Bono is actually a name, and not an activity. Paul David Hewson, the lead singer and lyricist of the accomplished Irish rock group, U2, turned his talents, and his genius for publicity, to the international populist causes of the day. Soon he was organising benefit concerts for the woebegone inhabitants of this troubled world, consorting with presidents and kings and accumulating an assortment of titles and awards. Formally granted an honorary knighthood in March 2007 and thrice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, the former Time Person of the Year has been described by Paul Thoreau as a “mythomaniac” — a person who wishes “…to convince the world of (his) worth”. And the sociologist and political commentator, Muhammad Idrees Ahmad from the University of Strathclyde, has condemned Bono’s conduct as “…a grand orgy of narcissistic philanthropy”. full article by Rex Van Schalkwyk - Business Day
It baffles me that scholars will spend their time and knowledge to brand someone who uses his fame in prol of others. It seems that they all try to put Bono in his place: a mere rock star who should be limited to collecting fancy cars and properties (from) around the globe.
It baffles me that scholars will spend their time and knowledge to brand someone who uses his fame in prol of others. It seems that they all try to put Bono in his place: a mere rock star who should be limited to collecting fancy cars and properties (from) around the globe.
Perhaps all this criticism is admiration gone wrong. I firmly believe that these accomplished professionals wished they were as famous as Bono.
I understand skeptics sustain the idea that the Irish singer is used by large corporations to bring them more money. They, however, fail to see that U2's frontman is not a gullible human being.
We live in a capitalist world ruled by a few powerful people. Why not turn consumerism into something good by relocating money and prosperity to the less well-off? Why not make use of VIP connections to bring attention to ideas that will make these things possible?
Mr. Hewson has said celebrity is currency. He's got the strongest currency in this department for many years and this won't change because it is backed with honesty. Perhaps the problem lies in the fact that he's a honest man with millions to spare.
Ana Day
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