One of our worst traits in journalism is that when we have a narrative in our minds, we often plug in anecdotes that confirm it. Thus we managed to portray President Gerald Ford, a first-rate athlete, as a klutz.
Nicholas KristofRead
I think humanitarians really feel very awkward and embarrassed about marketing, but it really doesn't matter whether a shampoo gets better marketing. It does matter when a famine or a huge crisis is - oh - well, I hate to use the word 'marketed' better but, you know, is publicized in a way that will be more effective.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of effective communication in humanitarian efforts over consumer product marketing.
Nicholas Kristof expresses that while many humanitarians may feel uncomfortable with the concept of 'marketing,' it is crucial for them to effectively publicize humanitarian crises such as famines. Unlike products, the success of humanitarian efforts relies on raising awareness and mobilizing resources, highlighting the need for effective communication strategies in addressing urgent humanitarian issues.
Themes
HumanitarianMarketingAwarenessCrisisPublicity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a speech at a humanitarian conference to emphasize the importance of effective communication.
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