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Chris Matin - Musician or Civic Hero? by Chris Fox media type="youtube" key="fle5on8f7yo" height="315" width="420" align="center" I) Biographical Born in the 1970's, you might say that Chris Martin was predisposed to having a life of sharing, caring, loving, and helping. His mother was a music teacher, so I like to see it as if he was born with a gift; if not, an //almost responsibility//. He started his first band when he was in Prep-School as a child and was apparently met with a wave of "BOOOOOOO's" during their first performance. From there I can only assume that he had quite the episode of perseverance and self-reflection, since the next serious band he started was one that sent melodic shock waves thru the music world. Martin was majoring in Ancient World studies at University College London when he met the rest of his band. I like to imagine that this quartet had many late-night jam sessions before realizing their evolution into the mega band that is Coldplay. They were officially a band by the end of 1998 and by 2000 they had released their first album which hit like an earthquake and immediately went "Platinum." Ever since 2000, Chris Martin and Coldplay have been dominating billboard charts. They will have had five complete studio albums, each with substantial success. I am not sure if they have played in Antarctica or not, but I know they have played just about everywhere else possible.

It seems that someone with these accomplishments and musical gifts could have the ability to spread influence, ideas, practices, and values. That is, if they so choose to. This is what I mean by an //almost responsibility//. Chris Martin not only has this gift, but the awareness and finesse to effectively use his powers for good. I think by itself, this is enough to classify someone as a modern civic hero. Looking into his heavier examples of social improvement, in general, helps me achieve perspective as well as contrast.

II) Innovations

Martin has used his reach and capabilities to stir the social pot. His good deeds can have an electric-chain effect, inspiring others to follow suit. Among the many charities he works with are: 21st Century Leaders, Amnesty International, Bridge School, Hoping Foundation, Keep A Child Alive, Make Trade Fair, Mencap, Mercy Corps, Mines Advisory Group, Oxfam, Peace One Day, Red Cross, The Carbon Neutral Company, War Child, and Whatever It Takes.

For his Mercy Corps charity work, Chris Martin got together with R.E.M's frontman Michael Stipe. Together, they made a CD and all of the proceeds went to Hurricane Katrina victims. He has done similar projects with other famous artists, giving proceeds to several of his supported charities mentioned earlier. The time and efforts spent sharing music to a thirsty ear has been shimmering proof that Martin is a true giver. Oxfam and the Make Trade Fair (MTF) are where he seems to also put a great deal of his efforts. Martin has taken several trips to developing countries to see the aftermath of unfair trade, first hand. He has used his experiences and insight to make as big of a difference as he is capable of.

Even though Chris Martin did not necessarily invent all of the methods he uses to improve society, it might be dangerous to say that he has not innovated in this manner. He has seen his potential and not ignored his calling, which is to use music as a means of streamlining civis, as opposed to burdening it. Also, and maybe more importantly, people seem to be more willing to give things like money, canned goods, or valuables, instead of TIME. Giving **time** is a very clear indication of importance and commitment. Since time is limited, and seemingly transient, It could very well be the most valuable thing to give. Power plus motivation is an explosive combination and in this way, Chris Martin has authored innovation.

III) Outcomes

If you go back and read the charities that I had listed under "Innovations", you will see that I listed fifteen. Using Chris Martin's methods as I had described, in the areas he has chosen to concentrate in, I would say the effects and their ripples may be unfathomable by someone, such as myself, whose impact has conservatively been less than 1% of what Chris Martin has accomplished. The worst way I can spin it is that he would just be a "social betterment" workhorse. I also believe that music has an intrinsic power to heal, be used as medicine, and improve life. Chris Martin has shared his music so effectively that I would almost think of it as "infecting" people with a cure, so to speak. For every social oppressor we replace with a civic hero, I like to think we are making serious progress.

IV) Lessons

Two lessons leap out to teach the eager listener as well as any civic-hero journeyman. I think that the most important takeaway is realizing what gifts and capabilities you were born with and using your innate passion to become an efficient example of a civic hero. The term "Go big or go home" comes to mind here. Second, would be to truly make a lasting impact, donating TIME may be equal to or greater than donating any other resource. It is always heroic to have a life of sharing, caring, loving, and helping. Use the gifts you were given and just watch the results unfurl. If you ever get disoriented just listen to what Chris Martin said, "Look at the stars. Look how they shine for YOU !"