STANDARDS

Common Core: RH.6-8.1, RH.6-8.2, RH.6-8.4, RH.6-8.6, RH.6-8.8, WHST.6-8.1, WHST.6-8.9, RI.6-8.1, RI.6-8.2, RI.6-8.4, RI.6-8.6, RI.6-8.8, RI.6-8.10, W.6-8.1, W.6-8.9, SL.6-8.1

NCSS: Individual Development and Identity • Civic Ideals and Practices

DEBATE

We Write It, You Decide

Should Celebrities Weigh In on Politics?

When superstars speak, millions of people listen. But if their opinions are unrelated to their claims to fame, should they keep their views to themselves?

October 2022

By Kathy Wilmore

Billie Eilish is an award-winning singer-songwriter, but she shares more than just music with her fans. The artist also uses her platform to express her views on topics that matter to her, such as voting and the environment.

Eilish isn’t the only celebrity who uses fame to amplify personal opinions on what is happening in the world. So do other singers, actors, athletes, and business moguls. And with the U.S. midterm elections on November 8, even more stars may soon be weighing in.

Many A-listers insist they have every right—and even a duty—to share. They say that when a famous person speaks out or posts on social media about such topics as health care, immigration, and climate change, it can spark interest in those issues and sometimes inspire meaningful action.

But not everyone thinks celebrities should put their social and political views front and center. Critics say giving a non-expert opinion about a complicated topic can spread inaccurate information or take attention away from key facts. It can also backfire, turning the public against celebrities, their causes, or both.

Consider the pros and cons of celebrities weighing in on political issues. Then decide for yourself.

Using Fame for Good

Some stars say they have just as much right to share their opinions as anyone else, even if the topic isn’t related to what they’re famous for. After all, the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects freedom of speech, within limits. And that includes speaking out about politics, whether you are famous or not.

“Sometimes it’s kind of hard for me to sit back and not say anything,” country music star Jason Aldean has said. “It’s hard to not have an opinion.”

Stars should speak out on issues they care about.

Other celebs say their fame is the very reason they need to speak out. A-listers’ posts on social media usually attract far more attention than a non-famous person’s posts. That can help them quickly raise broad awareness about political or social issues that might otherwise be overlooked. Their star status also gives them greater access to political or business leaders with the power to effect change.

“A lot of people relate to me and follow me,” rapper-songwriter Cardi B has said. “So I feel like I have a responsibility to also share to them like, ‘Hey, while you’re here . . . checking my music, check out what’s going on over here in this part of the world.’ ”

Influencers?

Would a celebrity’s support for a candidate make you more or less likely to vote for that person? This is how registered voters answered that question in a 2019 poll. Which response is closest to your view, and why?

11% - More likely

24% - Less likely

65% - No influence either way

^{SOURCE: The Hill-HarrisX}

Just because celebs can broadcast their opinions on political and social issues doesn’t mean they should, critics say—especially when the topics are outside their area of expertise. Even some stars say that kind of commentary should be left to experts with deeper knowledge of such topics.

The reality that celebrities’ words reach millions of people makes it even more important to be careful about what statements they make, other stars say. Some fear that fans might take their opinions as fact.

Celebrities should stick to their areas of expertise.

That’s one reason actress Jameela Jamil holds back. She was born in England, but her father is from India. So she is often asked to comment on a decades-long conflict between that Asian country and neighboring Pakistan over a territory called Kashmir. “But I can’t,” Jamil explained on Twitter, “because I am not from there, I have never been there, I have no family there. . . . I have too big of a platform to say something just to say something.”

Besides, many fans turn to celebrities to escape from politics, not hear more about it, others point out.

“When I turn on a game, I want to watch a game,” Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre has said. “Not what’s going on outside of the game. And I think the general fan feels the same way.”

SKILL SPOTLIGHT: Evaluating Arguments

Underline or highlight two reasons that support celebrities sharing political opinions and two reasons that support them not sharing. Which reason do you think is strongest? Why? Does any evidence back up that reason?

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Debate, Government and Politics

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