Okay I'm very late to this party, but I'm surprised that no one has brought up relative privilege here. It might be embarrassing for an author based in Johannesburg or a reporter for an international fashion magazine to have her continent broadcast to the West as a "begging bowl", but a lot of the money being spent by celebrities in Africa is going to the poorest of the poor. There is a hierarchy of needs situation here, and if you're stuck in a refugee camp because of the genocide in Darfur or giving up your children because you can't feed them in Malawi, you probably aren't as immediately concerned with PR.
It seems like there are very legitimate arguments about the effectiveness of aid vs. trade vs. whatever the other options are, but they should be directed more at international organizations and governments providing aid. If the long-term impact of the IMF isn't benefitting member countries, then that needs to be addressed by the myriad policy analysts whose job it is to affect prolonged and eventually self-sustaining positive change in the region. But if a celebrity thoughtfully and in good faith tries to help where she can and use her celebrity to draw attention to a humanitarian crisis being overlooked by the West, it seems obnoxious to castigate them because it won't cure AIDS or end drought.
The article complains about the West seeing all of Africa as one huge depressing humanitarian crisis, but the responses seem to ignore the fact that the writers for and readers of Arise are likely the privileged few, especially if we're talking in terms of the entire continent of Africa. Honestly, this is not unlike hearing the editor of Food & Wine complain that talking about the lack of fresh produce in inner cities sullies America's rightful reputation as a wellspring of culinary innovation. #madonna
@yvanehtnioj: But Madonna isn't just 'drawing attention' to the situation. She is building a school, in which the condition of attention is that kids will learn a Kabbalah-influenced curriculum. Why attach that condition? #madonna
@DexterHaven: Well sure that's obnoxious, but it doesn't negate the benefit of building a school. And that isn't what the article was actually criticizing -- it seems to be criticizing the fact that she's drawing attention to the crisis. To wit: "When high profile celebrities get shown visiting disadvantaged areas in Africa and those images get beamed out to the rest of the world, I believe they almost do more damage than good .... We don't want to keep reinforcing the image of a helpless continent."
The complaint isn't that she's pushing Kabbalah in her school, it's that she's building it at all, or at least that she's doing so publicly.
" After spending some more time in Malawi, she seems to have shifted out of the idea that one raises awareness by adoption and horrific images of suffering, and has shifted to promoting projects and infrastructure."
Madonna hasn't "shifted" anything anywhere - her focus has always been both. Us in the fan community were aware of her intentions to build this school, and others, since before David joined her family and before I Am Because We Are came out. As usual, the media is selectively paying attention to what M is up to. #madonna
I sort of understand some of the complaints, especially if they ultimately conceal (rather than undo) the root of the problem, but these points bothered me.
"All this 'philanthropy' normally comes with strings and conditions, and it can actively undermine those looking for long term solutions to a problem." And this: "After all, imagine how scary a strong capitalist Africa would be." You're right, if it means another Iran or Iraq--as it was under Saddam Hussein--or another country ravaged by genocide or indifference of the government to a population by criminals or paramilitary groups, then damn right it'd be scary. If that's the possibility then I am unmoved by the case against anything that supposedly makes Africa "pliant" to these "conditions."
But then, I'm ignorant--what praytell, might these evil "conditions" be of aid be?
Nobody is satisfied. Either the U.S. isn't doing enough and is asking too much of the citizenry and the nations of all-but-failed states to help meet certain points of infrastructure or political stability--potable water, basic medical care, the recognition of violence by the international community, meeting some threshold of rule of law, whatever--or else, we're is to blame for infantilizing Africa out of misplaced self-importance through aid and "conditions."
The complaint against adopting children instead of helping relieve poverty is legitimate--is that the same idea that those two other statements above point to?
WHAT conditions? Why the hell SHOULDN'T we condition aid, so long as those as conditions are legitimate and related to long-term, sustainable progress and proper utilization of resources--i.e., in favor of legal protections for women at girls? It's a step in the right direction, even if the public doesn't comply immediately.
Is the complaint that we're just using band-aids, or handing Africa a fish instead of teaching it to feed itself? What would THAT involve, unless you can blame the West for all of Africa's problems--the violence, the lack of infrastructure, the misuse of resources, government corruption or sponsoring of bloodshed?
What do critics want, for the West the West to regard Africa as an equal--thus to regard them as warily as we SHOULD look at countries with corrupt leadership or glaring human rights abuses (no, that isn't to say the U.S. has a spotless record either, but I won't say as some of our trading partners)?
I must be missing something. What insidious force lies behind Western relations with the underdeveloped world here? #madonna
@maude_flanders: There are a lot of different factors at work here.
First of all, the blame for a lot of Africa's problems lies in colonialism. From poorly drawn borders to economies that were created to benefit the colonial power rather than the state itself, there are a lot of forces at work to justify "western guilt".
Secondly, there are a myriad of "conditions" that can be attached to foreign aid. From the simple "support us in the UN" to "import our goods and allow our companies into your country, no matter the cost to your people and your economy", there is a lot one country can do to bully the other, contingent on aid.
