Celebrities and the UN

It has become ALMOST popular culture. Celebrities are increasingly entering the realm of activism. While celebrities such as Bono and Angelina Jolie have taken most of the spotlight for their roles as Co-Founder of DATA (Product Red and ONE) and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, others such as Don Cheadle, in his role as Darfur activist, George Clooney, in the same role, and Brad Pitt with his environmental housing project in New Orleans, have also been making headlines. Most recently, George Clooney was named a UN "Messenger of Peace", a role he will take to help mediate the growing conflict in Nigeria.

A letter from militants in Nigeria shows fears that the escalating conflict could grow to be even worse than what is happening in Darfur.

The blending of celebrity with activist is an important step in the process of raising awareness. While they are often criticized for not doing enough, these celebrities are doing more than most to swing the tide of global degeneration. The fact that it is becoming popular culture means more to make average people aware of the world around them than does the traditional forms of activism. To reach the masses it must come from sources that the masses pay attention to.

The UN is making a bold and important step by associating itself with celebrities. It is averting its nation-to-nation role and entering the global-to-person arena. To do so it is using the celebrity avenue. Sports marketing companies have done this for years with great success. Nike, Reebok, and Adidas, have all made billions by garnering celebrity endorsement.

This video by the ONE organization (Bono's) depicts celebrities asking for the average persons help. It is a powerful message that creates a connection that people can share.



The importance of celebrity activism and popular culture is one that we can all share. You can buy a t-shirt that shows your favorite cause and parade it around for all to see, you can wear a rubber bracelet that has a few words of awareness, you can even post a video to YouTube that puts you alongside these celebrities in a medium that others can share in. The point is in order for awareness and activism to take the next step WE all need to do our part to make it hip and popular. WE need to help them to make it catch on. For it to become a movement WE need to participate.

If the UN can make the steps to start making activism cool, then we too can show others it is cool. It might come at us like a sales pitch, but don't be fooled by the criticism - It still needs to be sold. The world wont change when you purchase a t-shirt, but when you wear it around you open up the chance to change someones mind.

Join George, Brad, Angelina, Don and Bono and help make activism cool.