What I don't find so great is all the celebrity endorsing that went on during the 2008 Presidential race. You all know what I am talking about. Oprah's numerous episodes of her show, talking about her support of Obama and encouraging her viewers to do the same. Jon Voight going on "The O'Reilly Factor" and detailing his support of McCain. Billy Ray Cyrus revealing to Barbara Walters that he endorses "Hannah Montana" and is in full support of riding his daughter's coattails. I could go on for days but people already tell me my blogs are too long. While I am all for freedom of speech and the right to utter whatever political opinions we want, I think celebrity endorsements of politicians is irresponsible.
Unless a celebrity has a political background or is actually a political celebrity (ie: Glenn Beck, Chris Matthews, Sam the Eagle), he or she has no business announcing their voting stance to the rest of the world. No, you don't need a degree in political science to vote in an election. Everyone is entitled to their own vote, even if its basis is merely, "McCain" would get you more points in Scrabble than "Obama". (Of course, everyone knows you can't use proper names in Scrabble , so this would in fact, be a stupid reason.) But it's my opinion that celebrities without a political background should keep their mouths shut. (If you have a different opinion, write your own blog!) My experience as a public school teacher has taught me that, unfortunately, there are a lot of idiots out there. I'm not saying this is true of all registered voters (or even most of them), but there are plenty of individuals in this country that would vote for someone, solely because Jennifer Aniston or Adam Sandler is. I think using celebrity status to influence voters is an abuse of clout. Whether they want it or not, celebrities have a responsibility to their public as role models. (I know, the thought of Jessica Simpson as a role model scares me too.) Influencing people's ideas and actions regarding affairs you are not qualified in, is unaccountable. No matter which side of the spectrum celebrities are on, they have no business recruiting their fans.
And then again, maybe I'm just resentful. Maybe I'm envious of the fact that people care about Cameron Diaz's voting record, and my own barely even influences me. Maybe that little Yoshi-looking monster is making his way into too many of my blogs....I guess I can't argue with that!
There must be a lot of truth in your assumption
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of cinema and music, because we now have a "Celebrity" President instead of someone with
experience and a proven track record. It was only a few years ago talk-show hostess, Laura
Ingraham, wrote her book, "Shut-Up and Sing". She
made similar points to your blog. The main theme
of her book was, "You're being paid to entertain
so shut-up and entertain." As you say very few
"artists" have the expertise to intelligently
comment on politics. Yes, I know, we all have a right to free speech, but unfortunately too many
have the right to free stupidity. Please, entertainers of the world, keep your opinions to yourself, your expressing them does more harm than good!
I agree! And I will have to check out that book. Thanks!
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