This is an interesting week for popular culture! On Thursday President Obama will guest the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. This will make him the first sitting President to appear on a late night talk show. A chance , perhaps, to talk in a lighter tone about the administrations efforts to get the economy on track. It is a risk, some think it is a frivolous move , but it also shows that the President is willing to do things differently
And earlier this week the United Nations co-hosted a panel discussion with the stars and creators of Battlestar Galactica exploring, as the UN writes, “themes which are important to both – human rights, terrorism, children and armed conflict, and reconciliation between civilians and faiths”. Kiyo Akasaka, UN Under-Secretary-General for Public Information said “This event will show how skillful storytelling can elevate the profile of critical humanitarian issues,”.
The panel, which included UN representatives, actor Edward James Olmos and Battlestar creator Ronald D Moore was moderated by Battlestar fan Whoopi Goldberg. This event was the launch for the UN Department of Public Information’s Creative Community Outreach Initiative, which is aimed at partnering with the international film and television industries to raise awareness of global issues.(The UN has collaborated previously with film productions such as Che and Law & Order SVU)
Taking pop culture seriously; So say we all!
An article and video from the event can be found here;
