Did the G8 concerts exceed expectations?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the G8 concerts, specifically the Live8 event, and whether it exceeded expectations in raising awareness about global poverty and economic inequality. Participants share their experiences and opinions about the musical performances, the effectiveness of the event in promoting its cause, and the overall public awareness surrounding it.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express enthusiasm for the musical performances, highlighting artists like Madonna and Snoop Dogg as particularly impactful.
  • Others note the absence of rap and R&B groups in the Canadian version of the concert, suggesting a lack of diversity in the lineup.
  • There are comments about the perceived lack of promotion for the event in the US, with some participants feeling that it was poorly advertised and thus not widely recognized.
  • Some participants question the effectiveness of the concert in raising awareness about poverty, suggesting that discussions have focused more on the music than the cause.
  • A few participants mention the record number of text messages sent in support of Live8, but express skepticism about the actual impact on public consciousness regarding poverty.
  • Concerns are raised about the political nature of the event, with some arguing that it lacked a clear political message or action plan.
  • There is a discussion about the disconnect between the concert and other initiatives aimed at addressing poverty, with references to various projects and the role of the UN.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the concerts exceeded expectations. While some appreciate the musical performances, others criticize the event's promotional efforts and question its effectiveness in raising awareness about poverty.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of awareness and engagement with the event, indicating that the impact of the concert may differ significantly by region. There are also unresolved questions about the political implications and effectiveness of the concert in achieving its goals.

  • #61
Art said:
I don't think we can say that it was an unwillingness this time to find solutions as at previous summits.
Really now, I'm quite comfortable thinking that.
 
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  • #62
In response to the statement "I don't think we can say that it was an unwillingness this time to find solutions as at previous summits",
Smurf said:
Really now, I'm quite comfortable thinking that.
I have to agree with you, Smurf. In some quarters, the London bombings are even seen as some sort of 'good' thing, as this exchange between Fox News Host Brian Kilmeade and Fox News business contributor and substitute host Stuart Varney, shockingly demonstrates (again, why, why, why am I shocked? I keep on believing in human decency, for some odd reason!):
KILMEADE: And he [British Prime Minister Tony Blair] made the statement, clearly shaken, but clearly determined. This is his second address in the last hour. First to the people of London, and now at the G8 summit, where their topic Number 1 --believe it or not-- was global warming, the second was African aid. And that was the first time since 9-11 when they should know, and they do know now, that terrorism should be Number 1. But it's important for them all to be together. I think that works to our advantage, in the Western world's advantage, for people to experience something like this together, just 500 miles from where the attacks have happened.

VARNEY: It puts the Number 1 issue right back on the front burner right at the point where all these world leaders are meeting. It takes global warming off the front burner. It takes African aid off the front burner. It sticks terrorism and the fight on the war on terror, right up front all over again.

KILMEADE: Yeah.

Reference: http://mediamatters.org/items/200507070005
 
  • #63
alexandra said:
I keep on believing in human decency, for some odd reason!

you know, disagreeing with your priorities does not constitute human indecency :smile:
 

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