Why do POPSTARS think they know about poverty?

Question

While living in mansions, riding limos, buying expensive clothing, jewelry etc., eating caviar, flying private jets. What makes these people suddenly think that they understand what poverty is while making such insane amounts of money and wasting it like they do. Oh and another question... why do they make so much money? for singing?? On the other hand doctors , engineers , teachers etc.. , in other words , people who REALLY help other people dont even make 10% of what these clowns make, why does the world allow this? Oh and one last question... what do you think the popstar that asked "what can be done to end poverty" in yahoo answers smoked before having the guts to do it?

Answer 1

wow.good question. o_O

Answer 2

Well, I could make an *** of myself and answer this in the most comical way possible, it occurred to me that this really is a serious question, and I'll answer it as such.

Many celebrities and "POPSTARS," as you so elegantly stated, probably believe that they can make clear and precise distinctions about the many levels that encompass the standard of living. As their wealth has increased, they can see (or at least they think they can see, whether or not they can is outside my knowledge) the lines that define, as Bono stated, "extreme poverty" (which I am convinced will soon be a Saturday morning cartoon on ABC or maybe the next great sports drink) as compared to current standards that have been for the most part deemed acceptable by the whole of the world. By using this new found "extreme super-poverty-knowledge," a phrase which I have taken the liberty to coin, they honestly believe they can change the fate of those who are less fortunate by organizing foundations to charities that are aimed at helping those in need. I assure you, their ability to make insane amounts of money cements their belief of what poverty really is. It's part coincidence too, considering their popularity and showmanship aid their cause and simultaneously leave the rest of us wondering why they do what they do.

Now then, why do they make so much money? There's this thing called the "economy," a magical fancy-pants system of checks and imbalances that is defined by an exchange of goods and services founded upon what items are universally seen as wealth (money being among those things). Their money comes from royalties from music sales and advance payments that usually accompany record deals (those seem small at first, but have a lot of royalties to your name, and lots of record deals with advance payments, and it adds up in a big hurry). Doctors and engineers, on the other hand, are paid on salaries and specific contracts for specific things and the like, and are often paid monthly and in much lesser increments.

Also, you asked why people who really help others don't even make 10% of what those "clowns" (more elegance, hooray) make. That's because wealth is not based on charity or philanthropy (although the showing of such sure as hell is).

And for your last question, Bono may have hit a joint before asking, I won't rule that out (I don't know enough about him to rule that out).

Answer 3

If you researched Bono's work regarding the ONE campaign, DATA, and Jubilee 2000 you would know two important things that could answer your question:

1) Bono is the first to say that he does live a life of privilege, and because of it, he feels a responsibility to do what he can to use his "celebrity" to bring attention to the issues of extreme poverty, hunger, and disease throughout the world.

2) Bono has spent much time among the people in the world's poorest countries, as well as with politicians, world leaders, etc. to help bring attention to the needs of these people. These needs are not so much our individual dollars, but the support of the richest countries in eliminating old debts, setting up programs in these countries to begin health care, education, and commerce programs so that the people of these countries can begin to take care of their own.

You make a good point that there are certainly many athletes and celebrities who not only have money, but squander it and give nothing back to society. I am a teacher, and it is difficult to realize that a football player makes more for one 60 minute football game than I make in a year...or two or three. I would caution you, however, not to make broad generalizations that all "popstars" are the same; and I would especially recommend you know who you are talking about and what he has done before you condemn him.

Answer 4

They suddenly think they know about poverty because with all their wealth they feel " lucky" or "blessed" or whatever to have their lifestyle. THEY don't have to worry about making ends meet and getting what they need everyday to survive or just be reasonably comfortable. On the other hand, it's better they take their loads of money and do something for other people instead of blowing billions on cars and drugs. Then again, they still spend a lot of money on useless stuff anyways.

And they make so much money because our society is built that way. While it might be nobler and more useful to be a teacher, nurse, or engineer, there are severe shortages in those feilds because many people don't feel they are pretigious. Especially in nursing and teaching, "women's" professions, are especially looked down upon by society. Sure, they are trusted and admired, but who's willing to actually become one?

