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Why are celebrities mostly derided for social activism ?

Poll - Total Votes: 10
Use money and status to effect social change, end hunger, etc.
Take money and go off the radar…
Show Results
You can only vote on one answer.
Why aren’t they generally respected as attempting to use their status and resources to “give back” ?

It would be easy enough for most to take their wealth and go do their own thing, without worrying about anyone else or any other issues.

If you suddenly became famous and/or rich, which to you think you’d do ? (see poll)
DragonFruit · 61-69, M
Celebrities are not basically different than anyone else. If a teacher or a lawyer uses their resources to help (or at least try to help) they aren't vilified the way celebrities are when they do the same.
Yes, some might have an ulterior motivation of self-promotion, but they are still doing something positive.
Some people mistrust them because they assume that the celebrities are only in it for themselves, even though that's often far from the reality.
sciguy18 · M
I think a lot people have the opinion that celebrities are just seeking more attention for themselves - or jumping on the “cause du jour” to come across as relevant.

Celebrities can embrace whatever cause they choose, but I am not swayed by it.

I see no situation in which I would become famous. If I won a huge lottery however, I would disappear - and do my good deeds secretly.
DrWatson · 70-79, M
I feel a little funny when they speak out, because of the larger context in which this happens.

Our culture over-idolizes movie stars. Heck, the most popular episodes of game shows like Jeopardy and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire are the "celebrity" versions, and those are the worst shows, because the celebrities are worse players than the typical contestants.

Being famous as an actor does give a person any special expertise in other areas, whether it is game shows or politics. And so, I feel a little uncomfortable when a celebrity takes a political stand with the expectation that his or her statement should carry special weight because they won academy awards.

I guess it is more the way the culture responds to celebrities that bothers me, rather than the celebrity taking a stand the way anyone else is entitled to. I don't see why one's status as a famous actor should give a person more of a mouthpiece about political and social issues than other people have, or that we should take their words as having any special authority.

On the other hand, you mention money, and that is a different matter. If a rich person, including a Hollywood star, donates a good deal of money toward a worthy cause, I do commend them for that. And some, in addition to donating, have actually researched the situation and DO speak with some expertise, and I respect that as well.
GirlPower · 26-30, F
I think they're derided because people figure that they've already had more than their fair share of attention. I can't imagine being both famous and a spokesperson for a cause. I wouldn't represent the NRA or Scientology. Bullying seems an annoying choice and running for president is definitely a no-no. Advising people to spay or neuter their pet isn't too bad.
QueenandCrown · 41-45, F
I have managed to do both. Devote my time to causes, and assist others while many are unaware of it.
Only few people know what I really do, and I rarely have photos of me taken while out in the field or at social events.
@QueenandCrown Very admirable.
sarabee1995 · 26-30, F
While I've sometimes been annoyed at some celebrities speaking out (if I disagreed with them), I do know that if I suddenly was stupidly rich, I'd be speaking out loudly! 🤷‍♀️ No one likes hearing someone they disagree with.
@sarabee1995 Yes, absolutely. If there was a cause I felt very strongly about (and I have a few) if I suddenly acquired a public voice and the funds, I would certainly use them. 😃
i dont believe they are.. but then again i don't follow any so i wouldn't know.. mostly people just speak their opinion of them good or bad based on their own notions

as far as being famous.. i wouldn't want it anymore.. and as far as wealth.. even if you wanted to disperse it to charity.. it takes time to find worthy causes and people to give to.. and theres too many people using causes to line their own pockets instead of going to the actual cause

if i had money i'd build dorms for homeless people and for people who need to get away from home because they live in a hostile environment..

and educational centers for further learning for people who cant afford the insane fees of other schools..

anyway.. people are always talking shit and being haters so if a celebrity get smack talk about them then it doesn't surprise me.. but i mostly see positive approval in regards to charity and giving
Iwillwait · M
I think the "On looker's," perspective is from a place of adoration that morphs into obsession and then jealousy, thus the "On looker's," opinion is from a place of their own entitlement that they somehow feel validated in their hateful words or citical speach of the Celebrity.
SW-User
I think they are trying to use their status to do good, but many see this as them self promoting

I like to believe that they do intend to be doing good, after all they have a good life and a good reason to give back
@SW-User Yes, that makes a lot of sense.
Human1000 · M
I love what Sean Penn does.
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@hunkalove I totally understand. One of my favorite shows as a child was The Wild, Wild West. As you may recall, it wasn’t a “typical” western, but there were several during the time. I remember my father saying about “Cowboys and Indians” shows, “In [b]this[/b] house, the Indians are the good guys !” In TWWW, there were fewer episodes where Native Americans were villains. Between the two, while I liked both, I always preferred Ross Martin, the actor who was the liberal. Robert Conrad was rather conservative then, but not quite as much as he would become in later years.

 
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