Alright, get ready, because we’re about to dive into a topic that’s been on my mind for a while: When did celebrities become our national sages? Seriously, did anyone vote on this? Did we all collectively decide that the person who can belt out a catchy tune or dribble a basketball with unmatched skill is now also qualified to lecture us on politics, social justice, and the meaning of life?

From Wisecracking Homeroom Kid to Profound Oracle: A Curious Evolution

Think about it. Remember that kid in high school who always had a sarcastic comeback for everything the teacher said? The one who was more likely to be drawing cartoons in the back of the class than taking notes? Or the shy, awkward wallflower who suddenly blossomed on stage during the school play but blended into the background? Fast forward a few years, and suddenly, these same people are commanding the national stage, not just for their talent, but for their (often) firmly held opinions.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for personal growth. People change, learn, and evolve. The quiet kid might have spent years studying philosophy and developing a nuanced understanding of complex issues. The class clown might have discovered a passion for social activism. But still, there’s a part of me that wonders: Is that really what’s happening? Or are we projecting our hopes and desires onto these figures we admire, assuming their talent in one area translates to expertise in everything else?

So, Where Did This All Come From, Anyway? The Origin Story (As I See It)

Honestly, I think no single “big bang” moment explains this. Over the decades, it’s like a slow, creeping vine growing around our culture. But here are a few contributing factors that I think have played a significant role:

• The Rise of the 24/7 News Cycle and Social Media: Remember when celebrity interviews were limited to glossy magazines and late-night talk shows? With the advent of Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and a constant stream of news updates, celebrities have a direct line to their fans (and the entire world). They can instantly share their thoughts, reactions, and opinions on any topic imaginable. This immediacy and unfiltered access can create the illusion of intimacy and authenticity, making us feel like we know these people, even though we only see a carefully curated version of their lives.
• The Blurring of Lines Between Entertainment and Politics: Let’s face it, politics is entertainment these days. It’s a spectacle, a drama, a reality show with real-world consequences. And celebrities, by their very nature, are skilled performers. They know how to command attention, tell a compelling story, and connect with an audience. So, it’s no surprise they’ve been drawn into the political arena intentionally and unintentionally. Honestly, politicians are utilizing some of the same celebrity tricks.
• The Desire for Authenticity and “Realness”: We crave authenticity in a world saturated with advertising and manufactured narratives. We want to connect with people who seem genuine, relatable, and unafraid to speak their minds. Celebrities, particularly outspoken and opinionated, can fill that void. We see them as “real” people, even though their lives are often far removed from our own. We see them as vulnerable or “not ready for the spotlight”, yet they bravely speak up.
• The Power of Celebrity Endorsements: This isn’t new, of course. Celebrities have been endorsing products for decades. But the scope and influence of celebrity endorsements have expanded dramatically. Now, it’s not just about selling toothpaste or sneakers. It’s about selling ideas, beliefs, and social movements. And when a beloved celebrity throws their weight behind a particular cause, it can have a powerful impact on public opinion.

Is This a Good Thing? A Thorny Question With No Easy Answers

Okay, so we’ve established how we got here. But the million-dollar question remains: Is this good for our country? Honestly, I’m torn.

On the one hand…

• Celebrities can raise awareness and inspire action. When celebrities use their platform to speak out about important issues, they can reach a vast audience that might otherwise be disengaged or uninformed. They can amplify the voices of marginalized communities and bring attention to pressing social problems. They can also motivate people to get involved, donate to charity, or take political action. Think Leonardo DiCaprio and climate change or Angelina Jolie and refugee rights.
• Celebrities have the right to express their opinions: Let’s not forget that celebrities are citizens just like us. They have the same right to freedom of speech as anyone else. If they feel passionate about a particular issue, they should be free to express their views without being silenced or ridiculed.
• They sometimes just know stuff: While someone might be a famous actor, singer, or athlete, this doesn’t discount their wisdom. Some spend their free time reading and studying and are more in tune with world issues than the average person. It is wise to listen to different opinions and use your wisdom to decide what is right for you.

On the other hand…

• Celebrity opinions are often uninformed or simplistic. Let’s be honest: Not all celebrities are experts on the topics they’re talking about. They may have good intentions, but their understanding of complex issues can be superficial or based on misinformation. Relying on celebrity opinions can lead to a dumbing down of the public discourse and the spread of inaccurate or misleading information.
• Celebrity activism can be performative and self-serving: Sometimes, celebrities are more interested in virtue signaling than in making a difference. They may jump on the bandwagon of whatever cause is trending, without genuinely caring about the issue or taking meaningful action. This can be seen as cynical and disingenuous.
• It can create a culture of hero worship and unquestioning obedience: When we treat celebrities as infallible gurus, we risk creating a culture where critical thinking is discouraged and dissenting opinions are silenced. We must remember that celebrities are human beings with flaws, biases, and blind spots. We shouldn’t blindly follow their lead without questioning their motives or evaluating the evidence for ourselves.
• Who died and made them spokespersons? Seriously, do we even know where a lot of this information is coming from? What kind of scholarly sources are they quoting? Or are they just regurgitating the last thing they heard on TV? In general, it is dangerous to follow anyone who is in the news without checking their sources.

The Takeaway: Think Critically, My Friends!

So, what’s the solution? Should we ban celebrities from speaking out on political and social issues? Of course not! That would be absurd and a violation of their rights. However, we must be more critical and discerning regarding consumers’ information. We must stop automatically assuming someone is an expert simply because they’re famous.

Here’s my humble advice:

• Do your research: Don’t rely solely on celebrity opinions to inform your understanding of complex issues. Seek out diverse perspectives, consult reputable sources, and form conclusions based on evidence and critical thinking.
• Question the motives: Why is a celebrity speaking out about a particular issue? Are they genuinely passionate about the cause? Or are they simply trying to boost their brand or gain public favor?
• Don’t be afraid to disagree: Just because you admire a celebrity doesn’t mean you must agree with everything they say. It’s okay to have different opinions. Healthy debate and respectful disagreement are essential for a thriving democracy.
• Please focus on the message, not the messenger. Ultimately, the ideas themselves matter, not who delivers them. Judge arguments based on merit, not the celebrity status of the person making them.

In conclusion, the rise of the celebrity as a voice of reason is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon with both positive and negative aspects. It’s up to us to navigate this landscape with a healthy dose of skepticism, critical thinking, and a commitment to seeking truth, regardless of where it comes from. If you’ll excuse me, I will binge-watch a show starring someone whose opinions I probably disagree with. Because sometimes, you need to escape, even from the voices you take issue with. And remember, take everything I’ve said with a grain of salt, because let’s face it, I’m just a random person on the internet with a blog. Think for yourselves!

Tom Rooney