Celebrities Turning Political Activists
By Athian Mayen
You will never turn activist unless you strongly feel bad about a thing or two and that you can bring change somehow, and usually its folks from the West who turn activists, it could be campaign against animal consumption (vegetarianism), environmental activism but what I want to heed to is the impact of political activism.
Political activism can buzz quickly and profoundly if the persona is a public figure, and for that matter South Sudan has a host of Celebrities known internationally for Music, Sports and Modeling, and luckily in these modern times messages are spread effectively through entertainment industry.
In July of 2011, that one time, who among our superstars wasn’t here with his camera crew flipping the V-sign, citizens born or spent much time outside, that’s the unforgettable moment you point to and say we were most united.
However, In the light of current events in the country, you would expect an intervention from our won like Luol Deng, Alek Wek, Emmanuel Jal, the countless models roaming Europe and many more, to get involved a bit in philanthropic work particularly in their beloved country rather than spending time on some Ice bucket challenge.
To show you that they are true greats, here are some of their accomplishments and how famous they are: Luol Deng nearly a million followers on Facebook, face of Britain Olympics, been to the greatest teams in the NBA list goes on. Alek Wek, featured in hundreds of runway events, enough print and telly adverts.
As for Emmanuel Jal, his stance has never wavered therefore I’m not surprised but I would be lying if I said ‘this country’ is not in heart always. We have many others struggling to come up, but till then shall I mention them.
Compared to other African countries, the heights of fame these fellows have reached is incredible but are they blind to the war this time round? Um, I don’t know. All I know is that, they spend time helping countries that don’t need help, rather than directing those efforts at their Motherland.
Additionally I don’t doubt their social conscience and humanitarian work, I’d just love to see them resume advocacy that they once did, and you all know their voices are much more important than the Ambassadors putting up in those villas. They can help in clarifying issues.
Virtually, the years these immigrants spent abroad are showing development and growth professionally and other ways. Athletes and famous people generally usually use their influence to great effect, and in times of turmoil and despair we’ve seen leaders spring up for example, Vitali Klitscko the Ukrainian heavyweight boxer, George Weah the former Liberian presidential Candidate and Didier Drogba the Ivorian captain etcetera.
I like Didier Drogba, not only for his football skills but how he’s become the face of post-civil conflict Ivory Coast, here’s what he did. ‘Drogba picked up the microphone in the dressing room and, surrounded by his team mates, fell on his knees live on national television, He begged both warring factions to lay down weapons and within a week his bold wish had been granted’.
Later when asked about it, he had this to say. “It was something I did instinctively, “all the players hated what was happening to our Country and reaching the World Cup was the perfect emotional wave to ride”.
At times during press conferences, some stubborn Journalists deviate from the subject and bring questions concerning your homeland, that’s when you know that it’s sad that some of us put the countries of resettlement ahead of South Sudan.
Above all, you’ve always been figures of unity and pride of this nation; we would just appreciate it if one Diaspora greats would surprise us with a different formula to address the conflict, a star that can be like Late Manute Bol, because we need peace as soon as possible.
Till then you Contact me at “mayenathian@gmail.com”
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