Celebs causes – sincere or shameless promotion?
Watching the Golden Globes last night and hearing all the references to Haiti made several questions come to mind. Were they really “sad” to be there chugging champagne and getting awards? Did they really (like director Lee Daniels of Precious) think their work was suddenly ‘unimportant’? Or were most of them spewing talking points from their publicists so they didn’t look selfish in the light of a disaster?
When stars become committed to helping after a disaster like the earthquake in Haiti it’s hard to determine if it’s really selfless or a combination of self-promotion and a herding mentality that says “wow if I don’t donate/volunteer like everyone else I’ll look like a jerk”
This is an example of why non-profit work has to be consistent and persistent on the part of a company or person in order to be viewed as honest, not shameless self-promotion. Nobody questions George Clooney’s motives – remember when he took his dad to Darfur and helped raise awareness. Brad and Angelina have been working on non-profit endeavors for years. It only seems natural they would turn their attention to such an acute, horrific situation. The same goes for any celebrities who have consistently tried to raise awareness for good causes.
But come on, when Lindsay Lohan starts tweeting that she’s calling the State Department hourly, I call b*%$sh*&.
Look, charitable work contributes to the goodwill of any company or personal brand as well as the actual charity. There’s nothing wrong with focusing on a ‘double bottom line’ but don’t just do it a) because you think you’ll be left out if you don’t or b) because you see an opportunity for the limelight. The consumer will know the difference. We’re not dumb.
For a list of ways you can help the people of Haiti, visit abcnews.com.
Would love to hear who YOU think is sincere, or just a shameless self-promoter. Leave a comment!
Tags: Angelina and Brad, Darfur, disasters, George Clooney, Haiti, Lindsay Lohan, shameless promotion
January 19th, 2010 at 7:43 am
I like your articles and views. I will reflect on this issue.
January 29th, 2010 at 9:54 am
Yes, you’re totally right ! This is just a money machin and the whining about the earthquakes raises the money the get.
January 31st, 2010 at 6:15 pm
We are not idiot, a lot are doing it only for communication but sincere or not, they really give money to charity’s. So that’s good for every one
January 31st, 2010 at 6:38 pm
you’re right…whatever the motive the money is probably what’s important!
February 12th, 2010 at 10:00 am
In answer to your headline: shameless promotion. As much as I respect the work of Sean Penn for example, it made me shudder to see the news of him visiting Haiti in the days after the quake to “see for himself” the devastating effects. Um, why? Planes are having trouble getting in to bring aid and Sean Penn decides to fly in on his private jet or helicopter of whatever to take a look around in his thousand dollar sunglasses? Please. He should have sent his plane full of firefighters, food and medical aid instead.
February 12th, 2010 at 6:42 pm
I’m with you on the sean penn thing. At least travolta brought supplies and doctors on his plane!
February 17th, 2010 at 5:24 pm
I’d like to hope some are genuine in their comments and actions although many, I believe, are not. As soon as one celebrity mentions it at the Golden Globes, or in an interview, I’m sure the rest feel they have to as well in fear that they will look uncaring. At the end of the day though as long as they are giving their money and encouraging others too as well we should let them have their PR boost.
May 8th, 2010 at 5:32 am
I prefer celebrities doing charitable activities behind the cameras. It sounds sincere when it goes that way.
I can’t stop myself from thinking that these people are simple hypocrite when they publicize their charitable works on tv.