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| TOEFL Academic discussion: celebrity charity |
celebrity charity
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Celebrities should use their popularity and money to help others.
response 1
I believe that celebrities can play a vital role in making the world a better place. Celebrities have a unique platform to make a positive impact on the world. They can use their popularity and financial resources to raise awareness about critical issues, advocate for change, and inspire others to give back. Many celebrities are already involved in charity work. For example, Angelina Jolie is a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and has been working with refugees and displaced people for decades. Celebrities have also generously donated funds to support victims of natural disasters and advance research into debilitating diseases. They've also taken a stand on significant social issues like gun violence and climate change. When celebrities use their resources for altruistic causes, it can motivate others to follow suit. This ripple effect of compassion and generosity has the potential to create a lasting and substantial impact on the world.
response2
I firmly disagree with the notion that celebrities should universally use their popularity and financial resources to help others, as this approach may not always yield effective results. Celebrities have, at times, endorsed and fundraised for seemingly noble causes that ultimately proved problematic. For instance, in 2018, Gwyneth Paltrow supported a charity named Water Is Life, which claimed to provide clean drinking water to those in need. Unfortunately, it was later uncovered that the charity had allocated only a small portion of its funds to actual clean water projects, while its founder was living a luxurious lifestyle. Celebrities, often lacking the capacity to audit and ensure that raised funds genuinely reach those in need, can inadvertently contribute to such issues.
Furthermore, celebrities may champion causes that don't necessarily align with the most critical societal concerns. Some might advocate values that run counter to the idea of an inclusive society, as exemplified by Kanye West's public anti-Semitic statements. Equally concerning is the disconnect between their words and actions, as seen in the case of Leonardo DiCaprio, who promotes environmentalism but engages in private jet travel. In light of these instances, it becomes clear that celebrities should exercise caution when leveraging their influence and resources to aid others, ensuring that their efforts align with both societal needs and their professed values.
