Angelina Jolie in Newsweek
Newsweek has a fantastic excerpt of an interview with Angelina Jolie. If you see it on your news stand, be sure to get your own copy for the full article.
They discussed how she became involved in her humanitarian work, how she feels about being criticised by people who don’t understand and accuse her of “celebrity tourism” when she visits refugee camps, and why she and Brad Pitt chose New Orleans as their latest place to call home.
When she was asked when it all started, Angelina said this:
I was very nervous to call the U.N. agency at the time. I [was] considered a rebel in Hollywood. At the time I was also a bit of the wild child. So first I went to Washington [to the UNHCR office] and I sat with everybody there and said, “You know, I know you don’t know me. You might have heard things about me… And I don’t want to bring negative attention to your agency. If you could just help me, I’ll pay my way.”
I particularly liked part of her eloquent response to how she feels about people who criticise her for “celebrity tourism” (i.e. people who assume she does her charity work for the photo op and no other reason).
I do care about the opinion of the aid worker, I do care about the opinion of the refugee. I care less about the opinion of the person who’s never been in the field but has an opinion about celebrity.
She also mentioned that now that she has returned from Chad and is working on continuing to get people to stand up and make a difference for the terrible situation in Darfur, the next place she would like to focus on is Cambodia, to understand what exactly is going on inside Burma. I imagine this would also be very beneficial to Maddox in an educational way.
Speaking of education, she also said that although part of the reason she and Brad decided to buy a home in New Orleans - since they would be there for his filming anyway - was to help rebuild the post-Katrina city, she also really liked the people, the parents, and the schools.
I liked the school for the kids. They’re very diverse. I liked the other parents. I feel very comfortable with them. We’re happy having our children here. [...] I’m starting to work on the education here and the school system here. There’s a lot of work to be done.
In all, it looks to be an excellent interview and I look forward to getting my own copy of Newsweek.
(photo courtesy Newsweek site)
Tags: Angelina Jolie, Charity, United NationsRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Angelina Jolie, Charity, United Nations
14 opinions for Angelina Jolie in Newsweek
Charles
Mar 10, 2007 at 8:28 pm
Thanks for the excerpt of an interview with Angelina. I enjoy reading her interviews and will certainly buy the copy.
dark faith
Mar 10, 2007 at 11:34 pm
this is great she seems very caring about everything from her refugee missions to her family, and very content to live her life doing what she wants loving her family and helping people.
checkers
Mar 11, 2007 at 1:29 am
my heart really goes out to her!! this woman is truly inspiring, amazing and genuine!! some celebs use things like this for fame, but Ange has brought awareness and walks the walk!! God bless her soul and her family!! much love and more power to BAMZS+1
HOTTEST COUPLE EVER
Mar 11, 2007 at 5:09 am
Angelina Jolie never ceases to amaze me. She is truly a remarkable young woman. Brad must be so very proud. The mother of his child is a very special woman. God Bless the Jolie-Pitts!
Solo
Mar 11, 2007 at 5:43 am
lovely!
checkers
Mar 11, 2007 at 12:35 pm
Hey hottest couple ever!! saw your post this am at JJ..
HOTTEST COUPLE EVER
Mar 11, 2007 at 2:21 pm
Hi checkers! Couldn’t sleep.. thought I’d make my
rounds on the boards. Angie is so inspiring I just
can’t seem to get enough of her. The “haters” must
feel the same because they appear to watch her every move. Isn’t it the strangest thing???
checkers
Mar 11, 2007 at 2:32 pm
definitely strange!!! If you think about it, if there are no haters, she wouldn’t try harder and make a difference? I know Ange doesn’t have to prove anything to them….
you couldn’t sleep? where are you from?
checkers
Mar 11, 2007 at 2:33 pm
ooops, “hottest couple” that ? was for you.. forgot to address it..
captd
Mar 11, 2007 at 2:56 pm
I am so proud or her and Brad. They are supportive of eah others interestsand always concerned for the welfare of their children. The Newsweek is great and only goes to prove that she is not just a publicity seeking celebrity. I am slo happy to see that Brad is still involved in his rebuilding project in New Orleans. We forget they still need all the help they can get.
Dukka
Mar 12, 2007 at 12:33 pm
The entire interview plus a photo gallery and videos are at the Newsweek site online at:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17540069/site/newsweek/
Angelina is an inspiration to all women. She follows her heart. She has consciousness, conscience and spirit. Her job seems to be as example, someone living what they believe is good and true. Those who have that tendency recognize her greatness, those who want it wake up, and those who hate can only be sent compassion for their sadness and brokenness. Hatred hurts them more than others but also increases and spreads hatred in the world. No wonder there are so many wars everywhere. They are mirroring the war we all have in ourselves with ourselves. May everyone be well and happy and free from suffering. Including animals and plants. Everything alive. That includes our Earth. Even the people we hate. They deserve better.
Cryssy Gambrill
Mar 12, 2007 at 12:37 pm
When I first heard about Angelina doing work with the poor I was skeptical, I knew she had some strange sort of quirks, it’s her business of course. So I followed her closely in articles thinking I was not sure what her trip would be but I can say with a whole heart I’m touched that she’s doing something as a statement to the world that these precious people need help. I’ve lived in Africa for 6 years and I recently returned back after working with Katrina victims and my hat goes off to people who want to understand what’s really going on in these poor countries. God bless her big heart and Brad too, and I agree the people of New Orleans are great and very broken also. Thanks so much for your help and courage.
Dukka
Mar 12, 2007 at 1:08 pm
Angelina just risked her life going alone with a knapsack on her back by regular airlines unprotected, through a major sandstorm to the border between Chad and Sudan. The day after she left there were attacks on the camp. She could easily have been injured or killed. That means she is real. That’s no photo op. She obviously feels this is something she MUST do and can’t NOT do. It’s her mission. You can say what you want about it, but she feels so strongly it is the right thing to do, she puts herself at risk. It may not be what you would do, but she has no choice in her heart. Every decision she takes responsibility for. How else can you live. Every choice has its drawbacks. Sacrifice is a joy for some. Especially when children are concerned.
BlessBrangelina
Mar 12, 2007 at 3:27 pm
Great article. It’s amazing that after 6years people still think this is a hobby she will cast aside soon.
Her perseverence and strength is inspiring, no matter how much they try to knock her down…her head remains high, her shoulders are broad and she remains focussed.
thanks Sherry.
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