After the devastation in Haiti last month, we saw an influx of famous faces raising their heads to help make a difference. Artists such as Cold Play and the Arctic Monkeys were seen using EBay to auction items and Simon Cowell has again used his power to produce an artist packed charity version of REM’s classic Everybody Hurts.
However, poet Benjamin Zephaniah has queried the validity of such efforts. He questioned their motives and whilst acknowledging that “they obviously raise money and so one can say that it is a bit of good, and you can’t ignore a bit of good” it seems he would prefer they work together to stop the problem in the first place.
Speaking at the Concert for Haiti at Congress House in London, Zephaniah said,
“They call you a militant for being political and they think they are going to change the world by doing Comedy Relief [sic] I have nothing against those people – well, I have, but I don’t think we should get rid of them, they do something – but when I talk about stopping the problem in the first place, then I’m called a militant.”
Although one can’t help but question the timing of his cynicism, it’s easy to understand his problem. Tragic stuff happens all over the world on a daily basis. Who has the right to decide which tragedies deserve celebrity support? And would the support be so forth coming if the cameras were left at home?
The same debate raged after the disappearance of Madeline Mccann in Portugal almost three years ago. This high-profile disappearance sparked a national appeal but what about the other thousands of children who dissapear each year? Who sparks a hunt for them?
With such high-profile support, it can leave us mere mortals wondering what difference can we make. Unless the world suddenly goes mad, you and I will remain infamous only in our own households. So is there any point trying to make a difference?
I of course believe the answer is a massively noisy, “Yes!” otherwise why write this post 
You can make a huge difference today. You could help by buying Simon Cowell’s charity record and boost his chances of reaching a million sales. Or you could cut out the middle man entirely and donate the cost of the single to the Disasters Emergency Committee Haiti appeal.
And our discussion does not end with Haiti. All around you, quiet individuals are making a difference. Most will remain anonymous and appreciated only by the people they help. You’ll read no glowing accolades and they’ll receive no knighting from the Queen. But does this stop our quiet heroes? No. They are motivated by something more powerful than fame and glory. They do it in the name of love.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
Can charity motivated by anything other than love be effective? Of course. Whilst you might like to question their motives, no one can deny that celebrity support of a charity makes a difference. But there is a better way. Arthur Rubinstein said, “Love life and life will love you back. Love people and they will love you back.”
We all need love. Without love we are incomplete. Let’s make a difference today and love.
“If you have love in your life it can make up for a great many things you lack. If you don’t have it, no matter what else there is, it’s not enough.” – Ann Landers
Over to you. What do you think?
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Twitter: consciousmeblog
February 8, 2010 at 3:03 pm
I suppose we are each different in talents and passion and therefore different in our inspirations to take action on a thing like the Haiti tragedy. You’re absoluely right about Love being the part that matters, and we will all. have love for different things, taking us different directions in our actions and thoughts
Twitter: GiveABrick
February 9, 2010 at 10:22 am
Hi Carlos,
I guess if your passion is writing, for example, you’re not about to start creating a sculpture to change the world. Good point!
That’s an interesting perspective, I hadn’t thought of it like that, thanks
Many thanks for the tweet too
Eleanor´s last blog ..If you want to take over the world – look to young people.
Twitter: lionslinger
February 9, 2010 at 12:59 am
Irrespective of the motive, the important thing is that they have extended help. The consequence of their intent shall be the responsibility they will face within themselves at a certain point in their lives.
Walter´s last blog ..Success is nothing to be afraid of
Twitter: GiveABrick
February 9, 2010 at 10:20 am
Hi Walter,
I agree totally that it’s good they did something. My husband said something very similar along the lines of if they didn’t put the charity single together, some folks wouldn’t help out at all.
Eleanor´s last blog ..If you want to take over the world – look to young people.
Twitter: bluepop13
February 12, 2010 at 1:45 am
With love you are everything and without love you aren’t a whole lot. I’d rather have love in my life than anything else. The reason is because love is what it is and nothing else can replace it or come close to being like it.
Eric´s last blog ..Real Or Robot