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Bono shows a celebrity can make change in world
Commentary by Ron Wynn
While many people regardless of politics have grown weary of hearing self-styled ?celebrities? offering their opinions on issues, no one can question either the sincerity or the effectiveness of U2?s Bono.
Indeed, Bono?s campaigning on behalf of debt relief for African nations has been so persuasive he?s swayed the likes of longtime arch-conservative Jesse Helms, who publicly praised Bono?s efforts during his final term in Congress. Bono hasn?t done this with slogans or rhetoric, but through tireless research and hardcore grassroots organizing and lobbying.
Now, he?s pushing ahead with another overdue initiative. The latest issue of the Hollywood Reporter unveils Bono?s newest plan. He?s teaming with musician/promoter Bob Geldof to create DATA (Debt, Aids, Trade in Africa). He sees these three concerns as the most critical currently affecting various African nations, and he?s also smart enough to couch his appeals in language that links his activities to other issues many might think aren?t related to improving conditions in Africa.
?I think we can actually stymie the malaise of anti-American, anti-Western hatred if we actually get out and show what it is [the West is] capable of,? Bono told the magazine. He also debunked the notion that he?s one more do-gooder or guilt-ridden white liberal, saying, ?It?s not just let?s help the poor people. At the heart of this is, do we really believe in equality and equal opportunity??
Bono?s reminiscent in some ways of such past great musician/writers like Curtis Mayfield, Bob Marley, John Lennon and Fela Kuti, although regrettably his music hasn?t gotten the kind of exposure it deserves on urban and black radio stations due to format rigidity and creative timidity. Indeed, one of the great byproducts of Bono?s continuing involvement in African politics has been the discovery by some R&B, blues and soul fans of past U2 treasures like Joshua Tree, Rattle & Hum or Pop, in which the group demonstrates a love and knowledge of classic soul, vintage R&B and gospel right alongside the hard-edged rock licks and riffs. Bono?s even been able to maintain his worldwide popularity as a commercial performer without compromising or moderating his political positions, something many artists aren?t even willing to try, let alone successfully execute.
Sadly, not everything Bono?s tried in the last few years has succeeded. A planned AIDS benefit concert in Cape Town, South Africa, was canceled after the promoters encountered problems with both broadcast rights and sponsorship. Also, a planned collaborative tribute song to Nelson Mandela, ?48864,? is now in limbo due to the death of onetime Clash great Joe Strummer. Strummer, Bono and the Eurythmics? Dave Stewart had been working on the tune, which was named after the prison ID number Mandela had during his years in prison under the various apartheid regimes.
Bono doesn?t tout his intellectual or moral superiority over anyone in his appeals, and he smartly separates U2?s group ventures from his personal activities. But he?s making a significant difference as an advocate for issues and ideas that seldom get the space or publicity in major publications or on television and radio that they deserve. His example serves as both an inspiration for many other artists and to those individuals who don?t believe that the arts can play a key role in changing society for the better.
Ron Wynn is a City Paper staff writer.
Copyright 2003 The City Paper,LLC
Bono shows a celebrity can make change in world
Commentary by Ron Wynn
While many people regardless of politics have grown weary of hearing self-styled ?celebrities? offering their opinions on issues, no one can question either the sincerity or the effectiveness of U2?s Bono.
Indeed, Bono?s campaigning on behalf of debt relief for African nations has been so persuasive he?s swayed the likes of longtime arch-conservative Jesse Helms, who publicly praised Bono?s efforts during his final term in Congress. Bono hasn?t done this with slogans or rhetoric, but through tireless research and hardcore grassroots organizing and lobbying.
Now, he?s pushing ahead with another overdue initiative. The latest issue of the Hollywood Reporter unveils Bono?s newest plan. He?s teaming with musician/promoter Bob Geldof to create DATA (Debt, Aids, Trade in Africa). He sees these three concerns as the most critical currently affecting various African nations, and he?s also smart enough to couch his appeals in language that links his activities to other issues many might think aren?t related to improving conditions in Africa.
?I think we can actually stymie the malaise of anti-American, anti-Western hatred if we actually get out and show what it is [the West is] capable of,? Bono told the magazine. He also debunked the notion that he?s one more do-gooder or guilt-ridden white liberal, saying, ?It?s not just let?s help the poor people. At the heart of this is, do we really believe in equality and equal opportunity??
Bono?s reminiscent in some ways of such past great musician/writers like Curtis Mayfield, Bob Marley, John Lennon and Fela Kuti, although regrettably his music hasn?t gotten the kind of exposure it deserves on urban and black radio stations due to format rigidity and creative timidity. Indeed, one of the great byproducts of Bono?s continuing involvement in African politics has been the discovery by some R&B, blues and soul fans of past U2 treasures like Joshua Tree, Rattle & Hum or Pop, in which the group demonstrates a love and knowledge of classic soul, vintage R&B and gospel right alongside the hard-edged rock licks and riffs. Bono?s even been able to maintain his worldwide popularity as a commercial performer without compromising or moderating his political positions, something many artists aren?t even willing to try, let alone successfully execute.
Sadly, not everything Bono?s tried in the last few years has succeeded. A planned AIDS benefit concert in Cape Town, South Africa, was canceled after the promoters encountered problems with both broadcast rights and sponsorship. Also, a planned collaborative tribute song to Nelson Mandela, ?48864,? is now in limbo due to the death of onetime Clash great Joe Strummer. Strummer, Bono and the Eurythmics? Dave Stewart had been working on the tune, which was named after the prison ID number Mandela had during his years in prison under the various apartheid regimes.
Bono doesn?t tout his intellectual or moral superiority over anyone in his appeals, and he smartly separates U2?s group ventures from his personal activities. But he?s making a significant difference as an advocate for issues and ideas that seldom get the space or publicity in major publications or on television and radio that they deserve. His example serves as both an inspiration for many other artists and to those individuals who don?t believe that the arts can play a key role in changing society for the better.
Ron Wynn is a City Paper staff writer.
Copyright 2003 The City Paper,LLC
