Ylliks

AC/DC’s frontman Brian Johnson states that other celebrities like Bono and Bob Geldof should do all their charity work in private in stead of using their well known status. I think he’s completely wrong here.

Whether you like it or not, we’re living in a world that seems to be obsessed with celebrities. Because of their fame, people like Bono can point to situations they feel strongly about and give them a well deserved podium. Whether they’re doing that because of their philanthropic spirit or wanting to grow their inflated ego shouldn’t really matter. Do you think the charities that receive the free publicity or money care? Or the people that are being helped?

I share his sentiments that when you visit a concert you want to have a good time and maybe not be reminded of all the things that are wrong in the world. He also has a point that you shouldn’t be told to give money to a certain cause if you really can’t afford it (although there are other ways to help charities). But you also have to realize that the artist might do this because of their dedication to a certain cause and if that’s genuine it’s part of who and what they are. And it’s those personal traits that reflect in their music, acting or any other talent that attracts you to them in the first place.

You shouldn’t have a problem with celebrities using their status to raise awareness for a certain cause. Neither should you if they do their charity work in private. As long as it helps you shouldn’t care. The people who are being helped because of it sure don’t.