As for Bono asking what could be done to end poverty, I believe perhaps his intetions were good, but the video to accompany it was very misdirected. I was good for publicity and it definately got some people going.

Answer 5

Lets look at any random metal mouth fool "bling mouf".

They know about poverty, because they know that "mouf" could not only provide welfare to 20 americans for a complete year, but feed hundreds if not thousands of empoverished in any underdeveloped country.

But instead of doing that, symbolism is chosen. I think that a blinging mouth, "Twankle & Glistening" better reflects the needs of the starving in africa. Giving them food to stay alive would just be a greedy, self indulgent use of easily earned money.

Puff Daddy has made millions communicating properly with CEO's of some of pop cultures top companies. Being around those "dirty black people starving in africa" would only get grease and grime on his white suit.

Dont get me started on the diamond issue.

And i honestly think the average who help make less than 10%. A close friend of mine makes about 8k a year and she donates nearly 500 annually to a handfull of causes she believes strongly in, not to mention donating physical time & effort. Now, lets see some celebrities live on 8-20k a year and donate everythign else. (tell me thats not the ULTIMATE promotion) If they really believe in a cause, they will. Otherwise its just a measley side project. Now how many have done that?

Answer 6

Many pop stars have lived poverty like you would never know. Jewel lived in a car prior to being discovered. Bono lives the dream for sure, but I'd much rather have Bono spending his time and money working on a solution as opposed to corrupt politicians like Bill Frist, Dick Cheney & George Bush who are multi millionaires but do great damage in the fight against poverty. I myself am quite well off, but when I was younger, age 10, I was homeless. Now I spend a great deal of time and energy giving back to society that made me successful. As for your comment as to why these pop singers make so much money? It's because people like you buy their CDs, go to their concerts & purchase their merchandise. Oh, and for the record, most fortune 500 CEOs make a hell of alot more than 99% of pop stars. So do me a favor and get off your pedastel and really take a long hard look at who is attempting to fight poverty and who is just sitting on their asses getting richer. Peace brother!

Answer 7

I feel that pop stars are just like any other group who is wealthy and has the means to travel. They know about poverty because many of them have seen it first-hand and have seen things that many of us will never see for our selves. Maybe some of them waste their money but many others don't. If this question is referring to Bono specifically, he has actually given a very large chunk of his money, time, and effort, not to mention his "stardom" to help do his part for poverty. Most people, rich or not, do very little if anything to help poverty. No, I am not saying this because I am a Bono or U2 fan because I am not and never have been. But still, I always believe in giving credit where credit is due. =0)

Answer 8

It's not that a popstar specifically knows a lot about poverty or any specifc situation, just the belief that since they are in the public eye so much, maybe they can call attention to a problem and hopefully get people on the case to solve it.

Answer 9

First of all, popstars make so much more money than teachers and doctors because of supply and demand. The American public wants to be entertained and they will pay for it. Television, music, sports and movies is what we live for. Therefore, the "stars" reap in cash. Supply and demand is how the world works.

Although they are certainly not impoverished, popstars have the monetary resources to make a difference in the lives of others and many of them choose to do so. Following their passions has made them millions and they are choosing how to spend their money.

Answer 10

probably they're just guilty that while they earn so much, the other end is just making a few US dollars/less an a dollar US dollar a day? what a contrast! But at the same time, popstars do have the influence over the population, to make us do our part in helping these needy people. So we shouldnt complain too much, coz they are also trying to help people! its a good thing.

Answer 11

Publicity. If the world wasn't made up of rich and poor then there wouldn't be poverty. Unfortunately, there has to a good number of poor people in order to keep the rich people rich. Celebrities who pretend they are worried about poverty do it for publicity and they don't do it to help people living in poverty, they do it to boost their image and keep adding to their own astronomical bank accounts.

Bono, you are just a fake like all the rest! Enjoy the riches you're gained and stop looking for ways to make more!