Nick and Jessica are doing it separately. Brad & Angelina are doing it together. Sharon Stone is doing it alone. Drew Barrymore, John Stamos, Brandon Routh, and Britney Spears are all scrambling to get in on the action. What am I talking about? Let's see, how shall I put it? There are so many terms for it these days: Do-Gooder-ism, Altruism, Giving Back, etc, etc. Whatever you choose to call it, it is the latest wave among celebrities. Pick a good cause, any cause and get involved. World politics, charities of all stripes, the more down-trodden the recipients the better. Using celebrity to advance a good cause.
This trend toward "giving back" can also be seen in TV. Reality Shows like "Biggest Loser" "Extreme Makover, Home Edition", and "The Nanny" have become steadily more popular while ones like "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette" are falling off. Even Donald Trump's "The Apprentice" has struggled. The talk shows are on the band wagon. Oprah regularly has shows where she showers different groups of deserving folks with lavish gifts. Most recently she partnered with Habitat for Humanity to build a neighborhood of new homes in Houston for Hurricane Katrina Evacuees. Dr. Phil's show is almost entirely about helping people better themselves.
Now let me say that I am not knocking this at all, far from it. I don't care what their personal motives actually are, it's the best use of celebrity I've seen yet. Maybe the only really good one I can think of. The standard for this was set by Bono of the Irish rock bank U2 and Angelina Jolie in the past few years. Both of whom have championed helping the desperately poor countries of the 3rd World.
I think the inherently surface nature of celebrity life causes those who finally reach the top levels of fame and fortune to ask "Is this all their is?". I applaud them for asking those questions, and coming up with this kind of an answer. I hope it really does give them purpose and I hope they really stick with it. Any time you can take something that is by nature exploitative & shallow, and turn it into a positive, I am the loudest cheerer in the Peanut Gallery.
For once these celebrities are doing something we should all pay attention to. We don't need to wait until we have so much money we don't know how to possibly spend it all to start giving back. If you are clothed, fed, housed, and paying your bills, you are ahead of 80% of the world. Even if you don't have money to give, you would be amazed at how many volunteer opportunities are right in your neighborhood.
Hospitals, nursing homes, churches, schools, Scouting programs, and many other organizations are desperate for volunteers. They'll take whatever you can give. An hour a month or an hour a day. They've got a place for you.
That's how you too can be like a celebrity. You may not have their money or fame, but you can make a difference and it will enrich your life. You will surprised how much you gain from assisting those less fortunate than you. Start today.
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