Apr 14 2008

What Progressives Can Learn from Charlton Heston

The passing of Charlton Heston last week gave GoLeft a time to pause and reflect on celebrity activism and what we as organizers want and need from those who garner more fame and how they can best promote the issues we care about. Mr. Heston used his fame effectively in having his voice heard around issues that he was passionate about. And while GoLeft preferred the work he did on civil rights rather than his later anti-gun control crusade, his work as a celebrity activist offered lessons for progressive celebrities and activists.

Don’t shy away from the more radical elements. Despite being a well-funded and well-connected organization, the National Rifle Association’s inability to compromise on gun safety always put it on the fringe of American politics. This did not deter Mr. Heston from lending his name to the organization and using his position to mainstream their views.

Strategically pick an established organization you can assist. There seems to be a new liberal celebrity charity developed every day while many mid-size and even larger progressive organizations with longevity go without notice. GoLeft was recently at a screening of Juno when two young women exchanged the question “what’s Planned Parenthood?(!)

Live your life, live your politics. Love him or hate him the man picked an issue that he did not waiver on. This consistency in message and action led credibility to his work.

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