Why are people angry at Bono?

Question

I have read so many angry posts complaining about Bono's and other celebrities' advocacy of charity to the poor. Is it really that offensive to want people to help the poor? Celebrities have advocated things WAY more controversial than charity to the world's neediest, why pick on this issue as SO offensive? Even if celebrities are all hypocrites living alife of luxury without giving any money to the cause they promote, (which I don't believe they are, many of them give a great deal of cash to charity, including Bono) is that the worst thing that could ever happen? By simply advocating the cause, they are helping the cause by drawing much needed attention to the issues. If celebrities want to use their celebrity status to advocate for basic human rights, instead of just silently living lives of gluttonous extravagence, is that really so terrible? Why do people get all angry about it?

Answer 1

selfishness

greed

(more the former than the latter, but both are at work)

Answer 2

Well, (and I'm gonna try to sound British here) for one thing, in people's perspective, he has enough money to feed a nation (America can't be in the list because it's responsible for about 70 % of all consuming in the world. His money wouldn't last a second), and instead of doing so, he's here asking questions, and arguably looking for publicity.

However, I could see some sense behind it if I wanted to. You see, by spending his money promoting charity works, he's getting a wider audience and very likely a larger budget to help those in need.

The problem is he's what you Americans (=P) call cheap, and he couldn't use his money to promote it. He just went in Yahoo! one day and told them to post a question with his name and pay him ten thousand dollars (see? He's not evil. Brad Pitt would have charged five million dollars!)

I think he's got the right intentions, but he can't just keep all of his money to himself. At least 25% of it he should spend either promoting charity or doing charity himself.


On the other hand, his picture is shown frowning, which some people might translate as antipathy rather than concern or deep thought. Believe me, it does happen. People still think I'm sad when I do a stifled smile.

Stupid humans, why couldn't you all just be geniuses (=P)

Answer 3

It's not that he's helping people, it's the way the question is asked and the way celebrities act, the way Bono is acting. If Bono is so concerned about the poor, wouldn't step one be to do all he can? Living in mansions, driving limos etc. he's then going to tell us we need to give more money to the poor? Show us the way, Bono.

He held a concert last year for the poor. The celebrities who performed at the concert each received a gift bag worth about $30,000 including a vacation package, diamond rings, electronics like iPods etc. $30K would be a great start to help someone who is starving, yet these already rich people received that in return for performing and telling us to give more.

Answer 4

Your response has very much addressed your question. In addition, I think the problem stems from lack of basic belief that fighting charitable causes is not strictly synonymous with the Mother Theresa's of this world for such activities to be considered sincere. Anybody can be involved in advocacy of charity. All it takes is for the person to possess a sufficient turn of mind. If Bono can use his position to re-direct valuable resources to the world poor then he deserves every praise. If some people find his activities offensive then I'll advise such people to take a trip to the Niagara Falls and take a plunge.

Answer 5

People are mad at him for one simple reason...They are jealous of his wealth. The fact he lives a life that most of us would love to have just an 1/16 pie share of, makes people envious and jealous. I don't think all these bleeding hearted, wealth hating, greedy people will be happy till people like Bono, Oprah, Bill Gates, Kennedy, Bush, or anyone else who has money is broke and impoverished. Then and only then can the have nots be happy. Don't begrudge them their wealth, the fact they do anything at all with it is a plus. They could sit by like a majority of people on these sites whining and complaining about how everyone else should be giving to charity, and doing nothing themselves. As far as our tax structure here in the states goes, Bono can't help it if he lives in a country that has no tax structure, and we do. Who among you, if given the choice to not pay taxes, wouldn't jump at the opportunity. Leave the poor guy alone and quit gripping. Just be happy he is willing to help out. If he feeds only one child today, he should be commended. How many have you fed today?

Answer 6

I think the backlash surrounding Bono is rooted in a couple of things he has said and done over the past little while...

He is calling on countries to fulfill their obligation to put .7% of their GDP to fight poverty... which is great, except that regular people will probably foot the bill for this through their taxes. Which again, I don't have a problem with, I'd rather pay taxes to get someone out of poverty than to buy weapons or line some lobbyist's pockets anyday... but U2 has tax exemption status which means that they themselves pay next to no taxes in their native Ireland.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1411416/posts.

If Bono is wagging his finger at me because I live in an industrialized world, and expects me and my government to help the poor with our tax money, the least he can do is pay his fair share of taxes himself.

Also when I read about Bono flying his favourite hat to Italy first class at a cost of 1000 pounds, it's hard to take him seriously. Walk the walk if your going to talk the talk.

http://www.eonline.com/Gossip/Tab/Archive2005/051216.html

Answer 7

I just feel they're going about it the wrong way. The way to end poverty is not simply throwing money around. They need to empower the people so that they have more control of their lives. They need to solve the problem of European/American corporation stripping Africa of its gold, diamonds, cocoa and other natural resources.
Give a man fish and you feed him for a day, teach him how to fish and you feed him for life.
These celebrities are only giving fish and getting richer and more famous off the backs of poor Africans.

Answer 8

People are ignorant and assume that just because people have money, they dont give any to the poor. They are also unaware of most of the charity work celebrities do. They are ignorant.

Answer 9

cause he's a hypocrite! Why? Well, he's very wealthy... he seems like he tries to convince the other "wealthy" people in the world to help end poverty/hunger/AIDS, etc...

But, let's see how hypocritical he really is.

Everyone tell him "you, and the rest of the entertainment industry do not need to drive around in your bentley's, and/or need five other cars that are each valued more than some people's house. So, what I propose... after your first million that you earn per year... all of you people who are making over five million a year, donate the rest of it to stop hunger, poverty, research for AIDS, etc...

let's see how "caring" these people really are!

And now for the dumb sh.it posting! "rebelrhose" NICE JOB STUPID!

Answer 10

People are angry at Bono because it's easier than getting off their asses. They always blame the messenger and criticize anyone who would even politely and reasonably ask them to consider their actions.

Answer 11

Look like one person said it doesnt matter if they give because at the end of the day the rich r still rich and the poor get even more poor and life goes on if you were rich what would you do....thats my opinion thanks for the points