Federer charity video looks a bit of a PR "fake"

[B A Y]

Originally Posted by ctoth666

I'm not going to get into an argument over this, but why would you go through the trouble of organizing a fake PR operation to Africa? I would probably never go to Africa if I had a choice...

I think it's genuine, but he's still full of himself a bit.

Just curious ... Why would you never go to Africa?

[B A Y]

Originally Posted by norbac

The language in which he reads it. Judging by the way they show the kids communicating with each other and how there is a translator for everything Roger reads, the kids don't understand a thing that Roger is saying. Why not just have someone read it to them in a language they all understand?

The all understand some English, it is taught from a young age..

[norbac]

Originally Posted by B A Y

The all understand some English, it is taught from a young age..

You would think the translator would not be necessary then, huh? I guess to make sure everyone understands it would make sense.

[B A Y]

Originally Posted by norbac

Roger didn't really come off as that much of a rock star in the eyes of those kids from what the video shows....... For a number of different reasons maybe they don't know much about Roger? Remember, Roger in the video said the school is based out of the poorest part of SA. Plus they do look pretty young.....

Not everyone in the world adulates Roger Federer by the way.

Most or all of them will definitely not know who Roger is.. This school is based in in a rural community where most of these kids won't even have a tv.. I think most of the people here are missing the point.. he is just trying to give back to these sort of communities so they have some sort of start in life..

[norbac]

Originally Posted by B A Y

Most or all of them will definitely not know who Roger is.. This school is based in in a rural community where most of these kids won't even have a tv.. I think most of the people here are missing the point.. he is just trying to give back to these sort of communities so they have some sort of start in life..

Exactly. That is what I meant in response to westside. It doesn't really matter that Roger is known or not, just the fact that he is helping the kids out is admirable.

[B A Y]

Originally Posted by norbac

You would think the translator would not be necessary then, huh?

They would not be fluent like you and I but they would understand the basics.. So yes a translator would be necessary... but in fact it is not a translator it is probably their teacher.

[norbac]

Originally Posted by B A Y

They would not be fluent like you and I but they would understand the basics.. So yes a translator would be necessary... but in fact it is not a translator it is probably their teacher.

Yeah it would be their teacher, but serving as a translator.

[Nickzor]

You do all realize that he's half south African right? His mother is South African

[B A Y]

Originally Posted by Nickzor

You do all realize that he's half south African right? His mother is South African

I didn't want to state the obvious as I thought people here were more informed.. Hence his strong ties to RSA. He would come out more often if were not for his hectic schedule

[Deanjam]

How arrogant of Federer to help disadvantaged children. What. A. Scoundrel.

[tennisaddict]

Originally Posted by norbac

The language in which he reads it. Judging by the way they show the kids communicating with each other and how there is a translator for everything Roger reads, the kids don't understand a thing that Roger is saying. Why not just have someone read it to them in a language they all understand?

You do realize he is reading a big PICTURE book and not a Shakespeare poem ?

[norbac]

Originally Posted by tennisaddict

You do realize he is reading a big PICTURE book and not a Shakespeare poem ?

It was actually a picture book by Shakespeare.

[jones101]

If Any Sports/TV/Entertainment Star is involved in charitable activities for their own PR/Image - SO WHAT?

They are rasing money for disadvanted and desperate people all over the world.

It may be an ego boost for them, but as long as they generate money for the causes I dont really care the driving force behind it.

People must be really bored if they are trying to criticise Federer for charity work, a charity he has been involved in for a decade.

[Relinquis]

ugly internet haters...

fine, it's PR... at least the guy is doing some good with his money and raising a bit of awareness.

[rommil]

This does reek of fakeness, especially when you see sweat on his shirt.........and he takes a dig at Rafa when he taught the kids that even if they get Hoffitis on one leg they still can hop with the other one

[Emet74]

Originally Posted by B A Y

Of course they are teaching the kids english there..

Yeah I watched it again and you could see they have the english alphabet posted around the room with a picture and word for every letter: "dog, egg, fish" etc.

[SLD76]

Originally Posted by Paullaconte1

I know that Federer fans won't like this, but to be honest I have seen the video of Federer going to a school in South Africa and read some articles.

To tell the truth it really smelled as a big fake PR operation. You know the typical "I am the star and I play with kids" stuff.

http://www.tennistonic.com/tennis-news?nid=1867

http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Ten...reschools.aspx

I mean, I know that these guys do charity also for PR and I do not have doubts that Roger is "a good guy".. but this looked really a bit too much.

Ready to be stoned by Federer's fans

of course its PR and a bit "fake"

it wouldnt be PR if it wasnt.

[Devilito]

Big name celebrities have managers, handlers, accountants, lawyers and secretaries that set up their schedule. This week you’re playing a tournament, next week you’re doing a charity PR event that we’ll use as a tax write-off. It doesn’t reflect poorly on Federer, but it doesn’t reflect on him in terms of anything special. All of us would be doing the same thing if we were in Federer’s position. It’s standard stuff guys, deal with it. You want me to be impressed? I will be if he quits tennis and spends all his money and the next 30 years of his life in Africa trying build something lasting on a large scale and dies a poor man without leaving millions to his spoiled kids. That would be something. As it stands now it’s just some rich guy using charity work as PR and tax write-offs.

[SLD76]

Originally Posted by Devilito

Big name celebrities have managers, handlers, accountants, lawyers and secretaries that set up their schedule. This week you’re playing a tournament, next week you’re doing a charity PR event that we’ll use as a tax write-off. It doesn’t reflect poorly on Federer, but it doesn’t reflect on him in terms of anything special. All of us would be doing the same thing if we were in Federer’s position. It’s standard stuff guys, deal with it. You want me to be impressed? I will be if he quits tennis and spends all his money and the next 30 years of his life in Africa trying build something lasting on a large scale and dies a poor man without leaving millions to his spoiled kids. That would be something. As it stands now it’s just some rich guy using charity work as PR and tax write-offs.

I agree mostly, that said at least this charity is organic in that his mother is South African and he at least has chosen a continent with many developing nations desperate for aid.

And at least we havent heard any scandals regarding his foundations like there were a few years ago with Oprah's schools.

[sureshs]

Nadal would never star in a fake video