It seems like a timeless debate that goes back and forth, with valid points on each side. Should celebrities and public figures be involved in the political sphere or stick to their respective fields of entertainment?
When Donald Trump, TV personality and former executive producer of reality show "The Apprentice" was elected president, it seemed like the obvious answer was yes, celebrities could participate in politics.
But the answer is not that easy.
Celebrities hold the funds and the audience to make a difference in politics. They have access to several huge groups of impressionable people that trust their talent to influence their political decisions. They amass hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not millions, that make it possible for them to contribute to campaigns. Our country's campaign system depends on massive amounts of money to "finish the race" and celebrities are able to participate on a whim.
Many celebrities are also ordinary people with extraordinary talents, so they have the right to use their political voice or not.
I believe that celebrities have the right to not enter the political sphere, but if they are willing and able, should by all means.
The influence they hold in their fan base and all that watches them is too powerful to waste if they want to speak out on certain issues. Many people, including myself, idolize musicians, artists, actors, and sports heroes. We look up to these people and to see them supporting a cause that directly affects us encourages us to support it too.
Celebrities hold a place in politics because often when they speak out on certain issues they become a main voice of the movement, boosting it to higher levels of change. Politics and entertainment, due to money and influence, are so intertwined that when a celebrity makes a statement, it could often be the defining moment for the issue.
It almost does not make sense for celebrities to not be political; they are exposed to the category of people politicians usually fall under, ridiculously rich and influential. They could have a meeting with any politician at the drop of the hat, and at the same turn, they could go live with any major news station to talk about whatever they wish.
That kind of power does not have to be used for politics, but if they have a certain viewpoint, they are allowed to express it.
If people do not want politics and entertainment to have a close relationship, they shouldn't allow it in any aspect. Artists and sports players are constantly invited to The White House to meet the president. The National Anthem is sung at every sports event. The President of the United States constantly argues online with celebrities every chance he gets.
Celebrities shape politics just as much as legislators and politicians do, and to deny their influence and power is to deny the American political system.
