University of South Florida Scholar Commons Graduate Theses and Dissertations Graduate School September 2018 Star Power, Pandemics, and Politics: The Role of Cultural Elites in Global Health Security Holly Lynne Swayne University of South Florida, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd Part of the Mass Communication Commons, Political Science Commons, and the Public Health Commons Scholar Commons Citation Swayne, Holly Lynne, "Star Power, Pandemics, and Politics: The Role of Cultural Elites in Global Health Security" (2018). Graduate Theses and Dissertations. https://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/7581 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at Scholar Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Graduate Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Scholar Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Star Power, Pandemics, and Politics The Role of Cultural Elites in Global Health Security by Holly Lynne Swayne A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies University of South Florida Major Professor: M. Scott Solomon, Ph.D. Linda Whiteford, Ph.D. Janna Merrick, Ph.D. Peter N. Funke, Ph.D. Date of Approval March 30, 2018 Keywords: global health, celebrity, activism, culture studies, mass media, power, influence. Copyright © 2018, Holly Lynne Swayne Dedication To my mom, whose strength has inspired and saved me in ways I cannot begin to describe. To my dad, who taught me by example about grace and compassion, and always believed in the beauty of my dreams. To my brother, who never gave up on me, and is always one of my most enthusiastic supporters. And finally, to my niece, may she find her own passion in life as she grows into the greatness she is meant for. Acknowledgements I would like to thank my Major Professor, Dr. Scott Solomon, for being with me since my first day in the Ph.D. program as my tireless mentor, advocate, and teaching inspiration. You always pushed me to deliver my best, balancing expectations with compassion as I navigated not only the challenges of a dissertation, but the challenges of an unexpected life unfolding before me. To the rest of my committee, Dr. Linda Whiteford, Dr. Janna Merrick, and Dr. Peter Funke, my sincerest gratitude for your guidance, dedication, and flexibility, and for the invaluable insight you’ve offered along the way. Dr. Lois LaCivita Nixon, thank you for being an inspirational woman and mentor, showing me the multiple dimensions of the human experience and the impact of speaking truth to power. To the staff of the Global Citizens Project, past and present, you have celebrated my milestones with the enthusiasm of true friends. To the acting community that welcomed me with open arms, thank you for your unique insight into the entertainment industry, and for offering me an unexpected home for my own creative inclinations. And finally, Jason, thank you for sharing this journey with me. I’m immeasurably grateful for all the love and support through the years from my family, friends, mentors, and wise strangers. It takes a village, and I thank you all for being part of mine. Table of Contents List of Tables .................................................................................................................................. iii List of Figures .................................................................................................................................. v Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... vi Chapter 1 - Acting Activists: Performing for Global Health .......................................................... 1 Background .......................................................................................................................... 1 Significance ......................................................................................................................... 6 Research Question and Hypothesis ..................................................................................... 8 Key Terms and Definitions ................................................................................................. 9 Methodological Considerations and Limitations ............................................................... 12 The Phenomenally Famous ............................................................................................... 15 Chapter 2 - Star Power: Evaluating the Discussion ....................................................................... 17 Categories of Celebrity ...................................................................................................... 18 Celebrities as Activists ...................................................................................................... 24 The Media Mirror: Perceptions and Presentation .............................................................. 28 Legitimate Acting .............................................................................................................. 34 Powerful Personas ............................................................................................................. 42 Conclusion ......................................................................................................................... 59 Chapter 3 – A Charitable Constellation: Measuring Effectiveness ............................................... 61 The Case for Stars ............................................................................................................ 62 A Healthy Perspective ...................................................................................................... 69 Mediated Spaces ............................................................................................................... 72 Constructing Meaning ...................................................................................................... 76 Following Fame ................................................................................................................ 79 Interviews ......................................................................................................................... 80 What’s Health Got to Do with It? .................................................................................... 83 Summary .......................................................................................................................... 84 Chapter 4 – The Famous Five: Celebrity Involvement in Global Health Initiatives .................... 87 Descriptive Characteristics of Study Population .............................................................. 89 CIQ 1: Tom Cruise ........................................................................................................... 92 CIQ 2: Robert Downey, Jr. ............................................................................................... 97 i CIQ 3: Bradley Cooper ................................................................................................... 101 CIQ 4: Leonardo DiCaprio ............................................................................................. 106 CIQ 5: Matt Damon ........................................................................................................ 113 Global Health Matters ..................................................................................................... 121 Discursive Development ................................................................................................ 132 The Social Celebrity ....................................................................................................... 135 Summary ........................................................................................................................ 139 Chapter 5 – Public Displays of Attention: Representations of Celebrity Activism .................... 143 Overview ........................................................................................................................ 144 Findings in Fame ............................................................................................................ 146 Seeing Stars .................................................................................................................... 151 Redefining Roles ............................................................................................................ 153 Looking to the Future ..................................................................................................... 155 Conclusion ..................................................................................................................... 156 References .................................................................................................................................. 159 Appendices ................................................................................................................................. 179 Appendix A – Factors of Influence ................................................................................ 180 Appendix B – News Readership and Circulation ............................................................ 181 Appendix C – Institutional Review Board Documents .................................................. 185 Informed