Jan. 18, 2025
By Janset Çinaz
Copy Editor
Fame gives a voice greater reach, turning personal opinions into widespread influence. Therefore, when celebrities make political statements, the boundaries between expertise and entertainment cross in problematic ways.
One of the main issues with celebrities voicing their political opinions is the influence they have on their fans. When they speak on political issues, voters are tempted to vote based on celebrity endorsements, rather than conducting their own research, following their conscience or considering the policies that enhance their quality of life.
Furthermore, most celebrities are out of touch with reality. Their wealth places them in a bubble far removed from the struggles of everyday people. While some Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, struggling to pay taxes or skipping meals to cover monthly expenses, these are rarely concerns for celebrities.
When celebrities speak about historical and political issues, they could also damage their reputation and embarrass themselves. An example of this is when rapper Kanye West downplayed the suffering and oppression of enslaved people during a 2018 interview with TMZ.
West controversially said, “When you hear about slavery for 400 years…. For 400 years? That sounds like a choice.” His comment was widely acknowledged as inaccurate and offensive.
Famous people can bring attention to important topics, but they run the risk of oversimplifying complex issues. Most celebrities do not hold degrees in political science, economics, government, history or law. This does not mean they are uneducated or uninformed, but it points to a lack of sophistication in their political insights.
While some Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, struggling to pay taxes or skipping meals to cover monthly expenses, these are rarely concerns for celebrities.
If a celebrity wants to influence politics, the best way to do so is to encourage people to stay informed by reading, listening to and watching reputable news sources and vote in elections.
To support political causes, celebrities should donate, fund charities and volunteer, while leaving political commentary to experts in the field.
