Just a girl, who loves an Irish Rock Star, wanting to change the world
You have to become the change you want in the world.-Bono
Bono arrived late Wednesday evening to an almost sold-out event at Portland's Rose Garden Theatre of the Clouds. He approached the podium with the movements of a rocker, and the words of an passionate activist. This is a man of not only internationally acclaimed talent, but a man with compassionate tenacity, who seeks to rescue the depraved continent of Africa.
The audience was comprised of a diverse crowd, everything from Prada to PBR shirts, Birkenstocks to Dolce and Gabbana heels.(They might have been last season look-alikes from Nine West). I was thankful I decided to wear my poncho and chandelier earrings rather than the make-shift shrug and brooch. God bless the ever functional poncho that can be dressed up or down. Now that we have had our Fashionista Update let's move on to the more important topics...shall we?
Bono began the evening with a story about coming to PDX about 23 years ago. U2 played a show at the Foghorn, to a crowd of about 8. Later that evening his suitcase was stolen, which included the lyrics and music to what should have been the band's second album, October. Today, October 20, almost 23 years later he received the suitcase back with all of the original materials. He thanked the people, and was moved by the generous act of grace he viewed this to be.
Bono moved right into his speech with the comfortable ease of a black southern preacher ready to charge his flock. Bono, the preacher, talked about DATA, the organization which he co-founded in 2000. DATA is an acronym for Debt,AIDS,Trade,Africa, which can also be synonamous with Democracy, Accountability, Transparency, Africa. He is more than a rock star with a cause, is a man on a mission. A mission to save this continient, which Bono referred to as "in flames". A man who is out to change his world, an ardent pursuer of faith, democracy, and dignity for the people of Africa.
Current statics show that 6,500 people die each day from AIDS,there are 11 million orphans and estimated to be 20 million by the end of the decade. 9,000 people catch HIV every day in Africa. Bono says this is not a cause, it is an emergency.
In 2004, the Bush Administration pledged $2 billion toward foreign assistance to the poorest countries, the largest increase in 40 years. This included a historic intiative to fights AIDS in Africa.
Many people would called the Irish rocker a hippie who is clouded with idealistic notions of a world which cannot be attained. He moved the audience to step away from all of the other ism's our country socializes us to follow such as materialism, consumerism, narcissism. He encouraged pragmatism. Let us be a people that thinks about what we do to make the world a better place. "America is not just a country, it starts as an idea. We have power in our world, and with power that brings great responsibility. Where you live should not determine, when you live."
I spend most of the evening silently wishing I would have sprung for the better seats. I had the most amazing time. I love being around other passionate people. I knew before going that I was going to be more jacked up about social issues, specifically about Africa.
Upon leaving the Rose Garden, I reflected upon my life long desires to make a difference in the world. Ever since middle school I have had a cause, everything from Animal Rights, Greenpeace, to Jesus. I know that it all ties together somehow I just haven't figured it out yet. There are so many passions and I feel so little time.
How does one girl make a difference in the world?
posted by Kat @ 10:19 PM
<< Home