The Philanthropist: MacGuyver meets MacArthur

A new TV series based on the life of rich-American philanthropist Bobby Sager blurs the lines between altruistic philanthropy and the type of globetrotting action-adventure usually reserved for Jack Bauer and Angus MacGuyver (yes, that really was the characters real name). Deborah Richardson writes…

Tonight is the eighth episode of the action drama, which is modeled after the real-life experiences of American entrepreneur Bobby Sager, who retired from a successful business to use his philanthropic resources and business acumen to change communities and lives of those around the world. This show, however, chronicles the adventures of a wealthy, philandering businessman who jets around the world closing business deals while ministering to the “misfortunate” on the side.

The first season is not yet over so I may be premature in judging the show. However, from what I have seen, The Philanthropist suffers from a misunderstanding of philanthropy and perpetuates the Global North’s stereotypes.

What if Bill Gates and Warren Buffet, instead of donating their combined billions of dollars to the various causes they deem appropriate, just traveled the planet righting all the worlds wrongs by signing checks? You’d essentially get the character of Teddy Rist, the wealthy protagonist of the show. No free-speach in Burma? Let’s give the oppressed rebels a billion dollars. Sex trafficking women from Russia? Here’s here’s a billion dollars. to hunt. your. sorry. ass. down. Justice has a new enforcer, and his name is Benjamin Franklin. I digress…

The main misrepresentation about philanthropy is you need a bottomless bucket of money to participate in it. Having Teddy throw cash around in each episode discounts contributions of all philanthropists and sends a message to viewers that you can only make an impact if you have so much money you stopped counting it long ago. In my experience as both a philanthropist and working in the field of philanthropy, I see countless examples of how philanthropists are changing the world, with the tools and resources they have, and with far less than unlimited of dollars at their disposal.

I’d like to think Deb’s being a little over-sensative but based on this description of an episode from NBC.com, I’m not so sure: “Teddy and Phillip’s college friend asks for their help to negotiate with the Indian and Pakistani governments to rebuild the region’s water system.” Ironically, the production costs of an episode of this show could probablly actually rebuild the water system in Pakistan.

Hey NBC, I have an idea for a show called The Developmental Aid Worker. It’s pretty boring at the beginning, gets really frustrating towards the middle and by the end everyone tells me they’re jaded. Still, I think it’s a clear winner.

Check out The Philanthropist at NBC.com or read Deborah Richardson’s scathing review at HuffPo.