|
|
Jeffrey Reneau and (right) Jon Rubinstein.
Picture by Anindya Shankar Ray
|
A panel of social workers, prominent people and a celebrity manager decoded the term “celebrity activism” at an interactive session organised by the American Center at the Harrington Street Arts Centre on December 22.
The session, titled “Celebrity activism and raising awareness” — a part of the Trafficking in Persons conclave being organised by the American Center — saw Urmi Basu of New Light, Laura Price of Blossomy, Anupam Das of Apne Aap, celebrity manager Jon Rubinstein, musician Tanmoy Bose and fashion designer Agnimitra Paul talk about how celebrities could be engaged to make a difference.
Das used the example of Apne Aap, which has had the likes of Ashton Kutcher, Ashley Judd and Gloria Steinhem working for them, to show how to effectively use star power.
Celebrity manager Rubenstein — who got America Ferrera, the star of the Ugly Betty TV series, involved in the fight against trafficking and prostitution — spoke about having “extraordinary clients” who are “tremendously caring people” and stressed how a lot of people felt powerless because they didn’t know how to help. “We help people look at what they can do right now in things they are passionate about,” he said.
Paul spoke about how she uses her art to raise money for causes and Bose said it was important to inculcate a sense of responsibility in celebrities.
“This conclave is about raising awareness, hoping that it will translate into more action,” said Dean Thompson, US consul general in Calcutta.
American Center director Jeffrey Reneau, who moderated the session, wrapped it up by pointing out that celebrity activism was one of the many tools that could be used to further the cause of NGOs working to stop trafficking.
|
