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Angelina Jolie's Contributions to Humanitarian Work

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Angelina Jolie's Contributions to Humanitarian Work
There are a number of factors, such as products, practices, and media events, which can influence globalization economically, politically, and culturally. However, the impact of a single individual is often overlooked when discussing globalization. One individual whose actions have dramatically affected the progression of globalization is Oscar-winning actress, Angelina Jolie. Although she is often typecast in her films as a troubled rebel, Jolie has accomplished far more than most people can say with her impressive contributions to humanitarian work. Since 2001, she has made various efforts to resolve refugee problems in over twenty different countries. Despite the media’s obsession with her glamorous appearance, her humanitarian work proves to the world that her beauty is not only skin-deep.
Human rights are a broad category of activism, allowing celebrities many different avenues to find their role. Angelina Jolie serves as a perfect example of globalization because she has contributed to so many different communities in different ways. First, it is important to define globalization for a better understanding. In class, we discussed how globalization can be explained both objectively and subjectively. Instead of using various metaphors, I will go straight into the two main definitions we covered.
In class, we discussed that Anthony Giddens defined globalization as “the intensifications of worldwide social relations which link distant localities in such a way that local happenings are shaped by events occurring many miles away and vice versa”. Although I agree with his implication, I liked Jack Lule’s definition more in our class reading Language and Metaphor. He explains, “Globalization is a set of multiple, uneven, and sometimes historical processes, including economics, politics, and culture, that have combined with the evolution of media technology to create the conditions under which the globe itself can now be understood as ‘an imagined community.’”



Cited: Ahmed, Issam, and Bryant. "Angelina Jolie is more than a pretty face for Pakistan flood relief." Christian Science Monitor 08 Sept. 2010: N.PAG. Academic Search Complete. Web. 20 Mar. 2012. "Angelina Jolie (American Actress)." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica. Web. 20 Mar. 2012. <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1264516/Angelina-Jolie>. "Angelina Jolie Appeals for More Aid as She Meets Flood Victims in Ravaged Pakistan." Mail Online. Web. 18 Mar. 2012. <http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1309825/Angelina-Jolie-appeals-aid-meets-Pakistan-flood-victims.html>. Barron, Lee. "An Actress Compelled To Act: Angelina Jolie 's Notes From My Travels As Celebrity Activist/Travel Narrative." Postcolonial Studies 12.2 (2009): 211-228. Academic Search Complete. Web. 20 Mar. 2012. Bella, Laura. “Angelina Jolie: Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations.” Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. Google Books. 2009. Web. 20 Mar. 2012. DE GIOVANNI, JANINE Littler, Jo. "‘‘I Feel Your Pain’’: Cosmopolitan Charity and the Public Fashioning of the." Social Semiotics 18.2 (2008): 237-51. Print. Lule, Jack. "Language and Metaphor." Globalization and Media: Global Village of Babel. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2012. Print. Petrie, Chantal. Celebrity Humanitarianism and International Development: An Analysis of Oprah, Bono and Angelina Jolie in Africa. Thesis. Ryerson University, 2006. Toranto, Ontario, Canada: Digital Commons, 2008. Print. Pieterse, Jan Nederveen. "Representing the Rise of the Rest as Threat: Media and Global Divides." Nordicom. Plenary I. Media and Global Divides. Web. 18 Mar. 2012. <http://www.nordicom.gu.se/common/publ_pdf/283_pieterse.pdf>. Smith, Sean. "Angelina Wants To Save The World." Newsweek 150.1 (2007): 46-53. Academic Search Complete. Web. 20 Mar. 2012.

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