Greg Mortenson is under fire for allegedly fabricating bits of his bestseller "Three Cups of Tea." The book documents the author's journey from a mountain-climbing expedition to the creation of an organization dedicated to building schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Word is that he was even nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize.
Last month, the populist U.S. television program "60 Minutes" went after him in a television expose. Ditto for former Mortenson supporter Jon Krakauer in a meticulous online dissection.
"Three Cups of Tea" has been an inspiration to many in the nonprofit universe.
Including me.
I remember reading the book. And I distinctly remember thinking that some of the stories he spun seemed a little over the top.
But . . . so what?
In my three or so years in this nonprofit world, I see it all the time. And I mean ALL the time.
And, frankly, it's understandable.
- Who in their right mind wants to admit that their charity isn't working so great?
- Who wants to admit that their development work sucks from time to time?
- Who doesn't want to paint a pretty picture for potential donors?
Dear reader, it goes with the territory in this sector.
And I catch myself doing it too. Not too often, but I do it. Hey, it's really hard not to!
So I say, let's give this Mortenson guy a break.
And I say to Jon Krakauer, "Greg Mortenson is no Tiger Woods."
And to you, Mr. Mortenson: Thank you for inspiring me. You are one of the reasons I am bumbling along down here in Nicaragua. And I am very grateful.
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