It comes down to power, and to soverignty. And foreign aid takes away from both of those. #madonna
@CherriSpryte: From the simple "support us in the UN" to "import our goods and allow our companies into your country, no matter the cost to your people and your economy", there is a lot one country can do to bully the other, contingent on aid.
@maude_flanders: One example of conditioned aid: many countries (the U.S. included, I'm pretty sure, but I could be wrong) require that the food aid they send to places like Africa come from their own farmers. So, instead of buying it in the country suffering from famine (when the problem is distribution and money, not supply), or from nearby countries that do have a surplus, and helping farmers there, they flood the market with aid rice from abroad. This means that prices often collapse, those farmers that do have something to sell can't get a fair price, and they end up joining the ranks of the starving as well.
That's just one example. There are many others. #madonna
@Duna: That's another thing I remember....the problem of our (subsidized) markets versus theirs, and their capacity to be a trading partner when flooded with our goods.
Sigh...should have read the original article.... #madonna
I like seeing celebs who champion a cause sitting with congress or working (really working) with a nationally recognized organization. This shows they are truly working towards a goal. I think setting up education or infrastructure programs also indicate the seriousness of their pledge because these are long term responsibilties. So yes there are those who will throw money at the problem pat themselves on the back and grab a starbucks. But, clearly, there are those who make a genuine effort and those efforts show. Keep in mind though these are celebs not healers of the world, nor gov't officals, or rulers of a major corporation and those are the people we ought to hold to a high standard of conduct and question their level of commitment. Lets not get distracted by the glitz. The real target are the gov't officials and the corporations/ corporate bigwigs. I'd rather be kept abreast of their actions not JolieMadonnaSimpsonStarlet. #madonna
@ZemarSea Urchin: I'm not a big fan of the Congress thing. I know Bono was able to get into a lot of offices because he is super, super famous, but I tend to think that regular people are better spokespeople than celebs. It puts more of a human face on the issue. I don't think any of them really have the pull or the political training to spearhead structural change.
I think for most celebs, money is the most useful thing they can give. I'd prefer that people with experience be working on the actual problem. #madonna
@clevernamehere: I'm also a little suspicious of celebrities going to Congress. There are quite a few that don't seem qualified to speak about the issues they are championing which I think is counterproductive- they are wasting everybody's time and they are turning people off. I remember several years ago a Backstreet Boy testified in front of Congress and some legislators boycotted the session. I can't say I really blame them. He didn't really seem to have any qualifications or insight and he took up time that an expert could have used to speak.
That being said, there are some very knowledgeable celebrities that really make a difference by testifying and telling their stories. #madonna
@clevernamehere: I couldn't agree more. Though I can see the argument for shedding light on specific issues that fail to gain media attention. Still I wonder if these celebs couldn't throw their weight around behind the scenes instead and just fund iniatives. Hard call to make. I know Richard Gere and Susan Saradon work for Amenisty International because they do the narration for the television spots and that seems okay to me. Also I kinda think they do more work on the ground level but it might be bias for Susan Saradon. #madonna
The Sub-Saharan African continent is unsuccessful. There is massive disease, poverty, and conflict. South Africa is the closest thing to an industrialized nation, but it is still rife with racism and oppression. The idea that this region can fix itself is myopic. Rather than thinking on the macro-level and arguing that adoption does not help the poverty, why not look to the benefit of micro-changes? I'm sure Mercy does not miss her dirt floor and bug invested living conditions, what's wrong with the idea that on micro-levels, the West can help improve life in Sub-Saharan Africa? #madonna
@browan04: Everywhere was disease-ridden, poverty stricken and conflict ridden at one point. Internal changes have moved most developed countries forward while external forces have worked to keep the developing world unsuccessful.
I think micro-changes are getting short changed in this post, but I don't think Africa is hopeless without the West. #madonna
@browan04: How you generalize! There are nations in Sub-Saharan Africa which have shown remarkable success in the wake of colonialism due to their peoples' initiative. Botswana comes to mind. And how quick you are to condemn South Africa for being "rife with racism and oppression," when that same language can be used to describe the United States, where there are, in fact, people living with a "dirt floor and bug invested [sic] living conditions." Hell, that last bit describes most of Manhattan. And perhaps not everyone has been raised to scream at the sight of a spider the way you and I have been or, for that matter, to view a dirt floor as a problem? Laura Ingalls Wilder didn't see it as that big a deal.
Of course micro changes are important. In fact, the micro loan programs are becoming increasingly visible as people succeed and better their circumstances through them. But this post rather talks about the kind of images we're seeing as a result of the celebrity involvement and whether or not they're damaging in a larger sense. Also important to consider. #madonna
For every celebrity seeking to do good, there are ten Western or Asian businessmen perfectly happy to enter an African nation, offer its government questionable terms to exploit its resources, and leave little if any positive impact on the country.
