Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Gopher]

Pulse check: How do you feel about celebrities pushing their politics, mounting soap boxes, preaching, criticizing or antagonizing national and world leaders, and subjecting the rest of us to the-world-according-to-them with respect to national and international events?

It has come up here before on this board. Sean Penn. The Dixie Chicks.

It is not new. Charleton Heston and the pro-gun lobby. U-2. And remember Fiona Apple at the 1997 MTV Music Awards...?

[laogaiguk]

I think movie actors and pro sport athletes have way too much influence, and make way too much money for what they do. But this isn't about to change anytime soon, so, having said that, they might as well use what they have (influence and money) to support what they think is a worthy goal, whether it's trying to change something in the political or social arenas (or whatever else). It's free speech. Sometimes people agree, sometimes they don't. They should be able to say whatever they want, however they want, whenever they want so long as it doesn't actually harm another (like hate speech).

We do the same on this forum, we just aren't as "special" as them (ie less influence). I am sure most people, especially down here in the current events forum, would love the opportunity and would readily do the same.

What about people like Oprah? I hate her book club influence on the world, but she does a lot of good stuff too.

[ChimpumCallao]

[laogaiguk]

[Juregen]

It is the right of each individual to express their opinions.

That is, if you are in a democracy.

[gang ah jee]

I don't think the problem is celebrities expressing their political views, free market for that kind of information and everything. I'm more concerned about the idiots who would take them seriously. I mean really, argument from authority can be bad enough, but if that authority happens to Oprah? That's when you know your mental abilities are well and truly screwed.

[Gopher]

[Kuros]

[Moldy Rutabaga]

One thing I don't like about North American culture (and I can say it being from it) is that we've replaced the aristocracy of royalty with the aristocracy of celebrity. Why do we assume that someone with a dysfunctional upbringing and a grade eleven education is a policy specialist who deserves our respect and a voice at world conferences or with politicians? These people are not better than we are. Why is it uncool to have someone with a PhD to voice a cause and cool to have an actor or musician?

But yes, it's a tricky world. For every ten Phil Collins or Oprahs with their cause to promote themselves there's a Bono or Christopher Reeves who really does do something worthwhile to help people. Still, it's the jump from media advocacy to meeting with global leaders in political sessions that rankles me. Who the #%&@ voted for you to represent me?

Other than that, it is a free country. We have a responsibility to ignore some of these people or there will be very little real news left if celebrities become the news event itself.

Ken:>

[huffdaddy]

[Satori]

I see it as no worse, in fact far less bad, if I can phrase it that way, than wealthy interest groups buying thier political platform...

[laogaiguk]

Backing the Governator

[Ya-ta Boy]

I don't find it to be a particular problem.

There is often some indication in an artist's work that reveals something of their political leanings. You probably aren't going to find that many gospel singers on the stage at the Legalize Marijuana rally.

Secondly, I don't pay much attention when Sean Penn or whoever comes out with a political statement. I'm more irritated with the media reporting it than I am with the celebrity making it.

I do admire the celebrities who spend their time, money and fame on socially useful campaigns like Get Out the Vote, UNICEF fund-raisers and the various health-related causes.

[Ya-ta Boy]