Undoubtedly, the question that pervades public opinion concerning his nomination is whether or not Bono legitimately deserves the Prize for his individual work. Is he a philanthropist with pure intentions, who happens also to be a timeless rock star? Or is he just padding his resume to present for public relations? Is his work on par with that of the other nominees? Or do we just give him more attention because he has belted out our favorite Billboard hits?
On argument might look like this: "Through his idol status he can sway millions of people to help him. Through his lyrics he can induce thought, which can lead to change. Through his example he can draw other powerful individuals to his cause." Three very valid points-and each hints that Bono uses his rock-star status to further his philanthropic goals. This is the "duh" point we've been waiting for. Do we like his work any less for it?
Some might argue that there are many individuals who have done as much "good" (unquantifiable, but we'll try) as Bono has-perhaps even without the same resources and same publicity capabilities-and who have gone unsung, unheralded. Maybe Bono, though he does his share of work, is just getting his laurels praised more than others.
Other might argue that Bono has a list of accomplishments most philanthropists can only hope to rival, and that his use of fame and fortune to further his cause is admirable. His international work ranges over continents and causes, though his primary work goes towards AIDS relief in Africa: Bono has appeared at Live Aid, a concert for famine relief in Ethiopia, among others such as Net Aid, Self Aid, War Child and The Big One; he has helped to organize Live 8 concerts that boasted an estimated audience of one billion people. It is likely that these concerts helped convince G8 summit leaders to raise aid levels for Africa from $25-50 billion by 2010. He has also used his charismatic appeal and influence to make serious attempts to influence public policy all over the world and has had high profile meetings with Pope John Paul II, Bill Clinton and Bill Gates, among others, to rally the leaders to causes such as debt relief in Third World countries and AIDS funding. Probably his single greatest accomplishment has been the founding of DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa). The organization, aimed at solving the financial and health crises in Africa, has been gaining a lot of support over the past few years. And it is no surprise that his name was even floated around as a serious candidate for taking over as C.E.O. of the World Bank. Whether it's addressing the G8 or the World Economic Forum, or million-people-large crowds, Bono's voice has power.
Furthermore, Bono's popular appeal has drawn millions of individuals, who would have otherwise remained inactive, to work towards improving the quality of life in the world. He once said, "Music can change the world because it can change people." His numerous tribute albums and singles have gone to fundraise and raise awareness for Bosnia, AIDS relief, financial plight in Africa and even Sept. 11.
Moreover, just as Bono's voice can draw fans to his stage and his cause, his actions can draw other powerful individuals to become more involved in putting their influence to good use. Bono's acts, regardless of their motivations and means, yield positive results. However, and more importantly, just as Bono's individual power can lead to great change, his ability to draw other powerful individuals to his cause can create far greater change than Bono could accomplish alone in many lifetimes.
Finally, no one can question Bono's drive towards world peace. Bono is not a philanthropist to further personal gains and increase his popularity. In fact, he has said, "I hope that my work-the activism-will be forgotten. Because I hope those problems will have gone away." Bono is not the kind of humanitarian who helps people out to avoid having a negative image. He could just sit back and enjoy the life of a rock star. But he doesn't. Instead, he constantly works to improve the quality of life throughout the world.
In 2002, Jimmy Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize "for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development." Similarly, Bono has worked unfailingly for decades to fight AIDS and poverty in Africa. If one believes Bono does not deserve the Nobel Peace Prize because his work and fame are unprecedented, Carter's award serves as a strong counterargument. If there is one piece of history that is not on Bono's side it is the fact that six out of the last 10 awards have gone to an individual or group that has worked to end global conflict and war, an area where Bono has done little work.
However, although Bono may not be able to save the world, it's hard to argue that whom the New York Times Magazine calls "the most politically effective figure in the recent history of popular culture" doesn't at least deserve to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, and receive our serious commendation.
Doa can be reached at udoa09@amherst.edu
Barbieri can be reached at jbarbieri09@amherst.edu