But I think there should be distinctions made when we talk about "aid." I see a school as an investment in education, in a generation of children for whom education offers promise. At least ideally. Teach a man to fish. To me this seems not like a "handout" but support with the power to fundamentally change lives. Am I being naive? #madonna
@JerseyGrrrl: The problem with building schools, in some regards at least, is that many of them are built with certain agendas. As several people below have pointed out, Madonna's school is going to have Kaballah principles built into the curriculum. That right there is a perfect example of neocolonialism. Who are white westerners to build schools to teach these children that our western education is the right way to learn? Sure, it's nice on the surface, but Madonna, for an easy example right here, is using her privilege as a wealthy, white, western woman to build a schools that holds true to a principle (religion) she believes is right, without it necessarily being right for the children. #madonna
@windupbird: I was wondering about this. This is why I say "ideally." You're right that historically schools built by Westerners have not only failed to allow students to learn their own history, but have actively demonized it while teaching Western culture and values. Disgusting that Madonna plans to continue this in some way. I wonder about Oprah's school: Is that an ideal? Has she kept agendas out and allowed local teachers to teach? I'm embarrassed to say I don't know much about it beyond the scandal years back. #madonna
@JerseyGrrrl: Oprah hasn't just opened the one school - she's built two others in more remote locations that are scheduled to open (have opened) this year. It is a process for her - not a donation.
Also, local teachers teach (some foreign teachers as well) and there is no agenda.
I see all these arguments as completely valid but it all ends the same- with me thinking "then what the hell can I do to help?"
And a question about labeling this "the White Man's Burden", is this an all inclusive terms for charity coming from a Westerner? Is charity from the African American celebrities viewed in the same way? #madonna
@librariesare4lovers: I will agree with the above answer but not with the "superiority" designation. I grew up in South Africa and I am biracial. My mother is Italian and my father is Eritrean and Cape Verdean.
I don't believe the western desire to help is rooted in the white, imperialistic view of post-colonial responsibility. At this point, I think it's the simple realization that they are lucky to have been born where they were. I don't think Africa is perceived to be a continent of beggars but one of such overwhelming complexity that it's hard to figure out where to start.
I commend people who do something for doing so knowing full well that they will be vilified either way. #madonna
Not to be a complete jerk, but I get the impression that Malwai orphanages are glorified day care centers rather than actual orphanages. Can someone enlighten me? #madonna
@Athenia: Its complicated. A fairly common situation is this: You have five children, and your situation somehow changes (failed harvest, death of an income-provider, etc), and now you can only afford to feed three children. instead of letting all 5 starve to death, you put 2 in an orphanage. Its not a "la de da the orphanage can watch my kids while I'm working" as much as the fact that the majority of society is working incredibly hard to scratch out a living, and the slightest setback can literally mean starvation. #madonna
I strongly disagree with the assertion that George Clooney bringing attention to Darfur is 'charitainment', and therefore unworthy. There is a genocide going on there, and very few people care. He is not simply throwing money at the problem, or adopting a child and leaving. He has visited the area many times, seems to be quite well spoken on the issue, and he is drawing attention to a part of the world that very few people care about. I understand that Africans do not want their continent to be seen as a charity case, and that there are other ways to fight poverty besides donating to madonna's charity. But the genocide in Darfur is different. The world needs to stand up and do something about it. It is not just Africa's problem, or just Sudan's problem. #madonna
@CherriSpryte: well, there are people who are doing good work in the area, and they should receive more funding and support: those who risk their lives to work with refugees who have ended up in other countries, for example. amnesty international developed a website that allows you track the effects of the janjaweed's 'scorched earth' policy using satellite footage. in addition, the perpetrators of the genocide are getting their weapons and money from somewhere, and that chain of supply should be intercepted. the world's leaders should put more pressure on sudanese leaders, including prosecution in the international criminal court. if there was a way to use an international military force to protect the victims, i would be in favor of that. but the UN basically has policies in place that prevent its soldiers from doing anything but standing around.
this is not a simple situation, and i don't have all the answers. but i don't think that dissing george clooney for bring attention to darfur is a reasonable use of anyone's time. #madonna
@CherriSpryte: I get your point, but there are some efforts that can be made.
The US still owes 50 million for the creation of the African Union security force we promised to help create. All other European nations have chipped in... The security force is obviously a complex creation, but at the very least it will be providing protection to the humanitarian works in the Sudan.
Throw our support behind the ICC's warrants on Sudanese leaders responsible for the genocide. Help the UN develop teeth so that Security Council resolution aren't just pieces of paper.
Continue to explore the sanctions/ incentive program endorsed by the EU and Pres. Obama.
None of these actions are necessarily going to end the conflict, but it is worth the attempt. And I want to keep Darfur in the media as much as possible-- if for no other reason than it may encourage people to go online and donate a few bucks to help the aid organizations whose members are risking their lives to try and mitigate the horror and suffering in that region. #madonna
@PrincessOfPower: Intercepting the supply chain means confronting China, and nobody's powerful enough to do that anymore. The US hasn't even ratified the Rome Statute - hell, we "unsigned" it - so calling on the ICC to do anything is something we're never going to do.
