How do you feel about celebrities speaking about politics at awards shows?
@harriskanne87 (94)
January 29, 2017 8:29pm CST
This bothers a lot of people on social media. First, it was Meryl Streep and she caught so much heat from that and tonight at the SAG awards Ashton Kutcher has brought up the most current situation. I don't care either way but I do feel like award shows should be acknowledging and honoring the incredible work these performers put in.
Should they use their platform to voice how they feel or just stick to their jobs?
11 people like this
11 responses
@Dnuobrats (180)
• United States
30 Jan 17
I'm with you on that, I could care less. I don't think it's the time or the place though for what it's worth. xx
4 people like this
@Dnuobrats (180)
• United States
30 Jan 17
@TheInvisibleMan Do I think what's valid?! Using such a platform to push their political ideology or the validity of their political ideology?! As I said, I could care less personally,however, I fairly sure that's not what these awards shows are intended for,and it's certainly not why people tune in. xx
4 people like this
@scarlet_woman (23465)
• United States
30 Jan 17
they should stay in their own lane.
we need a break from politics once in a while.
2 people like this
@cmoneyspinner (9220)
• Austin, Texas
30 Jan 17
Celebrities, who are Americans, can speak their mind wherever they want to. At least, they can in America. (I guess they can, if there was nothing in a contract that prohibits the activity.)
Celebrities have been using awards acceptance speeches (and other public platforms) to speak about political issues, social matters, etc., for as long as I can remember. Why not? People like to come to them and ask them to use their “celebrity status” to promote a “cause”. (EX: Beyonce was asked to promote womens' rights for a United Nation platform. She was asked to do it. She didn't think of it herself and volunteer.)
So a celebrity speaks out and they take heat for what they say. So what! Maybe they weren't speaking out for popularity. Maybe they took a stand because they believe! Celebrities are just people. Most American celebrities are Americans first. They don't lose their “voice” just because they are entertainers. They have a life outside of the entertainment industry and have a right to speak their mind. Some of them even make the transition from entertainment to politics - Ronald Reagan, Clint Eastwood, Sonny Buono, etc.
If you work at a job and your boss starts doing something – job-related OR not job-related - that will adversely impact the lives of others, would you just say: “Eh! I know it's wrong. But I'm not saying anything. It's not my job.”
Maybe it's not your job. Ever consider that it may be your duty? Perhaps the celebrities feel it's their patriotic duty!
The answer to your question is:
If nothing prevents them from using the platform to express their "voice", then go ahead and SHOUT!! It may be the only one chance they get to say what they need to say. That one time may make a world of difference and have extensive positive political and social impact.
2 people like this
@cmoneyspinner (9220)
• Austin, Texas
30 Jan 17
@harriskanne87 - Most of the time the celebs do just say Thanks. But sometimes there are things that are happening and they feel compelled, even obligated to address the matter.
Our current environment in the USA has lots of people yelling and screaming; not just celebrities. At the rate things are going, I'm expecting there to be nothing but a lot of “fussing and fighting” for the next 4 years. Our media folks are going to be very busy; and folks on social media are going to be constantly donating their “two cents”. Trump is going to continue his tweeting frenzy. On and on and on and on and ...
Just hope something good comes out of all of the “lively discussions” and real problems get solved. Because we don't really want arguments, heated debates and protests that don't lead to answers, solutions and resolutions.
1 person likes this
@harriskanne87 (94)
•
30 Jan 17
@cmoneyspinner Yes, I can definitely understand that they feel compelled and empowered to speak out. For a lot of us though that see it all over social media every single day, it's just we want to look at these people and be entertained enough by them to forget about all that heavy mess we deal with. I mean I am sure I rather hear these celebrities rant on and on about the problems then have to hear from my close contacts. It does tickle me to see other celebrities funny reactions to the speeches. Wynonna Ryder's expression were priceless last night.
2 people like this
@harriskanne87 (94)
•
30 Jan 17
Great Response! I hardly ever thought they were doing it for popularity or any other reason than they believe in it and want to help motivate and inspire others. It actually doesn't bother me that they speak out as they do but I also like to just hear them say thank you and inspire me not so much politically but more artistically. I admire a lot of these people and believe in what they do. But I do agree it is everyone's duty to speak up and stand up fro whats right.
2 people like this
@PatZAnthony (14752)
• Charlotte, North Carolina
30 Jan 17
Like you, we don't care either way. They are going to do what they are going to do.
2 people like this
@PatZAnthony (14752)
• Charlotte, North Carolina
30 Jan 17
@harriskanne87 It would be nice, however, if some just sat down and stayed quiet!
1 person likes this
@harriskanne87 (94)
•
30 Jan 17
Yes, that is true! They are surely going to do that!
2 people like this
@Rohvannyn (3098)
• United States
30 Jan 17
Although I suppose they are free to say what they want, a performer who goes on about politics at an awards show is likely to have me turn them off, not applaud them.
2 people like this
@harriskanne87 (94)
•
30 Jan 17
Yes, I can see that standpoint. I can definitely concur that we want to be entertained and not reminded about all the political drama happening around us. I find myself just walking away or turning off the tv when I get bored of it.
1 person likes this
@ramapo17 (30441)
• Melbourne, Florida
30 Jan 17
I think some of it is a disgrace and that is not the place to do this. They should stick to the purpose of why they are there.
There is a time and place for everything and there are so many great actors and actresses that are amazing and the spotlight should be on them.
1 person likes this
@harriskanne87 (94)
•
30 Jan 17
Yes, there is always a time and place and sometimes I c an only find it appropriate when it relates to a film they are awarding for. As long as they don't overdo it, I mean I would be so humbled and grateful to receive that type of recognition and not think anything of the world around me. I would just hope to remember names.
1 person likes this
@DesirousDreamer (34780)
• Peoria, Arizona
30 Jan 17
I like it. Entertainment is the only way to get these messages out. Actors, writers, entertainers are the people that we listen to the most. They really do influence our decisions. Why do you think Trump won? Sure wasn't his views, but it is because "we saw him on that them there television." So if a celebrity says something they believe in, more often than not...it kicks into the little people's brains that they should believe in it too.
1 person likes this
@TheInvisibleMan (17603)
•
30 Jan 17
I'm very ok about that. I think is a valid action, as long as it is nothing exacerbated.
2 people like this
