Bono

Paul Hewson, also known as Bono, is one of the most famous and well known rock stars of all time. Bono was born on May 10, 1960 in Dublin, Ireland. His father was a strong Catholic, while his mother was a Protestant. During his elementary school days, Paul’s outspokenness, charisma, and ability to tell a good story earned him the nickname “Bono Vox”, which means “good voice” in Latin. Later on in high school, Bono and a few friends, including Dave Evans (The Edge) formed a band the called U2. These days, Bono is still known for his fantastic voice, amazing lyrics, and good personality. Some character traits he expresses are dedication to change, and caring towards others, both of which are traits of a hero.

Bono and Alicia Keys ([email protected])

There are many examples of Bono showing heroic characteristics. One of his most obvious characteristics is his dedication to change. “During December 2005, Bono teamed up with Alicia Keys to record the hit single ‘Don’t Give Up, Africa’ as a benefit for the Keep a Child Alive Foundation.” (Henderson). By recording this single, Bono shows that he is dedicated to change for the better, and is committed to helping children in Africa to live better lives. All in all, about $60,000 was raised for the Keep a Child Alive Foundation. Bono could have chosen to keep all the money for himself, but instead he decided to be a hero and give it all to the KCAF to help the kids in Africa. Bono has shown his dedication to helping others by supporting other causes, “both on and off the stage including gun control, Jamaican hurricane relief, and the forgiveness by the world’s superpowers of the Third World debt” (Gareffa). This shows that Bono is dedicated to good causes. Bono knows that he has the ability to change the world because of his popularity, and he uses this popularity to make the world a better place by supporting good causes. Bono doesn’t have to spend time or money on these uncomfortable subjects, but he chooses to anyway, because he knows it is for the greater good. Because Bono has been so dedicated to make this world a better place, he has set a fantastic example to his millions of fans, who will hopefully act as heroically as he does.

Bono in Ethiopia ([email protected])

Bono is also known for his caring personality. He is always helping the less fortunate, no matter what the personal sacrifices may be. This is shown during many parts of his life. For example, in 1985, “he and his wife Alison visited Ethiopia and spent seven weeks working alongside other humanitarian relief workers to improve housing and sanitation in a crowded refugee camp” (Gareffa). Bono didn’t have to do this. This shows that Bono is caring because he gave up his time and money to help other less fortunate people in the world. Going to Ethiopia didn’t make him more popular, didn’t earn him more money, and didn’t gain him more power. But, by going to Ethiopia, Bono helped many people who desperately needed his help. Bono has also done other things that reflect his caring personality: “Bono received the Martin Luther King Center’s highest honor- the Salute to Greatness Award, from King’s widow, Corretta Scott King” (Gareffa). This award is given yearly to the person who has done the most to help others and make an impact in their community. Bono received this award for his community service, and also for his hit song “Pride (In the Name of Love)”, which is a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. During this incredible song, Bono sings about how we need to show love to each other, even if we have a few small differences. We are all human beings, no matter how different we may think we are. This shows that Bono is caring because he explains to others through this song that racism and other forms of hating are wrong. Through this song, Bono uses his fame and popularity to send a powerful message to all his fans: we need to be more kind and caring toward one another.

Bono performing ([email protected])

Bono is truly a hero to people all around the world. His dedication drives him to help others, no matter what the personal expense may be. Also, his caring personality and selflessness has set a great example to all of us. Bono doesn’t have to do the selfless things he chooses to do, but he does them anyway because he knows he is helping people in dire situations who need help. During a 1997 interview, he told one reporter: “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.” (Henderson). In this quote, Bono says that he will continue to fight for change. Bono has set a great example to all of us, and we should all strive to be a hero, just like Bono.

Works Cited

Fry, Maddy. “Bono Biography.” @U2. 10 May 2010. 12 May 2010.

Katagiri, Charlie. “U2.” Newsmakers. Ed. Laura Avery. Detroit: Gale Group, 2002. Student Resource Center - Gold. Gale. DEL NORTE HIGH SCHOOL. 20 May 2010.

Gibbs, Nancy. “The Good Samaritans.” Time. 19 December 2005. 11 May 2010.

“Bono (1960-).” Newsmakers. Ed. Peter M. Gareffa. Detroit: Gale Group, 1988. Student Resource Center - Gold. Gale. DEL NORTE HIGH SCHOOL. 20 May 2010.

“Bono.” Encyclopedia of World Biography. Ed. Andrea Kovacs Henderson. Vol.24. 2nd ed. Detroit: Thomas Gale, 2005. Student Resource Center - Gold. Gale. DEL NORTE HIGH SCHOOL. 20 May 2010.