Aiding refugees and victims (while this should definitely be done, and increased), doesn't go near the root cause of the conflict, nor does it do anything to end it.
UN troops can't fire until they're fired upon. They are nearly useless.
I don't know how Darfur ends. Personally, I'd support a massive military intervention that completely destroys the perpetrators of genocide ..... then I look at Afghanistan and realize that we as a country suck at that. Darfur is heartbreaking, to be sure. Outside of aid, however, I don't know what "the world" can do.
Do people really write checks to WFP when Clooney shows up at a rally? Or do they feel good thinking that just by showing up, they're making a difference? #madonna
@CherriSpryte: I don't think we are really disagreeing here.
Aiding refugees and victims is an essential part of peacebuilding. In my mind, that action can't be separated from "root causes," whatever they are.
As to whether Clooney encourages people to support the WFP monetarily....who knows. He does draw attention to the issue, and that's important. You'll always have those right-wing blowhards who hate any celebrity that supports a liberal cause, but those aren't the kinds of people who would be likely to donate to the WFP, anyway.
Regarding rallies, I've always thought they do more for the people attending them than for anyone else. But people have to feel like they are making a difference, and sometimes there can be positive media coverage. #madonna
@PrincessOfPower: I don't think we are either. I just get frustrated by the "the world needs to do something!" as if there was a perfect solution that was only waiting for enough international attention. #madonna
This is a great post. I am wary of people (celebrity or not) who champion certain causes without understanding the root cause. Unfortunately, learning not what the problem is, but why the problem is and then trying to solve the why is hard, long, and fruitless work. Throwing money* at a problem is easy and it makes you feel better almost instantly. And I say this as a person who has done the latter many times.
*Not to say that giving to charity is bad, but it is important to do your homework so you know exactly what and where your contribution is going. #madonna
I realize that this isn't the gist of the post, but it very much bothers me when celebrities make foundations or organizations attached to religions or lifestyle restrictions. The idea of offering help only if you'll go to a Kabbalah (or whatever other religion) institution and adhere to their values sits wrong with me. It's too much like old imperialism and also brings to mind some very ugly local history between Native Americans and the religious settlers of the area where I live. It feels very "Educated worldly white woman swoops in to educate local savages on the errors of their ways and make them better through religion and westernization" to me. If you want to give aid, give aid, but don't attach a bunch of strings.
In other news, I kind of love Matt Damon. #madonna
@Little Miss Siouxsie: I'm guessing Madonna-style. What Jenna on 30 Rock described as " a wonderful religion that mixes the fun part of Judaism with magic!" #madonna
@vulcanized: Malawi is a former British colony, the educational system there is already 'westernized' based on the British model. This is the same across all former British colonies. To me your concern about Madonna's schools being westernized is besides the point.
All aid, loans, grants to African countries, businesses, or projects come with lots of strings attached. There are a just a lot more risks involved. I am curious as to your thoughts on the World Bank's suspension of the loan to Chad to build the Chad-Cameroon oil pipeline in 2006 when Chad decided not to not adhere to the strings attached. I think you will find yourself in the odd position of agreeing with Wolfowitz. #madonna
@sshacker: I think you misread me. Obviously, everything comes with strings (even microlending), but it bothers me when people put a religious requirement on aid. It also bothers me when people sweep in with religious institutions to "save" locals - it has a long and ugly history. Westernization is fine if that's what the people of that country want, but enforcing it through colonialism is not. I'm not saying Madonna is westernizing - I'm saying she reminds me of the people who did. My beef is with the Kabbalah aspect of the situation.
I'm not familiar enough with the Chad situation to make a comment. #madonna
@vulcanized: As the wonderful Marina Hyde says, when talking about the 'celebrification' of Kabbalah in her book Celebrity:
'Sure, a whole army of irate, eminent Jewish scholars and rabbis will quibble that the Kabbalah is in fact a centuries-old discipline of Judaism, one whose mysteries are so complex that Orthodox Jews may only begin contemplating them after years of dedicated study. In fact it's difficult to imagine a faith less suited to those fly-by-nights of the entertainment industry. Imagine those searchers' delight, then, when someone bowlderised it into a commercialised, non-denominational mysticism that even the star of 'Dude, Where's My Car?' can understand.'
Reminds me of the 7th Heaven episode where everybody asks what they can do about Darfur. The answer--look in the mirror and you'll know what to do, or something. And SamVid wires money to Africa through Western Union. Thanks a lot, Brenda Hampton. #madonna
Foreign aid - celebrities aside - is contentious as hell. A lot of development professionals have seen the failure of the past 40 years to substantially improve the standard of living in the global south, and are rethinking effective aid mechanisms. I don't think this means NGOs and foreign governments should stop giving aid, at all. I just think a massive restructuring of the decision-making process is desperately needed.
And to provide a bit of a counterpoint to Moyo's quote, there's a book called "Africa Works" that I've been reading for a class that puts forth, among other ideas, that African governments deliberately prey on Western colonial guilt to extract as much foreign aid as possible. (Note: I don't agree with this AT ALL, but its a theory)
This is an incredibly complicated topic, and I really don't know that celebrities help the matter at all. One school is great, Madonna, but the IMF isn't going to cancel Malawi's debt just because you've adopted some kids from there.
