Diplomatic Celebrity?

We talked a little about celebrity diplomacy during class and afterward I wondered about the opposite -- diplomats that attain a sense of celebrity (and not the kind of celebrity that comes from being a distinguished diplomat). Does this sense of celebrity (albeit, likely small) coupled with a competent diplomatic background help them be more effective diplomats? 

A former U.S. diplomacy officer in Pakistan, Shyna Cram, reached a degree of celebrity when she wrote and performed a song in Pashto for Malala Yousufzai, the teenager shot by the Taliban in 2012 for promoting education for girls.   The song encourages girls to pursue their dreams and have hope for a better future.  Pakistan-U.S. relations are bumpy, to say the least, and when the song was written, Cram was otherwise unable to connect with those in Pakistan due to safety concerns.  The song provided a vehicle for Cram to share her frustrations with the violence and inequality, and extend her hand, or rather voice, in solidarity.   

Earlier this year another U.S. diplomat, Phillip Assis, sang during the semifinal round of Pakistan Idol.  He has also recorded a song in Pashto, which has apparently become a local hit.  Assis says that he frequently meets Pakistanis who saw his performance on television or have heard his song played and they are excited to meet him in person. 

The literal message of the songs Cram and Assis perform is important, but I think the symbolism is more significant.  By publicly singing and doing so in a non-native tongue, these officials are exposing a sense of vulnerability and humanity.  They are expressing their support of Pakistani culture as well as connecting with the population.  Both Cram and Assis took a risk in their attempt to connect with Pakistani citizens that could have compromised the public’s perception of their credibility.  This is a lot to put on the line, and further represents their strong desire to connect with the Pakistani public. 

These diplomats reached out to citizens in non-conventional ways, and attempted to bridge cultures to convey a sense of unity.  Their local celebrity attracted attention and increased their chance of recognition.  This audience gives them the chance to truly connect with Pakistani citizens and the opportunity to change perceptions of Americans in an area where anti-American sentiments are especially strong. 

So, does this sense of celebrity help these diplomats be more effective? I think it depends on the case.   After his performance on Pakistani Idol, Assis was invited to perform in Washington at a Pakistani Independence Day celebration.  I think this particular case represents a successful attempt at bridging cultures, and suggests that Assis’ performance had at least a small positive impact on Pakistani sentiments toward Americans.