Acclaim vs. Accountability

“U2″…Just those 2 characters, a letter and a number, are pretty well-recognized world-wide for being the ‘name’ of the Rock Band from Ireland…To say they have fame Internationally for their music would clearly be a huge understatement, but also their notoriety for speaking out against social injustice, political corruption and ineffectiveness, and even chastising many a ‘religious institution’, are very well-known and publicised.

Tonight in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, they are performing at the now popular outdoor concert site, for this their last show on their ’360 degree World Tour’, with many a special musical guest and celebrity also to be in attendance their big finale. Bono and the Boys have brought much to not only the world of music, but to even our social conscience as well; their often-times zealous outpouring of their ‘change the world’ ideals.

But, as some may or may not know, this same ‘beloved’ group of well-meaning guys, had a major scandal about a year ago, concerning their ‘Charity’ Organization, named “ONE”. It was supposed to have been to feed hungry children world-wide; sounds like a great concept and ideal, right? Well, when the news became public, that about only 1% of the contributions actually went towards said children in need, and that the majority of the money went for staff salaries, self-promotion and ‘infrastructure’, well, the very credibility of U2, with their long-standing position ‘Against’ such tactics, left a very bitter taste indeed in the mouths of their fans.

Now, I am not here to belittle U2, or their musical career, or even hype this scandal, but perhaps what I am thinking about, is the way we often view such celebrities as beyond reproach; even though what with the latest news of the death of Amy Winehouse, and then more sordid details of others like her who have passed on because of a destructive lifestyle, we still far too often, raise up on pedestals, those who really, are not setting great examples, even if for our children?

They are all human…flawed, imperfect, and yes, mistakes, poor decisions and choices get made…
Perhaps, one should consider the ‘worship’ of them, and the inevitable falls that often do happen, even with those constantly in the spotlight?

Just…Thoughts…