@CherriSpryte: That's an interesting theory. I looked for information on the book's author, but I can't find anything. His name doesn't reveal much about his heritage, but I'd put more stock in the theory if it were coming from an African. I think it's important to distinguish in many cases between a country and it's government; as we know to a much lesser degree from the past 8-year regime, a leader's actions often don't reflect the wishes of the people. I don't find it offensive to suggest corrupt leaders will stoop to horrid levels to secure funds, which they themselves use to further secure their power. Corruption in government is one of the biggest impediments to real improvement in the lives of those Africans who are struggling, based on the reading I do. If you haven't read "The Challenge for Africa," I recommend it since this interests you.
That said, I fully appreciate the point here about depictions of the continent. It is an excellent and important point. Though I wonder if the children receiving new books in Malawi care about the PR they're receiving in Massachusetts, the nature of the race dynamics are hard to miss. #madonna
@JerseyGrrrl: I think you've hit on the whole problem with the charity v. infrastructure issue. If people can't count on their governments, they turn to foreign aid. If this aid exists, the governments can then exploit it, or don't have incentive to build infrastructure. #madonna
@JerseyGrrrl: Yeah, the authors are French, and they don't cite where they came up with that, and believe me, I looked for it. I just wanted to illustrate that there are a ton of different ideas and explanations for the failure of aid in Africa. I do slightly disagree with that you have to be African to be able to speak with authority on the continent - though in this case I see where you're coming from.
In terms of corruption in Africa, I wonder where you draw the line between corruption and neopatrimonialism - which, in some cases, can be an effective system. Sort of.
I haven't read The Challenge for Africa, but I love Wangari Maathai, so I'll definitely pick that up - thanks! #madonna
@CherriSpryte: Oh I didn't mean to suggest that someone has to be African (or even have African heritage) to be able to speak about an issue. I mean, I'm a little Irish-American girl who one day realized there was a big gaping hole in her education and decided to do her best to fill it. The more I learn, the more I realize I don't know, and the cycle continues. It's despicable how little we Americans are taught about non-European-American continents and their history. That's another issue.
I just thought that the theory is pretty damning and charged, and so I was curious to know who was putting it forward and what experiences that person was basing it on. I also feel like a person has a unique understanding of her own culture and nation that even the most educated and observant of outsiders can't always match it. #madonna
I definitely think a lot of criticism of international aid and Madonna's particular brand of celebrity activism is well placed. However I think that the line between commerce-driven and "charitable" aid is not always that clear when we are talking about development. Schools aren't charity, and they are a necessary building block to locally-led development.
In terms of what celebrity activism does to the public international image of Africa as a begging bowl, I think the white savior-themed movies Hollywood, led by the celebrity activists, keeps making, are doing more damage than the charity works, which probably really differ one to another in terms of effectiveness. #madonna
@J.D.Regent: Good point - think about "The Constant Gardener" or "Blood Diamonds" - it's always white people coming to save Africans from the effects of (white) colonialism. I'd love to see a movie set in Africa with positive portrayals of social progress, that involved no white people.
"The No. 1 Woman's Detective Agency" is a good start. #madonna
@ceilidh: Those were the exact two I was thinking of, plus The Last King of Scotland. There are some great African movies of late you can watch, though I don't know how easy they are to find near wherever you live. From South Africa I have really enjoyed Tsotsi and Jerusalema just off the top of my head. I would love to see some of these actors stick with what they know and help distribute African films to a wider audience, growing the local film industry and working on both the "image" and economic development of their region of interest. #madonna
@ceilidh: To be fair, "Blood Diamond" did address this a little with DiCaprio's character's criticism of the American reporter. But yeah, you're right. #madonna
@J.D.Regent: That would actually be a brilliant - and appropriate - celebrity outlet. If a group of actors/directors got together to create a production company that would make and promote African films, that could bring real (sustainable) revenue to the region. #madonna
@SUNNY1: I know, it's like sometimes they even pay lip service to the idea, but in the end it is still a movie about white people, often non-African, moving forward a story set in Africa that treats Africans themselves like setpieces. #madonna
@J.D.Regent: I think they're afraid that non-white people don't sell out boxoffices. I guess bringing in non-African black actors - like Don Cheadle in Hotel Rwanda - is a kind of compromise. #madonna
@ceilidh: that is totally what they think. I just think that if we are really interested in commerce vs. aid then someone might have to agree to take the "charity" cut on the front end of their paycheck instead of getting props for giving charity out after the already make bank off of borderline or clear exploitation of African-based storylines...you know, share the wealth and all. I also think that people don't try very hard to market films in different ways. #madonna
@sshacker: it's true, Nigeria is a booming film capital and there are great (and of course, not-great) films being made all over. I'm not at all suggesting that any country in Africa needs American film stars to show them how to make films, just to increase investment and distribution. #madonna
I am generally not a fan of celeb activism. It isn't just that they focus on the problems rather than the victories, they often don't seem to even understand why they are there.
