Why do you think there is a sudden surge of interest in Africa?

Question

Is it me or does it seem that almost every A-List (read "white") Celebrity has a sudden, almost zealous, interest in helping Blacks in Africa but there's still NO interest in helping their countrymen - Black or White. Could be just me, right?

Answer 1

It is a hard fact to understand, but the poorest amongst us are richer than others living in far off lands.

Water, a simple glass of water, is often out of reach in parts of Africa and other parts of the world. What makes matters even worse, is that many nations, like those on the African continent, have tremendous resources that could, and should, be developed for the betterment of every African citizen.

Even if celebrities are exploiting the situation, which many are not, attention is being focused on the dream of a great man - Nelson Mandella.

Answer 2

We discussed this in another post too. Whatever happened to "Charity begins at home." I do think that more developed countries should help the others and that the wealthy should help the more, but what often seems happen is that while the charitable are shipping sacks of rice and bales of clothing to an poor country that is often the cue for that country's government to stop worrying about it's poorer citizens because someone else has stepped in.

As for the United States specifically... I'll say it again... she needs to sweep off her own doorstep before she goes stirring dust on someone else's... and by that I mean we have people living on the street here too. Perhaps not on the scale of other countries... and perhaps it is not publicized here because the charitable set would rather not sully their white gloves so close to home.

As for Angelina and her crusade... even if it's just partially for the greater good and not just for publicity at least it will raise awareness... but her lips are just scary!

Answer 3

I sense that you feel that there is some kind of racial undertone in celebrity stardom.To say that every white celebrity is interested in Africa also has a slight racial undertone on your part. Lets assume that every white celebrity (although in reality it is just a mass media coverage of Brangelina) has a world view of a global human brotherhood without borders. Now lets see who is truely in need. Statistics show that if you have a car in your driveway, even if you don't own it, and any spare change in your pocket, then you are among the top 8% of the worlds wealthiest people. With that perspective, even the "poor" of the west are not needy in comparison. So the assumption is that these stars are simply focusing their attentions to where they feel the most need is.

Answer 4

In my opinion, the surge of interest in Africa comes from three different directions..The first direction is the publicity celebrities receive to promote their own interests,However, deep down some celebrities have the true desire to help those in need .Its like giving back to a society in need.
The second direction taken is the recent speculation that Africa as become a haven for terrorist groups and a source of money laundering for these groups.It stands to reason that these terrorist groups have the financial means to provide the necessities of life these poor people do not have available to them.Many people will do unscrupulous things to provide for hte needs of their familiies.If the plight of these people are publicly exposed (with the help of celebrities) these needs can be meet and the terrorist groups aid will be cut off.
Thirdly, celebrities need to be kept in the public eye to promote thier careers and projects...To some, what better way to do just that and booster their own go.

Answer 5

I know people are trying to help but Africa is big! it's gonna take more than a couple adoptions! Africa is seriously in need economically, physically, and socially! I think it's great that they're Trying to help but it's just not enough. if i were Oprah Winfrey I would Focus on helping my root country. Seeing that she can she is the richest black woman in the World! So, no it's not just you! I think the adoptions are publicity stunts

Answer 6

Well, I have no idea how anyone could tie this in with terrorism conspiracy theories, but that isn't the point.

Right now, Africa is one of the most impoverished and struggling parts of the world. That said, it is also much easier to field public aid there than say, Southeast Asia.

Celebrities are doing it to further their public image. They may also have a genuine desire to help, but even so, they -are- making some difference.

Answer 7

There are many orphaned children in Africa because of the AIDS epidemic. Some charities are trying to do something about this.

This is just one of many major problems there that are not even comparable with any social crisis here in the US right now.

Unfortunately our mainstream media isn't interested. It's good to see celebrities doing something positive with the media frenzy that follows them all over the globe.

Answer 8

Good question..Personaly I'm sick of Brad Pit and Angelina Jolie parading around Africa with there new adopted black children and there new white baby born in Africa and with a Jewish name.Its all a ploy that goes hand in hand with the movies and media cramming this garbage down our throats.Who acres about Africa!!!Theres lots of problems at home that need help.

Answer 9

It isn't you. Celebrities are no longer interested in helping the very people who shell out $10 for their movies. But such is the way of life for these people; no one cares about those they depend on. Africa is an amazing place, trust me I've been there, and the beauty is certainly shadowed by poverty and corruption. So they want to fix it-- let them. If no American joe will fix it, then by all means, let the celebrities do it.

Answer 10

No one want to thelp those or interest people in Africa becasue war, hate, aids, hiv, all that no one want to deal with that. But for Movies stars to help Africa, TV Shows and everything and it help a little but if we around the world to help black people about learning alot of things that they were way behind all those years too busy to killing eachother. I agree with you no one is interest. If I was the President of USA I would go and find out how to help those people..