Celebrities and Politics
Author: DavidJones // Category: Ethics, Politics, Pop Culture, Youth Culture
When election time comes around, celebrities have to start running their mouths. It seems like that was part of the contract they signed when they sold their souls to the devil decided to become a big star in Hollywood.
Do celebrities really deserve to have a voice in politics? I know we’re all entitled to our opinions and we all have free speech, but do we really want celebrities telling us how we should vote, and how horrible we are if we don’t vote for who they want us to vote for?
A celebrity’s view on politics is a lot like the “Holiday Inn Express” commercials. They don’t have any expertise in the issue they’re talking about, but they’re still going to pretend they do.
Personally, I wish they would just shut up. I don’t want to hear Bush bashing at a Springsteen concert and I don’t want to hear political acceptance speeches at the Emmys.
Why should I listen to Matt Damon any more than I listen to my cashier at Wal-Mart? Simple truth: Hollywood is predominantly made up of left-wing liberal nuts. If you’re in Hollywood and hold to conservative views, you have to keep your mouth shut or risk being blacklisted.
Paris Hilton showed open support for John Kerry in the 2004 election, while openly blasting and degrading President Bush. Unfortunately, she also forgot to register to vote. Seems kind of hypocritical, doesn’t it?
These are the voices the media is throwing at us. Should they even have a public voice? Is anyone actually listening to their voice? Are today’s 18-24 year old voters smart enough to discern between Hollywood’s fabrication and truth?
Tags: Celebrities, George Bush, Holiday Inn Express, Hollywood, John Kerry, McCain, Obama, Politics
September 24th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
I agree that it can be bothersome when Hollywood types run their mouth about politics, but keep in mind that one of the greatest actors in Hollywood became President (Reagan), another blockbuster actor is a governor and another actor was the spokesperson for one of the most right-wing organizations ever (NRA).
Don’t assume that Hollywood is made up of “left-wing liberal nuts”. Keep in mind that Hollywood is a business run by unions. When Democrats are in charge the unions do well and Hollywood does well. When Republicans are in charge the opposite happens. In order to work in Hollywood you have to belong to a union and the union is your voice. This is no different than being a teacher in Hollywood (another unionized employer).
September 24th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
It’s an ancient tradition – the royal court always sought counsel from the court jester . . . no wait, that’s a fairy tell. Nevermind.
September 25th, 2008 at 7:12 am
Joe, I agree with you to some extent, but I’m not just talking about people trying to serve their own cause. I’m talking about the celebrities who use scare tactics to try to sway voters by saying things like “If you vote for Candidate M, he’ll turn our political system into Nazi Germany and will kill all girls over the age of 12.” It might sound a little far-fetched, but that’s exactly what some are doing.
I have no problem with union workers supporting someone who will help their cause. My mom is a teacher and member of the NEA. However, even she has said the NEA has sent emails telling the members of their chapter who they HAVE to vote for. If they decide to vote for a different candidate, then they have to keep their mouths shut.
People are allowed to have an opinion. But they’re not allowed to oppress or harass those with dissenting views. It seems that is exactly what Hollywood is doing.
September 25th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Just playing the opposite side: Would it be okay if they presented a conservative side?
Better yet, is it okay for people in leadership anywhere to use their power to push for political candidates? I guarantee preachers somewhere are claiming that if you vote for Obama, he’ll turn this into a chapter of the Koran.
Just stuff to chew on that I don’t have answers to.
September 25th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Ah, celebrities and politics. I actually had a firsthand experience with this at a concert last night. For sake argument, the band I saw will go unnamed, but the discussion that occured will not. Being that this band was not even from the U.S. I didn’t expect too much political talk…even though the politics of America pretty much affect the whole world. And I was right…until the last song. However, I was actually semi-impressed with the discussion that ensued. The lead singer began to discuss politics, in relation to the last song they were getting ready to play. Without actually saying who he would vote for if he could vote, it was pretty obvious who his choice would be. And of course, at some point, there was Random Loud Guy in the audience who yelled out “Obama!”, which of course was met by claps and cheers mingled with just as many “boos”. But after all was said and done, the lead singer proceeded to say, “But seriously, it doesn’t matter what I think or say or who I would vote for, but the important thing is just to vote. When the morning of the election comes, just be there and vote.” Without pushing his opinion on anyone, he made a statement that I couldn’t agree with more.
On another note, totally unrelated to politics, but it’s still fresh in my mind from last night and worth stating…said lead singer made an interesting–more acurately, a sad–comment about Christians. The band was getting ready to play a song that they claimed is their only song to ever have made it to the Christian stations. He spoke for a minute about that, and then proceeded to say, “Well of course I love Jesus…it’s the people that follow Him that I can’t stand.” Maybe a terrible statement to make, but then I thought, “Well sure he feels that way…he’s probably only met the hypocrites or the holier-than-thous. He’s probably never met any genuine Christians.” Sad realization if u ask me. Maybe their would be more Christians in the world if “Christians” wouldn’t give such a bad name. A lesson to us all, perhaps? Ok, I’m off my soapbox…for now…
September 25th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
There’s several issues at hand here. Ryan, I don’t have a problem with celebrities endorsing candidates. If I put a McCain or Obama sticker on the back of my car, I am technically endorsing a candidate, so I don’t have a problem with celebrities doing the same.
My problem comes when celebrities or anyone in leadership positions use their power to slam candidates and send messages of hate. That goes for both Democrats and Republicans. I don’t want to hear Matt Damon slamming Sarah Palin and I don’t want to hear Jon Voigt blasting Obama. More importantly, I don’t want to hear I’m a stupid American for choosing to vote for someone.
The same goes for pastors. I think pastors should be able to keep their congregations informed of certain issues, but I don’t think a pastor should use the pulpit to endorse or slam a candidate. The world already thinks the Church is too political…why add to that sentiment?
Jessica did touch on a good point. (Btw, if you’re not an American citizen..shut your mouth…Green Day!) The important thing is that people should vote. Get educated on the issues and make a decision to the best of your ability!
September 25th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
By law pastors cannot endorse a candidate or their church loses non-profit status. That’s one reason why you don’t hear more pastor’s making a scene.