While the photos can raise money, frequently I am disgusted by how out of touch they are. My favorite was the B-list actor who said Sierra Leone was an awesome country, totally skipping over the charity that brought him there.
Another favorite was Ashton and Demi's anti-slavery video where Ashlee Simpson pledged to be a good mom and others pledged to stop using disposable water bottles. At the end of the video, I had no idea what Ashton and Demi were against- human trafficking maybe? slavery can mean a lot of things - but I knew specific celebs wanted praise for not being assholes. I would have been much more impressed if Ashton and Demi had announced they were personally funding a clinic, school, or food bank in an under served area.
I'm all for celebs raising money through personal donations and actual fundraisers, but I think charities vastly overestimate the help your average celeb can give. They're not all Angelina and Oprah. I've noticed people starting to thinking that working in international development means a lot of international travel, not actual work. #madonna
@clevernamehere: I'm just wondering about the celebrity who said Sierra Leone was awesome. It seems to me that from the perspective of those who see the constant framing of all kinds of issues in Africa in terms of deprivation and victimhood might prefer "it's awesome here" to "people are poor and need help here." No? I could be wrong. #madonna
@J.D.Regent: I honestly can't remember who said it. It was someone who I didn't really know and it was part of a one page piece in People a few months ago. It was someone young and male who does action movies. Someone Channing Tatum like, but not him (I think).
I do think that "it's awesome" is better from an anti-victimization standpoint, but some charity paid for that trip and wanted press. He could have said, "I visited an amazing school for child soldiers run by NGO XYZ in Sierra Leone. The whole organization was inspirational and I'm trying to raise funds for them to expand their work."
But he didn't even give them their damn plug! Its not like Americans are going to start vacationing in Sierra Leone any time soon. Its possible that he is just a bad interviewee, but I think its more likely he just doesn't get it. #madonna
@clevernamehere: Just to add another anecdote, Paris Hilton visited a children's hospital and she made promises to the staff and patients to help raise funds and awareness to help the hospital. She told the media that she was organizing a benefit concert for the hospital. Then she never did it and she never went back. Not only were the children (many of who were very sick) really upset that she never came back, but the hospital was largely dependent on donations and after Paris went around telling everybody who would listen that she was fundraising for the them, the donations dried up. People read her comments and thought, "they have celebrities raising money for them, so they don't need any more money; I'm going to donate my money elsewhere."
10/29/09
It seems like there are very legitimate arguments about the effectiveness of aid vs. trade vs. whatever the other options are, but they should be directed more at international organizations and governments providing aid. If the long-term impact of the IMF isn't benefitting member countries, then that needs to be addressed by the myriad policy analysts whose job it is to affect prolonged and eventually self-sustaining positive change in the region. But if a celebrity thoughtfully and in good faith tries to help where she can and use her celebrity to draw attention to a humanitarian crisis being overlooked by the West, it seems obnoxious to castigate them because it won't cure AIDS or end drought.
The article complains about the West seeing all of Africa as one huge depressing humanitarian crisis, but the responses seem to ignore the fact that the writers for and readers of Arise are likely the privileged few, especially if we're talking in terms of the entire continent of Africa. Honestly, this is not unlike hearing the editor of Food & Wine complain that talking about the lack of fresh produce in inner cities sullies America's rightful reputation as a wellspring of culinary innovation. #madonna
10/29/09
10/29/09
The complaint isn't that she's pushing Kabbalah in her school, it's that she's building it at all, or at least that she's doing so publicly.
10/28/09
Madonna hasn't "shifted" anything anywhere - her focus has always been both. Us in the fan community were aware of her intentions to build this school, and others, since before David joined her family and before I Am Because We Are came out. As usual, the media is selectively paying attention to what M is up to. #madonna
10/28/09
A) Promoting herself
B) Kicking a man in the balls because she's an evil shrew
You shut your whore mouth!
(This was all said in sarcasm) #madonna
10/29/09
10/28/09
"All this 'philanthropy' normally comes with strings and conditions, and it can actively undermine those looking for long term solutions to a problem." And this: "After all, imagine how scary a strong capitalist Africa would be." You're right, if it means another Iran or Iraq--as it was under Saddam Hussein--or another country ravaged by genocide or indifference of the government to a population by criminals or paramilitary groups, then damn right it'd be scary. If that's the possibility then I am unmoved by the case against anything that supposedly makes Africa "pliant" to these "conditions."
But then, I'm ignorant--what praytell, might these evil "conditions" be of aid be?
Nobody is satisfied. Either the U.S. isn't doing enough and is asking too much of the citizenry and the nations of all-but-failed states to help meet certain points of infrastructure or political stability--potable water, basic medical care, the recognition of violence by the international community, meeting some threshold of rule of law, whatever--or else, we're is to blame for infantilizing Africa out of misplaced self-importance through aid and "conditions."
The complaint against adopting children instead of helping relieve poverty is legitimate--is that the same idea that those two other statements above point to?
