Through the Looking Glass

Gael Garcia Bernal, new force in celebrity activist ranks 

The 27-year-old star of films like The Motorcycle Diaries and Y Tu Mama Tambien has joined the aid group Oxfam’s campaign for fair trade at the World Trade Organization meeting in Hong Kong.

Gael Garcia Bernal spoke out against the war in Iraq while presenting an award at the Oscars two years ago. This week, the Mexican actor joined the aid group Oxfam’s campaign for fair trade at the World Trade Organization meeting in Hong Kong.

The 27-year-old star of films like The Motorcycle Diaries and Y Tu
Mama Tambien is emerging as a new force in the celebrity activist ranks. Bernal says his activism is personal, inspired by the plight of uncles, aunts and cousins whose farms are suffering under free trade.

Bernal said U.S. corn imports flooding into Mexico at low prices under the North American Free Trade Agreement are driving Mexican corn farmers out of business, endangering a crop that has a long tradition in Mexican culture. He said the genetically modified U.S. corn doesn’t taste as good as white corn grown in Mexico.

Bernal said he appreciates the ability of celebrities to put the spotlight on previously ignored issues. But he said they must be dedicated to their causes and back their words with action. Bernal said he makes sure he knows about the issues he talks about by making site visits and research.

Bernal says he also works with a shelter for children with AIDS in Mexico, raising funds through premieres. He said he was approached by Oxfam when he protested at a G-8 summit of world leaders in Scotland in July.

Celebrity also comes with responsibility, Bernal said. "Doing this, dedicating myself to acting, to doing films, allows me to have a responsibility that’s maybe bigger than what I would have if I wasn’t an actor, with these issues," he said.