Bono

(http://www.ecorazzi.com)

There aren’t many people in the world that have both stardom and success and still devote their life to helping people in need. Most celebrities today are not likely to give up their summer to spend their time in Africa raising awareness to HIV/AIDS. And think about this: How many rock stars get honored for the Nobel Peace Prize? This is where Bono comes in the scene. Bono is most known as the lead singer of the popular Irish rock band called U2, and lately his work in activism for Africa and poverty has been prevailing along with his success in the music industry. He is the co-founder of DATA, an organization to bring justice and stop AIDS in Africa, the EDUN apparel line, the One Campaign, and Product Red. You might not expect all this out of a rock star, but behind those Bulgari sunglasses are visions of plans Bono has for our future.

Bono was born as Paul David Hewson on May 10, 1960 in Dublin, Ireland. His mother died when he was 14, and many of U2’s songs are based on the experience. As a child, Bono was angry and even earned the nickname the Antichrist. This was around the time he picked up the guitar and became absorbed in music. He felt the need to become a humanitarian after learning of the poverty and epidemics spread across our continents shown on a TV special on Africa. Now he brings the message across through his lyrics. U2’s War album includes songs “Sunday Bloody Sunday” and “The Refugee,” about desperate change from war.

If you’re an American Idol fan like me, you’ve probably seen the Idol Gives Back special. I was really happy to see Bono doing yet another great deed to impact our world positively. He always enjoys doing what he does, whether it is a mission trip to Kenya or rocking out at a concert. And he doesn’t do it for the money; it’s just what he himself is committed to doing. Have you seen any of those red iPods, cell phones, and Gap t-shirts lately? That’s the work of Bono and his friend Bobby Shriver, to end AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria worldwide. A percentage of these profits go to the Global Fund so if you’re in need of a new cell phone, buy a Red product because thanks to Bono you can make a difference, too.

The book The Hero’s Trail by T. A. Barron describes four types of heroes. Bono is a hero to others near and far because of his music and activist work known worldwide. One quote from Bono in particular is “Music can change the world because it can change people” He’s already proved this by organizing and playing in the Live 8 benefit concerts during the summer of 2005. This concert gave people around the world in South Africa, Philadelphia, London, Rome, Paris, Edinburgh, Japan, Barrie, and Berlin a chance to listen to his voice against poverty through music. His organizations that I mentioned earlier focus on changing our world as a whole, especially in Africa where changes need to be seen the most. Live 8 unbelievably raised around $25 billion dollars, giving half to funds in Africa.

I chose Bono as my hero because he knows exactly what he’s doing and not for the attention, unlike others. To those who might object saying it’s all for the fame, he responds by saying “As a rock star, I have two instincts, I want to have fun, and I want to change the world. I have a chance to do both.” He’s motivated to help, and his fame is just an advantage for him to have a chance to do this. Bono has already been nominated the Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Nobel Peace Prize. Time magazine voted him as one of the 100 Most Influential People. I don’t see him as just a humanitarian or just a musician, he’s both.