WHAT conditions? Why the hell SHOULDN'T we condition aid, so long as those as conditions are legitimate and related to long-term, sustainable progress and proper utilization of resources--i.e., in favor of legal protections for women at girls? It's a step in the right direction, even if the public doesn't comply immediately.
Is the complaint that we're just using band-aids, or handing Africa a fish instead of teaching it to feed itself? What would THAT involve, unless you can blame the West for all of Africa's problems--the violence, the lack of infrastructure, the misuse of resources, government corruption or sponsoring of bloodshed?
What do critics want, for the West the West to regard Africa as an equal--thus to regard them as warily as we SHOULD look at countries with corrupt leadership or glaring human rights abuses (no, that isn't to say the U.S. has a spotless record either, but I won't say as some of our trading partners)?
I must be missing something. What insidious force lies behind Western relations with the underdeveloped world here? #madonna
10/28/09
First of all, the blame for a lot of Africa's problems lies in colonialism. From poorly drawn borders to economies that were created to benefit the colonial power rather than the state itself, there are a lot of forces at work to justify "western guilt".
Secondly, there are a myriad of "conditions" that can be attached to foreign aid. From the simple "support us in the UN" to "import our goods and allow our companies into your country, no matter the cost to your people and your economy", there is a lot one country can do to bully the other, contingent on aid.
It comes down to power, and to soverignty. And foreign aid takes away from both of those. #madonna
10/28/09
That is a fair complaint. #madonna
10/28/09
10/28/09
10/28/09
That's just one example. There are many others. #madonna
10/28/09
Sigh...should have read the original article.... #madonna
10/28/09
10/28/09
I think for most celebs, money is the most useful thing they can give. I'd prefer that people with experience be working on the actual problem. #madonna
10/28/09
That being said, there are some very knowledgeable celebrities that really make a difference by testifying and telling their stories. #madonna
10/29/09
10/28/09
10/28/09
I think micro-changes are getting short changed in this post, but I don't think Africa is hopeless without the West. #madonna
10/28/09
Of course micro changes are important. In fact, the micro loan programs are becoming increasingly visible as people succeed and better their circumstances through them. But this post rather talks about the kind of images we're seeing as a result of the celebrity involvement and whether or not they're damaging in a larger sense. Also important to consider. #madonna
10/28/09
But I think there should be distinctions made when we talk about "aid." I see a school as an investment in education, in a generation of children for whom education offers promise. At least ideally. Teach a man to fish. To me this seems not like a "handout" but support with the power to fundamentally change lives. Am I being naive? #madonna
10/28/09
10/28/09
10/28/09
Also, local teachers teach (some foreign teachers as well) and there is no agenda.
:) #madonna
10/28/09
10/28/09
And a question about labeling this "the White Man's Burden", is this an all inclusive terms for charity coming from a Westerner? Is charity from the African American celebrities viewed in the same way? #madonna
10/28/09
I don't believe the western desire to help is rooted in the white, imperialistic view of post-colonial responsibility. At this point, I think it's the simple realization that they are lucky to have been born where they were. I don't think Africa is perceived to be a continent of beggars but one of such overwhelming complexity that it's hard to figure out where to start.
I commend people who do something for doing so knowing full well that they will be vilified either way. #madonna
10/28/09
10/28/09
10/28/09
10/28/09
10/28/09
10/28/09
this is not a simple situation, and i don't have all the answers. but i don't think that dissing george clooney for bring attention to darfur is a reasonable use of anyone's time. #madonna
10/28/09
The US still owes 50 million for the creation of the African Union security force we promised to help create. All other European nations have chipped in... The security force is obviously a complex creation, but at the very least it will be providing protection to the humanitarian works in the Sudan.
Throw our support behind the ICC's warrants on Sudanese leaders responsible for the genocide. Help the UN develop teeth so that Security Council resolution aren't just pieces of paper.
Continue to explore the sanctions/ incentive program endorsed by the EU and Pres. Obama.
None of these actions are necessarily going to end the conflict, but it is worth the attempt. And I want to keep Darfur in the media as much as possible-- if for no other reason than it may encourage people to go online and donate a few bucks to help the aid organizations whose members are risking their lives to try and mitigate the horror and suffering in that region. #madonna
10/28/09
Aiding refugees and victims (while this should definitely be done, and increased), doesn't go near the root cause of the conflict, nor does it do anything to end it.
UN troops can't fire until they're fired upon. They are nearly useless.
I don't know how Darfur ends. Personally, I'd support a massive military intervention that completely destroys the perpetrators of genocide ..... then I look at Afghanistan and realize that we as a country suck at that. Darfur is heartbreaking, to be sure. Outside of aid, however, I don't know what "the world" can do.
Do people really write checks to WFP when Clooney shows up at a rally? Or do they feel good thinking that just by showing up, they're making a difference? #madonna
10/28/09
Aiding refugees and victims is an essential part of peacebuilding. In my mind, that action can't be separated from "root causes," whatever they are.
