A social experiment from the UK shows how a counterintuitive approach to charity marketing can work better than a straightforward pitch.
A British charity, Pilion Trust, sent a man out on the streets of London to raise money. First, he wore a sandwich board that bore an offensive message about the poor. As the video shows, he was accosted by passers-by who defended the downtrodden.
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"They've hit rock bottom," one offers. "There's a reason for that."
"You should be thinking of a better way to get them off the streets," says another.
Then, cut to the same man wearing a sign that reads "Help the Poor," and the reaction is predictable: Everyone ignores him.
In 80 seconds, the video makes an excellent point about human nature and the public's resistance to charity messages, while underscoring Pilion's pitch: "We know you care. Just care enough to give." You can help here.