Philanthropy and activism of Madonna
Madonna has been known for her philanthropic endeavors, activism and political commentaries. She began as one of the first mainstream musicians to advocate in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980s.[1][2] Throughout her career, Madonna has advocated and supporting different causes including human rights, such as women's and LGBT rights. She has used her social media channels to motivate her followers and raise awareness about various social concerns. Since her early career, Madonna has defined that with her fame comes the responsibility to be a spokesperson.
She has donated time and money in sizeable quantities to numerous charitable organizations, and sometimes made it as a quiet donor. Her endeavors also include performing in various benefit concerts or participating in different charity records. Madonna founded her own charitable organizations in 1998 (Ray of Light Foundation) and 2006 (Raising Malawi). The first serves areas all over the world, while the second focuses their efforts on Malawi.
Madonna's activism and political commentaries are also known for her sometimes outrage views, bold statements, provocative tones and supporting manner, which have garnered her criticism. From a broader sense, many authors have included her, in the generalized criticism of activism or philanthropy made by public figures. Her humanitarian efforts in Malawi were polarized by a series of events, including the adoptions she made. Despite the all sorts of criticism she has encountered, various have appreciated her endeavors describing her views as "outspoken" but "candorous" while maintaining a view of Madonna as a person who is "firm in her convictions" despite any backlash or treatment directed at her persona and popularity. During the height of her fame, reviewers from academic Douglas Kellner to journalist Matt Cain have remarked on how she helped bring some social concerns into the mainstream in her generation. Others have emphasized and underlined Madonna's effect on subsequent generations of musicians in various ways. Named a "Goodwill Ambassador for Child Welfare" by Malawian president Peter Mutharika, her charitable efforts have been recognized in some ceremony awards, including the AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) and American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) by her help in the AIDS crisis.