On Wednesday February 15th, Ashton Kutcher spoke
before the Foreign Relations Committee on behalf of Thorn, an organization
dedicated to eliminating the sexual exploitation of children. Thorn creates
technology to detect and stop human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of
children on the Internet. Kutcher and his ex wife Demi Moore co founded this
organization together in 2009, since it’s founding, Thorn has tremendously and
positively fought this form of modern slavery by locating thousands of victims
and perpetrators through the use of innovative technology.
Many celebrities use their fame and wealth as a platform to
address global and social issues. Leonardo DiCaprio started the Leonardo
DiCaprio foundation in 1998, which is devoted to resolving environmental
concerns. Elton John has had the Elton
John AIDS Foundation since 1992 that has helped the funding for research and
prevention programs. Ashton Kutcher’s
emotional speech that he gave Wednesday morning left me disturbed and compelled
to learn more about this issue. Seeing his dedication and emotional
attachment to this organization allowed me to see him, as more than just an
actor, especially when he emphasized the fact that the work he was doing for
Thorn is his day job. Seeing a celebrity that is not just posing as a pretty
face for an organization or charity but is actually doing the
dirty work and coming up with solutions can give the public a new perspective
on that person. After listening to Ashton Kutcher speak on behalf of Thorn, I
have gained a new respect for him as a person as well as a new awareness of
human trafficking and child abuse.
As you point out Madison, several celebrities have charities, most of which are simply tax deductions or an opportunity for good press. Before watching this video, I would have described Ashton Kutcher as a goofy, but attractive Hollywood playboy. He is not known for his politics at all, he's more known for comedic screen performances and his high-profile relationships with Hollywood actresses. After watching this clip, I am profoundly impacted by his enthusiasm, passion, commitment, and dedication to his organization. I think we are moving into an era, where celebrities are now being challenged to be more than just a pretty face onscreen. They are being held to higher standards of civic responsibility. Does our current political climate change our expectations of stars or celebrities? At least in some ways?
ReplyDelete