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January 18, 2003
When you think of the seemingly overwhelming AIDS epidemic in Africa, which one person comes to mind? It is quite ironic the African AIDS crisis, which affects millions of people, is only being relentlessly pursued and publicized by one Irish rock star, Bono of U2. Although many other celebrities and high profile figures have backed the cause, few have done as much as Bono. In this article, we will analyze the African AIDS epidemic and try to explain why the whole world seems to be sitting idly by while an entire continent is devastated by an elusive disease. |
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Whether it is the complexity of the AIDS African issue or the geographic isolationism of the Western population, few Westerners on this planet have a clear understanding as to what is transpiring in Africa. And fewer seem to have the ability to envision the subsequent negative global consequences. In an effort to clarify the issues and educate the public on this pressing emergency, Bono has stepped to the forefront. Social activism is nothing new to Bono, whose efforts date back to the 1980s. His previous involvement in LiveAid (concert and album for African famine crisis) and Amnesty International, to mention a few, set the groundwork for his current crusade. Bono has admitted that a 1985 trip with his wife Ali to the African country of Ethiopia changed his life forever and his view toward the dark continent. |
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This one month Ethiopian trip of enlightenment for Bono was the inspiration for the song, "Where the Streets Have No Name", from U2's "Joshua Tree" album. Information about Bono's current awareness campaign for Africa can be viewed on the DATA web site. According to the site, "DATA is a new organization which aims to raise awareness about the crisis swamping Africa: unpayable DEBTS, uncontrolled spread of AIDS, and unfair TRADE rules which keep AFRICANS poor. We are asking that the governments of the world's wealthy nations - the United States, Europe, Canada and Japan - respond quickly and generously to this emergency." |
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In short, DATA is attempting to alert the world's wealthiest countries to the overwhelming social and economic problems facing Africa. Why does Bono feel supporting and saving the African continent is imperative, when most people would not even give it a second thought? The most humane answer is there are millions of innocent and spirited people whose lives are in jeopardy. If a few Western bucks can save just one life, the entire cause is well worthwhile. From a more universal and long term perspective, Bono believes the disintegration of the African continent may create a global nightmare. On a recent interview with Oprah Winfrey, he compared the African crisis to the Holocaust of WWII when everyone just stood by and watched the bodies being loaded onto the trains. A chilling comparison to say the least. Oprah, who is also a legend in her own right in supporting charitable causes, |
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jumped all over Bono's African crusade in helping him bring the cause to the American public. Click here to read more about Bono's Oprah appearance. Bono is on target in perceiving an eradication of a large segment of the African population will only mean more severe problems for the rest of the world. After all, Africa is on the planet Earth, which already has its delicate balance between the species being challenged. And in the best case scenario, who is to say the epidemic will remain in Africa and not spread to other countries in other continents? Obviously, AIDS is a disease which has inflicted people from probably every country in the world. AIDS, like many other dangerous diseases, does not discriminate. |
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The only way to handle the spread of this deadly disease is through increased medical care, education and more sanitary living conditions. Unfortunately, these items require financial resources which Africa does not have and cannot afford. In addition to not having the resources, Africa is indebted heavily to the more developed affluent countries. Africa's lack of resources is at the crux of what Bono is saying. He is preaching to the west to forget about the money Africa owes them and help them get back on their feet. It does not take a sociology professor to realize that a better Africa is a better for planet for all of us. The downside about Bono using his celebrity to promote such a cause is that he will inevitably get backlash from those who say he is doing it to sell a few more albums or elevate his celebrity standing. |
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Since Bono has a stellar record of social activism dating back to the 1980s, such criticism does not hold water. It appears he is sincere - and has been for two decades - about making this planet a better place for all. Personal accolades obviously play a secondary role to Bono on this project. As a result of his activism, Bono will gladly take some heat from the media in exchange for some saved lives in Africa. In other words, it is better to do something honorable and get bashed than do nothing honorable and not get bashed. And if Bono's efforts fall short, it will not be because of a lack of trying on his part. Failure will be the direct result of apathetic populations and governments. Bono has done his job by getting the ball rolling, it is up to the rest of the world to keep up the momentum. After all, although it may be a tall order for one man to save the world, he can do a lot of good trying. And knowing Bono, he will be trying at least until the end of the world. And now for the non-politically correct version, click here for part II. Sphinx |
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