Originally published on the CGS blog on June 10, 2015.
Daniel Craig, most known for his ongoing movie role as James Bond, was recently appointed the first United Nations global advocate for the elimination of mines and explosive hazards. In observance of this appointment and the International Day for Mines Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, the actor-turned-“advocate” visited the headquarters where UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon reportedly commented on the recent appointment, saying, “Along with moviegoers worldwide, I have been on the edge of my seat watching Mr. Craig, as James Bond, defuse ticking time-bombs with seconds to spare.”
While I too clung to my seat at the array of adrenaline rush-worthy stunts performed in the 007 series, I differ from Ki-moon in one way—I am undeniably aware that these stunts are just that: stunts. Explosives in movies versus explosives in real life; there’s a huge difference.
Fame and celebrity status are not prerequisites for advocacy. While I agree that celebrities can easily leverage their popularity to help advocate for special causes, I don’t believe that diffusing mock bombs on the big screen makes you an expert on explosives or the ongoing efforts of the UN to change this very critical threat that actually affects hundreds of thousands of citizens globally.
In the press release issued by the UN regarding this appointment it states, “Mr. Craig’s designation as UN Global Advocate for the Elimination of Mines and Explosive Hazards applies for three years. He narrated two videos for the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in 2014, and has been interested in the global campaign to ban landmines and explosive remnants of war for a number of years.”
So maybe I am being a little too critical? Demonstrated experience and knowledge in UNMAS does qualify an individual for the role.
UN celebrity ambassadors span from Emma Watson and her work on the HeForShe campaign to Joel Madden, Salma Hayek, and even Katy Perry; while some celebrities are equipped and have demonstrated commitment to important UN initiatives, others seemingly are given the title with little to no applicable knowledge or experience—what is known as a “vanity title.”
Many students who are passionate about global issues work tirelessly in school, growing deeper and deeper in student loan debt, just to gain an ounce of the knowledge and experience necessary to be considered for a position with the UN. The standards should be the same for celebrities, especially when they are given titles such as “ambassador” and “global advocate.” The role most of these aforementioned “UN Celebrity Ambassadors” serve is closer to that of a spokesperson than the title implies. That said, celebrity endorsements make sense—calling celebrities ambassadors for narrating promotional videos or speaking at an UN fundraising event doesn’t.
By no means am I a “celebrity basher.” Many celebrities have used their fame and wealth for good—serving as philanthropists, volunteering on mission trips, and promoting impactful causes. Angelina Jolie is a great example of just this, working with refugees and notably making over 40 field visits to communities and individuals directly impacted by displacement since 2000.
However, that doesn’t mean that I would vote for Kim Kardashian or Beyoncé for President.
Considering the significant work the UN does, it is paramount that celebrities aren’t just given vanity titles, but actually contribute something.
