Bob Geldof, Band Aid has never been useful.

Believe it or not, Ethiopians are well aware of Christmas. While they may celebrate it a couple of weeks later than we do, Christianity has been a part of their culture for much longer than it has been on our own island. The iconic song "Do They Know It's Christmas?" was penned by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure in 1984 as a response to the devastating famine in Ethiopia. It featured a star-studded lineup of singers including George Michael, Sting, Bono, Duran Duran, and Bananarama. However, the recent 40th-anniversary re-release has sparked some controversy and has left many questioning its relevance in today's world.

Let's take a closer look at the background of this song. It was written after shocking BBC reports showed the dire conditions of the famine in Ethiopia. Bob Geldof, a talented Irish singer-songwriter, was moved to take action and raise awareness for the suffering. The song was used as a charity fundraiser and it was incredibly successful in raising a significant amount of money. This set a precedent for future charity appeals, but it also came with its own set of problems.

Even at the time of its release, "Do They Know It's Christmas?" was met with criticism. The lyrics were deemed insensitive and portrayed a simplistic and stereotypical image of Africa as a helpless continent full of starving children in need of Europe's generosity. While some of the more absurd lyrics have been removed in recent years, the overall message remains the same. It paints a picture of Africa as a place full of despair and poverty, dependent on the aid and charity of Western countries.

This oversimplification of the situation in Ethiopia had real consequences. There are accusations that the money raised through the song was not used for famine relief, but instead, it was used to buy weapons by the corrupt government in power. Moreover, the constant exposure to poverty on our screens through charity appeals led to a sense of hopelessness among the public. Many felt that no matter how much money they donated, the situation never seemed to improve.

As a result, public engagement on the issue of global poverty started to decline in the late 2000s. People felt lied to and the Band Aid model only perpetuated this idea of the UK as the powerful giver and Africa as the grateful receiver. But the truth is, poverty is a complex issue with political roots. There is enough food in the world to feed everyone, but it is the unequal distribution of resources that leaves many hungry. In some cases, countries suffering from chronic hunger prioritize exporting cheap food to wealthier nations, often at the expense of their own people. For example, Haiti, once self-sufficient in rice production, now imports most of its rice from the US due to unfair trade rules imposed by international organizations.

It's time to acknowledge and address these underlying issues instead of relying solely on charity to solve the problem. While giving to charity is not a bad thing, it is not the whole solution. We need to demand that our governments take action and hold big corporations accountable for their actions. If we succeed in creating a fairer world, charity will no longer be necessary.

Bob Geldof has been criticized for his continued promotion of "Do They Know It's Christmas?" despite its outdated and offensive portrayal of Africa. He defends the song, claiming that it has kept millions of people alive. While this may be true, it has also perpetuated harmful stereotypes and has not addressed the root causes of poverty. It's time for Geldof to stop re-releasing the song and instead focus on promoting real change and addressing the underlying issues.

In conclusion, "Do They Know It's Christmas?" may hold a special place in the hearts of those who remember its initial release, but it's important to recognize its flaws and move on. Let's not perpetuate outdated and offensive stereotypes and instead focus on creating a better world for all. As Bob Geldof himself said, "It's Christmas time, and there's no need to be afraid." But perhaps it's time for us to be afraid of perpetuating harmful narratives and instead take action towards creating a fairer and more equal world.

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