I think there are some astute comments in here about how ability attracts criticism.
+ Americans admire success whereas Europeans resent it and envy it. hence the high taxes.
That's not universally true or even mostly true. Hence 99% movements in the U.S.
There certainly is a ton of anti-Bono sentiment out there... JJ I don't know where you live but hard to believe you don't see it... or maybe you just tune it out and forget it which is fine...
Even a casual stroll through these forum halls will show you Bono inspires mixed feelings even amongst the faithful... i.e. the hardcore fans... my personal view for example is that while the haters can be ridiculous, I also recognize he gives them plenty of oxygen to fan the flames, unfortunately...
I'm 42. I grew up on AB through college, where all my friends liked U2 but most of them thought I was fanatical. I occasionally run into people who dislike the band but it's rare. I don't hear a lot from people who dislike Bono. When I do, I tend to get a little vocal about how selfish, arrogant, and myopic his detractors are. On reflection, I had a conversation with my brother (not a U2 fan) that went like this:
Bro: Obama won the Nobel.
Me: Greatest tragedy in Nobel laureate history is that award not going to Bono.
Bro: The rock star? He's annoying because...uh...
Me: He's the loudest voice for humanitarian aid for the developing world since Mother Theresa?
*pause*
Bro: I liked that song they sing with Mary J. Blige.
Me: That sucked. The live version at Modena with Brian Eno is much better.
Bro: Whatever.
So maybe I tune it out.
I think it's fair to criticize his voice or singing style. I know people like Bob Dylan. I can't stand Bob Dylan. So I don't mind that. I think it's fair to criticize their music in general. If you like Garth Brooks--I got nothing for you. But if it's really occurring, I think it's irresponsibly idiotic to criticize Bono for his humanitarian efforts, tax shelter notions, or political alliances. This is not unique to Bono--I routinely hear criticism of other humanitarians/missionaries/Peace Corps/etc., because they aren't doing their particular humanitarian efforts exactly the way the criticizer would like. I think that kind of criticism is one of the worst and least justifiable kinds of criticism in the world and it makes me furious like almost nothing else.
Okay off my soapbox now.
Still an interesting article and discussion.