States and Power in Africa
Paris Hilton Goes to Rwanda
Yet Another Celeb Seeks Africa Cred
Paris Hilton is off to Rwanda next month to show the world that even drunk-driving billionaire heiresses can have a heart.
Africa has become an obligatory destination for celebrities--apparently even those on the B-list--to turn over a new leaf in their careers or otherwise prove they are more than just a pretty face.
Rwanda seems a logical choice; both Natalie Portman and Ewan McGregor made appearances there this summer.
After showing us a different side of rural America, Paris intends to extend the favor to Rwandans.
But I mean, who wouldn't want Paris as their spokesperson?
Of course, she seems to think it might mean risking life and limb.
"I'm scared, yeah. I've heard it's really dangerous," Paris said. "I've never been on a trip like this before."
Someone should try telling Paris that Rwanda is one of Africa's safest countries.
Yes, Paris will do wonders for Rwanda's image. With friends like these...
Paris wants to shed her party-girl image
Associated PressNEW YORK - Meet Paris Hilton, grown-up. The
26-year-old socialite has vowed to change her
party-girl image after serving a 23-day jail sentence
in June for violating probation in an alcohol-related
reckless driving case."There are a lot of bad people in L.A. Before, my life
was about having fun, going to parties it was a
fantasy," she tells Newsweek magazine in its Oct. 22
issue, now on newsstands. "But when I had time to
reflect, I felt empty inside. I want to leave a mark on
the world."Hilton says she is now committed to using her
celebrity status for the greater good. Next month, she
plans to pack her bags for Rwanda to bring attention
to the African country."I'm scared, yeah. I've heard it's really dangerous," she
says. "I've never been on a trip like this before."Hilton, accompanied by a children's charity called
Playing for Good, will visit schools and health-care
clinics as part of a five-day charity mission. The
trip will be filmed not surprising, given Hilton's
love of the camera."I love having everything documented," says Hilton,
who hopes to turn the footage into a film. "It shows
people what everyday life is like for me, how hard
I work. There are a lot of misconceptions about me."Hilton says her dating life isn't as wild as the
tabloids make it out to be."I've been linked to so many guys, but there's nothing
romantic going on at all," she says. "I get along
better with guys than girls. I trust them more. They
don't get all girly and mean. Girls have drama."
Just one question: why settle for a film when you can do a reality tv
show? I'm sure there would be babies to kiss and gorillas to pet
enough for at least two whole seasons. Tough it out, Paris, and you
might even be named UN Goodwill Ambassador. Hot.
There will inevitably be some readers who will wonder at me taking pot
shots at a tabloid celebrity; nothing honorable in that. And besides,
at least Paris is doing something. Something must be done about the crisis that is Africa. I simply disagree.
Hats off to Nick Slepko for the tip.
Related:
"how hard I work."
The nerve that she has to say something like this. This was a great read and I couldn't agree with you more.
Posted by: aaron | October 16, 2007 at 02:17 PM
It's an offence to Rwandans, not to mention anyone's sense of proportion, that this impending visit of PH should be getting the media and blog attention that it is. Here's a suggestion: Let's resist the urge to applaud. Or mock. Or "have fun" with it. Instead, let's follow our instinct and IGNORE IT. Any response, negative or positive, just plays into the hands of the nematodes who are exploiting this (and us) to feed the insatiable beast of celebrity. Let it be. Let's exercise some benign indifference. We all know we're being used here. So let's turn our attention to things of value.
Posted by: Claude Adams | October 18, 2007 at 01:07 AM
why does'nt she make visits to inner city high school, and encourage the students not drop out of high school like she did charity should begin at home.
Posted by: micheal | October 21, 2007 at 08:00 PM
Celebrities also have their own troubles.
PS: Jen, I am Amy. How are you these days? Can't find you online these days!
Posted by: Amy | October 23, 2007 at 01:20 AM
Celebrities also have their own troubles.
PS: Jen, I am Amy. How are you these days? Can't find you online these days!
Posted by: Amy | October 23, 2007 at 01:20 AM
the problem I have with paris hilton going to Rwanda is that she's known for making racist remarks about black people. now all of a sudden she's just going to go there out of the goodness of her heart to help these people? please. that's low to use starving people for publicity.
Posted by: Jay | November 15, 2007 at 01:52 AM
the gods *must* be crazy.
(sorry, I just had to make a reference to that movie at some point on this blog, haha)
Posted by: Elyse | December 11, 2007 at 09:43 AM