Celebrity Humanitarianism: Another Side of the Coin
One of the most controversial issues in celebrity culture today is that of celebrities engaging with humanitarian issues. Professor of Political Communications, Wheeler (2012), is of the view that the rising phenomenon of celebrity humanitarianism can have a lot of positive effects on society. Celebrities can use their star status and powerful public presence ‘to make the world a better place’ (Rojek, 2012, p.67).
Celebrity commitment in charitable activities can have an environmental, social and political effect on society. For instance, many Hollywood environmentalists like Robert Redford, Leonardo DiCaprio and George Clooney have started nonprofit organizations, advocated for animal rights and funded campaigns. Green-minded celebrities can inspire millions of people to adopt a more environmentally friendly lifestyle by raising the issue of global warming or the importance of wilderness preservation.
Moreover, celebrity humanitarians …show more content…
He believes that the public attention is distracted from other serious social and economic issues. This is due to the fact that celebrity humanitarians use media attention to promote specific charities, thus other less glamorous causes are ignored. Rojek (2012), has also questioned celebrity involvement in charities, such as Greenpeace and UNICEF. He holds the view that celebrity participation in philanthropic aid programmes is actually a media marketing strategy to promote and extend celebrity endorsements. So, in order for celebrities to enhance their public image they demonstrate charity work. The masses will always favor stars who contribute relentlessly to charities and organisations because they look compassionate and
One of the most controversial issues in celebrity culture today is that of celebrities engaging with humanitarian issues. Professor of Political Communications, Wheeler (2012), is of the view that the rising phenomenon of celebrity humanitarianism can have a lot of positive effects on society. Celebrities can use their star status and powerful public presence ‘to make the world a better place’ (Rojek, 2012, p.67).
Celebrity commitment in charitable activities can have an environmental, social and political effect on society. For instance, many Hollywood environmentalists like Robert Redford, Leonardo DiCaprio and George Clooney have started nonprofit organizations, advocated for animal rights and funded campaigns. Green-minded celebrities can inspire millions of people to adopt a more environmentally friendly lifestyle by raising the issue of global warming or the importance of wilderness preservation.
Moreover, celebrity humanitarians …show more content…
He believes that the public attention is distracted from other serious social and economic issues. This is due to the fact that celebrity humanitarians use media attention to promote specific charities, thus other less glamorous causes are ignored. Rojek (2012), has also questioned celebrity involvement in charities, such as Greenpeace and UNICEF. He holds the view that celebrity participation in philanthropic aid programmes is actually a media marketing strategy to promote and extend celebrity endorsements. So, in order for celebrities to enhance their public image they demonstrate charity work. The masses will always favor stars who contribute relentlessly to charities and organisations because they look compassionate and