Nice way to turn a positive into a negative...
If we are forced to view every positive act as a means of self interest because there are always inseparable elements of self benefit, then no good act will go uncriticized. If such criticism becomes the norm, it will eventually drive away good acts, as the paradigm eventually becomes to forget about doing anything because it will draw negative attention and more criticism.
It's a valuable insights but you're ignoring the other, possibly more likely and definitely more favorable outcome -- a wiser approach to donations that doesn't single out *one* controversial organization, but provide us with a menu of charitable organizations to which we can donate!
The mistake here was Apple making it SOLELY the Red Cross.
Private or Public, That is the Question!
Plus, we must consider a central issue: whether one believes that handling such massive, widespread devastation or addressing massive economic inequalities and poverty should be done primarily through the private sector and donations or through public, governmental actions. Many of us see a place for private, personal donations, but recognize the essential role that government has in creating and sustaining a just, democratic, civil society. Thus, if criticizing corporate giving were to dry up the well of corporate contributions, which it is important to recognize has NOT happened historically, so be it. Maybe, then, we could face these problems, as they should be, as a matter of urgent, long-term public policy.
Historical Note
By the way, we tried charity and libertarianism in 19th century laissez-faire capitalism and it didn't work! Hence, we found that social, labor, environmental, and economic legislation were necessary (as during the Progressive Era, in the New Deal, Johnson's Great Society, and Nixon's many initiatives, including establishing the EPA).
Contributions as Smokescreen or Subterfuge
Note something else: many corporations make a big-to-do about their charitable donations while at the same time getting tax abatements, tax write-offs, and sweetheart deals, and lobbying for and even writing legislation that gives them special, enormous benefits. They use their PUBLIC donations to burnish their image and brand while, often behind the scenes and quietly, robbing the public coffers of much needed money, in amounts far greater than they are donating. Then, adding insult to injury, they get to write off the donations, too, saving them yet more money.
Lest people think that such public policy and political economy analyses renders one heartless or indifferent to the suffering, there is a host of worthwhile organizations to donate to! See the many alternatives listed in this article.
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Where to Donate to Harvey Victims (and How to Avoid Scams)"
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/28/...n=span-abc-region&WT.nav=span-abc-region&_r=0
There are deep immediate needs that need addressing.
