As the shock of Hurricane Katrina’s destruction wears off, it seems there are three types of news stories beginning to surface. Stories that focus on the good in people, stories that focus on the not-so-good in people and stories that showcase the magnanimous egomania that seems to run rampant in some people. Actor Sean Penn, apparently unable to tolerate the embarrassment of his failed rescue attempt, is now lashing out at anyone with a pulse.
Oprah Winfrey, not content to orate from her television pulpit, buzzed the skies of New Orleans before taking a boat ride through its flooded streets. These two are just two of the many celebrities rushing to grab their photo-ops before the last remaining citizens are spirited out of the area.
What in the holy hell do these high profile rubber-neckers think they’re going to accomplish by roaming these ravaged neighborhoods? If they want to show their support, take a cue from Macy Gray and spend a few hours at a shelter passing out toilet paper and toothpaste. I sincerely believe that Winfrey and Penn care as much about this situation as the rest of the world and that they have been deeply moved by it but could they be a little less, oh…I don’t know…in my face about it?
At least most of Hollywood has retained a modicum of dignity by not rushing to the scene just because they have the means to do so. That hasn’t stopped most of them, however, from trumpeting about how much money they’ve donated for relief. I am not interested in hearing, to the penny, just how much some celebrity has given to their charity of choice because such self-aggrandizement smacks of insincerity. At least knowing that huge amounts of money are being poured into needy coffers takes a bit of the sting out of having to listen to such unmitigated boasting.
Article comments
1 - D L Ennis
People always do it for their selves...even if it’s just to fell good inside.
D L
2 - sandy
I agree with you totally! Good deeds are done quietly and without the expectation of reward. A real hero helps another human being and expects nothing more than the satisfaction of knowing you helped.
3 - Ronald C McKito
Yes and I totally agree. If Sean Penn wanted to help and if i could afford leaving to help I would, he didnt need to let the entire news public know. It's one thing if he went down there and helped out and stayed out of the lime light, but another reason you can tell it is bullshit. If he really meant to help he would have done more than going down there for a few hours and leaving I mean come on. He can afford to stay there while and do some real help.
4 - RJ
Sean Penn is a self-absorbed asshole.
You're correct that if they wanted to help and just feel good about themselves for doing it, they would quietly donate six-figures to the Red Cross, or hand out food and water at a shelter.
WITHOUT personal photographers around!