Question

Do you remember the proverb declaring that if you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day; if you teach him how to fish, you feed him for a lifetime? Do you agree with critics who apply this proverb to TOMS’ charity model? Why or why not.

Beyond judging the charity work of TOMS, think about how its message and appeal have captured so much buy-in from young people. When you write business messages, how can you alter your writing to engage audiences of various ages or at various education levels?

Answer 1

The TOMS shoes model, is not really solving a social problem but the main function it carries out is of colonialism. The only act carried out by the TOMS is solving of problems. TOMS does not figure out the best method of solving a problem or even listen about it. There are many problems about this model, as creation of dependencies along with local economy disruption. The basis of the TOMS model is paternalism. There is complete removal of responsibilities of the poor members. As a result, the poor people are just provided with resources from outside sources, never actually teaching them how to fish.

The TOMS does not attempt to understand the real reason behind poverty in such countries, rather, it is just providing for the resources that aren’t available. As a result, solutions are never created and people who are already poor are made more and more dependable rather than being motivated to work. There is no innovation of the business models or any campaigns for marketing. It only appeals for the compassion sense of a person.

Q. think about how its message and appeal have captured so much buy-in from young people.

The TOMS model appeals to the young people as the younger people do not have to work hard for their resources along with providing the appeal to compassion. This makes them more and more dependent with the ease of obtaining resources easily, without working hard.