The new Barry Levinson film “Poliwood” has me thinking more than I should about celebrities getting involved with politics.
Now, Jessica Alba has checked in on education courtesy of an op-ed she wrote for The Huffington Post.
At first I figured Alba’s column would be ghost written, since I suspect many folks – both inside Hollywood and the Beltway – likely hand off commentary assignments to professional scribes.
Sadly, I fear this is pure, unadulterated Alba.
So let’s go through the article bit by bit – and ignore the horrible writing.
I wanted to sit with these incredible women [in Congress], learn from them, and say thank you for their work on helping every child, especially girls, get the opportunity to have an education.
Yes, let’s ignore those dumb boys who don’t deserve as much help as those cute little ladies …
I believe that 2010 is the year for a breakthrough on global education. With the World Cup in Africa and the eyes of the world on the continent, we can connect the energy of this global game with the power of the negotiating table at the world’s leading forums like the G20, G8 and UN Millennium Development Goals Summit.
Who knew the World Cup could do so much? I don’t even like soccer, but now I’m psyched at the sport’s transformative effect. And just ask President Barack Obama about “the power of the negotiating table …” Is that clean energy, by the way?
Every child should have that chance to stand up and walk into their future. They need leaders in Washington and around the world to deliver on their promises so all our children can receive the education they deserve. With U.S. leadership, if we come together in 2010, we can make the lasting legacy of the first World Cup in Africa education for all children.
Don’t you hate it when children can’t stand up and walk into their future? My cousin, bless him, had to mosey into his future, not walk. Sad.
And more about the World Cup? Yikes. What else can soccer do – besides lull me to sleep?
Now, maybe I’m being too harsh on Alba, who seems like a very nice person from what I can tell.
But her piece reminds us that elevating actors to pundits doesn’t make sense if they can’t bring the same kind of rigorous intellectual debate to the topic at hand.
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
“I wanted to sit with these incredible women [in Congress], learn from them, and say thank you for their work on helping every child, especially girls, get the opportunity to have an education.”
They’ve done such a wonderful job that the number of girls going to college out number the boys, and as of a few years ago the majority of white collar jobs are held by women.
So Mzzzz Alba when do we start championing for boys?
Ignore the horrible writing? I’m only one man. What the you-know-what does soccer have to with anything? What is she talking about?
Your guess is as good as mine, Blackhawk …
Instead of the “Silence of the Lambs” dental gear, take away her keyboard.
The only way I would find any of Alba’s platitudes interesting is if they were sewn across the back of her jean shorts.
I watched “overnight” the other day, and reading this makes me think about that movie.
Troy Duffy’s crime wasn’t that he was an arrogant hyperbolic eff. It’s that he was an arrogant hyperbolic eff, before he kissed all the right rears in hollywood.
These people are not exactly stupid, they are pridefully ignorant of the things they want to sput off about.
Like on SNL, the “political comedian” guy, played by Fred Armissen.
I had no idea Jessica Alba had a flair for comedy. Her work in film certainly gave no indication.
Her work in film gave no indication making me believe she had a flair for acting.
David Spade nailed it, in his short run show.
“Jessica! Jessica, have a nice AZZ!!, Great Great Great, now, turn and a profile of your pert young breasts! ‘ I swear she is the best actress I’ve worked with in 10 years.’”