Essay on Celebrities As The Voice Of Humanitarian Causes

The idea of celebrities interfering and having involvement in humanitarian causes to some may sound like a bad idea due to some believing that celebrities are problematic figures in society, but in reality celebrities are really  effective at delivering messages, awareness to some problems we all face here today, and being role models for millions around the world. In today’s world celebrities voices and ideas are powerful and it works out perfectly as they have their say and help with humanitarian causes in the world. Countless celebrities have been doing their role with taking part with aiding in humanitarian problems and making the world a better place. Although Some celebrities may act as  problematic figures, celebrities are great for humanitarian causes because it will raise awareness and help the world today in many ways. 

Celebrities In today’s world help so immensely in brining awareness. One celebrity alone can impact so much as, Akon, a famous American singer has “founded the Konfidence Foundation, raising awareness of conditions in Africa and providing underprivileged African youth access to education and other resources” (Article 4 line 35). The economic issues faced in Africa received an outstanding amount of support and awareness due to Akon, using his power and his influence to create his own charity organization, helping millions struggling. If one could not make something like a non profit charity organization their voice alone impacts so much as “Celebrities, and famous people in turn help to bring people, including adults, together in conversation and social interaction” (Article 2 line 36). The wide awareness people could give to a humanitarian problem themselves helps greatly. Not always does a celebrity speaking out, releasing their own opinion work in a way someone would think, such as founding a huge charity program but could still make huge change, shown with Hollywood star Jude Law, “Law’s attempt to negotiate… was not successful; but the mere fact that Jude Law tried… was discussed widely over the global internet, shows the expansion of celebrities” (Article 2 line 15).  With all of that people still believe that celebrities shouldn’t have a voice and be involved with such causes. They believe that celebrities are problematic as “For others, celebrity humanitarians are highly problematic figures who dilute debates, offer misguided policy proposals, and lack credibility and accountability” (Article 3 line 34). This shows a closed minded opinion on those as it is clearly false and one sided. Celebrities are not problematic figures and do not misguide any sort of issue as “celebrity humanitarians often play an important bridging role, introducing Northern publics to issues in the developing world” (Article 3 line 23). Celebrities do not make any matters worse, they instead greatly impact the world to a greater place. Look at Lance Armstrong, a celebrity that took a huge hit, losing a lot of popularity and accountability after facing allegations, however even after this was revealed the foundation he founded , “Livestrong” still lives on and is incredibly successful, “Livestrong does, however continue today, after cutting tied with Armstrong and undergoing a radical rebranding” (Article 4 line 21). Even after taking a huge hit and through the media’s eyes was seen as a bad person, his voice and his influence greatly helped those struggling.  

Not only do celebrities at current time aid with one single thing, they have been using their influence and star power on political, economic, and financial issues around the world. They’re influence benefits society so successfully. Also not just using their voices celebrities “following big names substantiate the idea that celebrities involvement brings massive amounts of attention and money” (Article 4 line 25). The influence they bring is very powerful bringing not only attention to a situation going on but helping it financially. Using their influence they also “use their star power to gain access to policy making circles to effect social and political change” (Article 3 line 25). Taking a negative turn from this, people believe celebrities and their star power use is just wrong, “his star power also distracts us from the people who do work in the field of humanitarian on a daily basis and rarely receive such recognition, and by concentrating attention and money… other causes and countries may go unnoticed” (Article 3 line 60). This isn’t true as celebrities make sure to have this while world be a better place for everyone. In Africa  people face many issues such as poverty. Celebrity star Bono has made it his goal to change this and help as much as possible, spreading worldwide recognition financially and economically to help Africa, “Bono participates in fundraising concerts like Live 8, and has co-founded several philanthropies, like the ONE campaign and Product (RED). He also created EDUN, a fashion brand that strives to stimulate trade in Africa” (Article 4 line 26).  Celebrities help this world remarkably well. Their influence, money, and fame helps society, people in need that struggle. Celebrities from the past, future, and present must use their voice and fame to make the world a better and happier place.