There’s little doubt in my mind that global climate change is one the most serious issues of our time (right after American Idol, of course). But while I can appreciate celebrities like Sheryl Crow and Matt Damon wanting to use their fame to effect positive change, sometimes I just wish they’d get a clue. Yes, people listen to what they have to say, but sometimes when they open their mouth, what people are hearing is a train wreck looking for a place to happen. Anyone who listened to Crow’s ruminating on the efficacy of women limiting themselves to one square of toilet paper during a trip to the head…except for those unfortunate, messy times when 2-3 squares might be necessary…had to be thinking, WTF??
There’s a time when leading by example speaks volumes, and global climate change is an issue where that’s very true. Rather than seeking yet more face time to tell us what we can do (e.g.- Matt Damon starting out with “If your house is anything like mine….” Uh, no, not really….), how about just doing it?
I don’t want to denigrate anyone who truly wants to make a difference, but most celebrities seem not to be cognizant of one little reality. Their world is not like yours or mine. They live in a world of abundance, where the day to day realities that you and I face are rarely, if ever, an issue. I don’t want to listen to Sheryl Crow opining about limiting toilet paper use. I don’t want to hear Matt Damon, or Brad Pitt, or any of the other “Beautiful People” ruminating over how we can emulate them and change the world by doing it. Just do it and let us see the results. Most of us who care will eventually figure it out. Those who don’t never will. If you want to lead, then lead by example. Otherwise, I don’t want to hear about how much money you’re donating, or how committed you are…or anything else. Just do it…and just shut up.
