Presentation by Elizabeth Soto

Presentation of the article Bob Bono and Tony B: The Popular Artist as Politicians by Elizabeth Soto.

The article Bob, Bono and Tony B: The Popular Artist as Politicians was written by John Street. What he explains in the beginning of the article is situations in which famous musicians and actors/actresses make an impact on society by standing up for what they believe is right.  He gives many examples in the article about situations where artistic make gestures, such as when Bono from the band U2 did, the band Weavers, and Joan Baez. The question he is leading up to in the article is why do artist do this? He points out that, "while there is a high level of involvement by artists in politics, it does not follow a uniform pattern; nor it is always costless." He also is pondered on the idea about why politicians take notice when artist ate involved. One of his findings is that "caused need representation". He discusses the opinions of Christian Lahusen, saying that he believes that social movements needs pop celebrities to confirm its cause and actions. As well as pointing out that celebrities basically lend political movements their credibility and popularity. In parts of the article he also points out that how artist show there political stance on something is the genre they choose to play as well as the lyrics they include.  Near the end of the article he points out that there is somewhat of a cross over between politicians and artist. That cross over would be that politicians try to promote those aspects of them that are popular and artist try and promote aspects of themselves that are political. When he list his concluding thoughts he states, "how they appear political is vital to understanding the authority and credibility that attach to them and therefore to the cause they are promoting or supporting".