Actors as Activists

I got into a heated exchange at my hair salon last week over the idea that actors and celebrities shouldn't inject themselves into foreign (and domestic) policy debates.

My argument was that as artists (actors) we have a responsibility to bring a high level of awareness of current events and global issues into our work, and to dissect, question, and ultimately make a statement through the vehicles of film and theater. The counter-argument was that celebrities know just as much as the average person about global crises and hot button domestic issues, what entitles them to seat at the table of policy influence?

Its a nuanced debate, like most. I think when someone like Matt Damon uses his celebrity platform to go after Sarah Palin's credentials as a creationist we're heading a little in the wrong direction. Now if Matt had used his disagreements with Palin's belief system to speak to the larger issue of incompetence in world leadership and wrote and starred in a compelling film that honors both sides of the debate while leaving the audience with a huge question to grapple with about likeable "she's just like me!" world leaders then maybe he would be on to something.

Which brings us to George Clooney. He is a great model for how I'd like to comport myself as a professional actor and statesman as my life and career move forward. He is so subtle in the use of his celebritarian authority he refused to endorse either side in the presidential election, meeting with both candidates at separate times. He uses his films to speak the message, and has found a cause that speaks to him deeply . He has made understanding thoroughly and fighting for that single cause his duty as an artist. And it looks like it paid off. Yesterday he was invited to speak with the President and VP about the ongoing genocide in Darfur. Humbly, Clooney continues to understand the limits of his power

In response to a question over whether he brought up the conflict in Afghanistan in his meeting with the president:

"No, I'm not there as some policy nut. I was just there to tell them what I saw and hope that there was some way that I could amplify anything that they were doing"

Having consciousness about the injustices of the world in your work as an artist is, in my opinion, essential, and Clooney is a perfect example of how effective artists can be in changing the world.

edit: Just came across this video of Clooney on Larry King talking about Darfur, notice how complex his grasp of the issue is.