his new book Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World.
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[link:https://www.npr.org/2018/08/29/642688220/generous-giving-or-phony-philanthropy-a-critique-of-well-meaning-winners|
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