As to whether Clooney encourages people to support the WFP monetarily....who knows. He does draw attention to the issue, and that's important. You'll always have those right-wing blowhards who hate any celebrity that supports a liberal cause, but those aren't the kinds of people who would be likely to donate to the WFP, anyway.
Regarding rallies, I've always thought they do more for the people attending them than for anyone else. But people have to feel like they are making a difference, and sometimes there can be positive media coverage. #madonna
10/28/09
10/28/09
*Not to say that giving to charity is bad, but it is important to do your homework so you know exactly what and where your contribution is going. #madonna
10/28/09
In other news, I kind of love Matt Damon. #madonna
10/28/09
10/28/09
10/28/09
10/28/09
All aid, loans, grants to African countries, businesses, or projects come with lots of strings attached. There are a just a lot more risks involved. I am curious as to your thoughts on the World Bank's suspension of the loan to Chad to build the Chad-Cameroon oil pipeline in 2006 when Chad decided not to not adhere to the strings attached. I think you will find yourself in the odd position of agreeing with Wolfowitz. #madonna
10/28/09
I'm not familiar enough with the Chad situation to make a comment. #madonna
10/28/09
'Sure, a whole army of irate, eminent Jewish scholars and rabbis will quibble that the Kabbalah is in fact a centuries-old discipline of Judaism, one whose mysteries are so complex that Orthodox Jews may only begin contemplating them after years of dedicated study. In fact it's difficult to imagine a faith less suited to those fly-by-nights of the entertainment industry. Imagine those searchers' delight, then, when someone bowlderised it into a commercialised, non-denominational mysticism that even the star of 'Dude, Where's My Car?' can understand.'
10/28/09
10/28/09
Foreign aid - celebrities aside - is contentious as hell. A lot of development professionals have seen the failure of the past 40 years to substantially improve the standard of living in the global south, and are rethinking effective aid mechanisms. I don't think this means NGOs and foreign governments should stop giving aid, at all. I just think a massive restructuring of the decision-making process is desperately needed.
And to provide a bit of a counterpoint to Moyo's quote, there's a book called "Africa Works" that I've been reading for a class that puts forth, among other ideas, that African governments deliberately prey on Western colonial guilt to extract as much foreign aid as possible. (Note: I don't agree with this AT ALL, but its a theory)
This is an incredibly complicated topic, and I really don't know that celebrities help the matter at all. One school is great, Madonna, but the IMF isn't going to cancel Malawi's debt just because you've adopted some kids from there.
10/28/09
That said, I fully appreciate the point here about depictions of the continent. It is an excellent and important point. Though I wonder if the children receiving new books in Malawi care about the PR they're receiving in Massachusetts, the nature of the race dynamics are hard to miss. #madonna
10/28/09
10/28/09
In terms of corruption in Africa, I wonder where you draw the line between corruption and neopatrimonialism - which, in some cases, can be an effective system. Sort of.
I haven't read The Challenge for Africa, but I love Wangari Maathai, so I'll definitely pick that up - thanks! #madonna
10/28/09
I just thought that the theory is pretty damning and charged, and so I was curious to know who was putting it forward and what experiences that person was basing it on. I also feel like a person has a unique understanding of her own culture and nation that even the most educated and observant of outsiders can't always match it. #madonna
10/28/09
In terms of what celebrity activism does to the public international image of Africa as a begging bowl, I think the white savior-themed movies Hollywood, led by the celebrity activists, keeps making, are doing more damage than the charity works, which probably really differ one to another in terms of effectiveness. #madonna
10/28/09
"The No. 1 Woman's Detective Agency" is a good start. #madonna
10/28/09
10/28/09
10/28/09
10/28/09
10/28/09
10/28/09
10/28/09
10/28/09
10/28/09
While the photos can raise money, frequently I am disgusted by how out of touch they are. My favorite was the B-list actor who said Sierra Leone was an awesome country, totally skipping over the charity that brought him there.
Another favorite was Ashton and Demi's anti-slavery video where Ashlee Simpson pledged to be a good mom and others pledged to stop using disposable water bottles. At the end of the video, I had no idea what Ashton and Demi were against- human trafficking maybe? slavery can mean a lot of things - but I knew specific celebs wanted praise for not being assholes. I would have been much more impressed if Ashton and Demi had announced they were personally funding a clinic, school, or food bank in an under served area.
I'm all for celebs raising money through personal donations and actual fundraisers, but I think charities vastly overestimate the help your average celeb can give. They're not all Angelina and Oprah. I've noticed people starting to thinking that working in international development means a lot of international travel, not actual work. #madonna
10/28/09
10/28/09
I do think that "it's awesome" is better from an anti-victimization standpoint, but some charity paid for that trip and wanted press. He could have said, "I visited an amazing school for child soldiers run by NGO XYZ in Sierra Leone. The whole organization was inspirational and I'm trying to raise funds for them to expand their work."
But he didn't even give them their damn plug! Its not like Americans are going to start vacationing in Sierra Leone any time soon. Its possible that he is just a bad interviewee, but I think its more likely he just doesn't get it. #madonna
10/28/09