Celebrity Power
There are a select few individuals who stand out by virtue of aristocratic
breeding, talent, sheer luck or a blend of all three blessings.
All societies have this minute galaxy of stars whom the less colorful,
plodding masses regard with an awe bordering on idolatry. Indeed,
the inception of the wildly popular American Idol show and its hundreds
of clones around the world, supports the premise that celebrities
are modern day objects of worship in a very real sense. Scary as
that may sound, it is also this very fame that makes the celebrity
a powerful medium to affect massive social, political and economic
change through the wise application of name power.
Very few Ethiopians would know of the Boomtown Rats, a scruffy group
from the UK who rose to some measure of international acclaim in
the 1980’s. However, quite many of us would know about or
have at least heard of the band’s leader, one Bob Geldof,
the man behind the organization of Band Aid, the music industry’s
contribution to mitigate the 1985 Ethiopian famine. Ditto for U-2,
legendary British rockers, a group unknown in Ethiopia except among
few connossierrs.U-2 front man Bono has today become the most active
of activist celebrities and is a respected world figure as a fierce
opponent of unfair trade practices. The roster is long of international
celebrities who have or are pursuing goals larger than their respective
artistic professions and truly affecting for the better, hearts
and souls in their community, region and the world at large.
George Clooney’s work on relentlessly reminding the world
of the Darfur genocide,Richard Gere’s decades of work on Tibetan
isues, Princess Diana’s mission against anti-personnel mines;
these and other living and deceased celebrities have become greater
individuals of high humanistic value, far outstripping the merit
of their collected body of artistic work or royal stature.
Where do Ethiopian celebrities stand when contrasted against the
backdrop of increasing activism by celebrities throughout the world?
Currently, Ethiopia has produced some notable celebrities not only
in the domestic sphere but also at international level. There are
Ethiopians regarded as global superstars in professions ranging
from athletics to modeling. Our celebrities in performance art admittedly,
singers, musicians and stage/film actors; limited as they are by
socio-cultural constraints to a domestic and ‘diaspora’
fan base, nevertheless command a huge following as well as sizable
bank accounts.
It cannot be stated however, that enough Ethiopian celebrities have
committed themselves and their’ name recognition power’
to worthy humanitarian causes.
At this point, we applaud in earnest appreciation the few celebrities
that have managed to establish and sustain various charitable projects
such as orphanages, children’s villages, urban beautification
and on the war against HIV/AIDS. We also note the relatively few
corporate entities that have and continue to support their efforts.
That said, we call upon all of our distinguished celebrities who
grace our stages, screens, airwaves, catwalks and running tracks:
rise to the occasion and add immeasurable value to your professional
stature by engaging in a dedicated social cause. That is the legacy
that your adoring fans would rather remember you by long after the
notes have faded away.
|