Over two explosions rocked the Chinese Port of Tianjin on August 12, killing hundreds and sending the entire nation to grief. Citizens living miles away felt the explosion, and those who lived within a 2 mile radius of the chemical warehouse blast site had to evacuate immediately in fear of toxic gases. Many Chinese celebrities offered their condolences and came together to donate to the Tianjin victims, including the family of the firefighters who died on duty. Actor Huang Xiaoming (黃曉明) and his wife Angelababy donated 2 million RMB and passed out over ten thousand face masks to the evacuees, including those who live around the blast site perimeter. The couple are also spreading awareness of fire safety, and they plan to promote a training program on emergency fire safety to kids and students. In addition to Xiaoming and Angelababy, Fan Bingbing (范冰冰) and her studios donated 1 million RMB to the victims. Creds: Oncc
Donating money to victims or just buying publicity? One of the things about disasters is that celebrities are often at the center of attention, with a spotlight on them being altruistic or full of compassion. But just as often, those celebrities have been shown to be full of bullshit, capitalizing on the event to advance their personal and professional agendas. Remember Zhang Ziyi and her Sichuan earthquake donation drive? Reportedly, she had people donate through her fund raising events, where she promised to match with her own funds but it seemed that a lot of the money was never accounted for. Also, what is driving a lot of commentary in Chinese web activity is the claims by Tianjin residents that Chinese television refused to air reports of the explosion catastrophe until almost twelve hours later, after it had already become international news. Chinese television then claimed that they were faultless, as they did not receive instructions from their higher ups that it was OK to report on the disaster. Instead, they continued to broadcast Korean dramas and their regular nightly programming. This may seem shocking to many of us in the rest of the world, but it only goes to dramatically providing evidence that Chinese news is absolutely government controlled in every respect, even if lives depended on it. Disasters are bad enough. But a disaster in China is likely the worst place it can happen because the help or assistance that is needed to save lives often have other agenda ahead of life or death to consider.
Apart from the scammers that look to make money off of the victims, I think celebrities often also take advantage of the disaster to polish their image as ralph said. There are celebrities that often take part in fundraisers and charities but they keep it private and away from the media's attention. It's hard to know the true motives of these celebrities since a lot of times they are later revealed to the public by the fundraisers themselves. But at least these celebrities are better than the ones that try to make every good intentions of theirs public, at least at first sight. In South Korea, when the sinking of Sewol ferry happened, most Korean dramas, variety shows and music programs were halted for weeks and some up to a month. A lot of the broadcast focused on the news of Sewol continuously day & night. The TV stations did make the right choice in stopping all entertainment programs in respect for the families of the victims. Citizens shouldn't be entertained or laughing during a tragedy happen, just some simple respect out of South Korea. I believe even the one year anniversary of the Sewol tragedy had much attention in South Korea.
Certainly, this give them publicity and good word of mouth but we don't know for sure if they are doing it for themselves or are sincerely trying to help. Some celebrities actually want to help while there are also those that uses these type of situation to get some publicity for their own self gains.
I fully agree with the sentiments already shared here... however, I like to give both these guys the benefit of the doubt. I think back when china had another issue/disaster, they were also one of the first artists to put their hands up to help. Sure it's a positive publicity thing for them but I would like to think they are doing it for the right reasons each time
As long as they're receiving legitimate help, then that is the true importance over the celebrities publicity. It becomes a problem when scammers add insult to injuries.
Celebs that do good, but quietly, are the ones that are genuine in their feelings and sincerity. Remember 911, after the two planes crashed into the WTC? Steve Buscemi, an American actor that was already pretty famous, put his acting on hold and immediately returned to his old fire station where he had worked years before as a fireman. Donning fire fighting gear he went through the rubble of the WTC, looking for survivors and assisting in the recovery of bodies, all without fanfare or public notice. It was only years later that someone let the cat out of the bag. That, to me is what altruism is about. Personal sacrifice, without fanfare nor accolade. You do it because it needs to be done. If you're on the news doing it and grinning for the cameras? IMHO, you're already a loser.
ralphrepo That is a perfect example of staying low key and helping the victims with true heart, not for some publicity bullshit.
