Did you happen to catch last night's American Idol results show?
If not, it was a special called "Idol Gives Back" aimed at raising awareness of hunger, poverty and the devastation of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa, as well as hunger and poverty here in the US. It was loaded with several deliberately manipulative, heart-tugging clips of Simon & Ryan with children in Africa, and Randy & Paul with kids here in the US. But I have to say, it worked. And whatever works to help meets these needs is OK with me.
Probably the most heartfelt moment of the special was Simon's absolute surprise and disgust of the terrible conditions in Africa; you could see what a truly eye-opening and gut-wrenching experience it was for him.
Every time I hear about this issue (which, fortunately, is a lot lately), I'm stunned by the statistics of death and infection and starvation, and I'm convicted that I don't do more. There are so many ways to be involved, from large to small, time and financial contributions. If you aren't already involved somehow, somewhere, consider doing a little something. Several organizations are doing tremendous work in both Africa and the US.
So, kudos to AI for using the success of the show to bring awareness to these issues.
4 comments:
I didn't watch, but as a matter of fact, my mom and dad were there yesterday at the taping of the show. My mom mentioned that it was a benefit show for "some charity," and even when I spoke with her this morning about it she talked only about the guest artists (including an excited and lengthy description of Celine Dion singing a duet with Elvis) and never once mentioned anything about the cause. Sigh. Unfortunately, my guess is that that's the most common reaction from the bulk of Americans.
Sigh. That is unfortunate.
I disagree. We watched it and we were so overwhelmed by the show that I could not delete it. I plan on showing it to anyone that missed it. Michael (11 yr.old)was so haunted by it that he couldn't get to sleep and wanted to know how a country (Africa)could get to that point.I think the majority of viewing Americans felt the same way since over $60 million has been raised to date! On a shallower note, thank God Jordan was not voted off!!
I'm hoping (& optimistic) that your family is the norm, Laur!
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