During the 2008 election, we have seen a number of musicians, actors, and other valued persons promote the candidate who they have already chosen. For example, Oprah Winfrey. We have discovered that Oprah is endorsing Barack Obama. By knowing this information, it has the possibility of producing two different situations. The first situation includes the people who adore Oprah Winfrey and believe in what she preaches. If you are a fan, this could indulge you to reconsider Obama as your presidential vote. Also, since you agree with Oprah, you might as well agree that she is backing the "right" candidate. All of this resulting in you modifying what candidate you had previously thought of voting for.
The second situation involves the non-Oprah fans. We can not expect everyone in the United States to agree with her opinions. Let's say for example a group of people hold a grudge against Oprah Winfrey, for whatever reasons. Could this also alter who they vote for in the 2008 election? The answer is yes. If you have something against Oprah, this could provoke you to have something against Obama as well. There could be many reasons for this affect. One including the stubbornness of American society. If you don't want someone winning that is endorsed by someone you don't believe in, you are most likely not to vote for them.
We can not stop celebrities from expressing their different view points, but we can change the influence we take from them. The people in the United States need to know what THEY are expecting in the next president. They should not be swayed by the opinions of others, regardless of their popularity. EVERY opinion matters in this important decision, including YOURS.
Grass Fairy
5 comments:
I would be inclined to agree with grass fairy on this issue, and here's why. The other day I was listening to the Sean Hannity Show on the radio, and although he is somewhat biased, I believe he made a very objective point concerning this year's election. He was pulling aside random people in New York City asking them who they supported for president. Every single one said Obama. But when Hannity asked them what Obama stood for as a candidate, not one person had a valid answer ("change" was most common). This type of situation is exactly what this post was getting at, that people need to truly look into why they would support a certain candidate.
I do believe that voters are influenced by their favorite celebrities as to who they should vote for. But, why should you follow the advice of a celebrity? What authority or information do they have that you don't? What qualifies them to know who the best candidate is? Just because they are on television or in magazines doesn't mean that they know more than you. The internet can be a wonderful resource in updating you on the stances and point-of-views of many politicians. Celebrities are people just like you and probably know as much about the candidates as you or I. The American people must make their own decisions when electing someone to office.
Although it isn't right,I believe people look to celebrities when it comes to picking candidates. This is because celebrities have the power of influence that comes with name recognition.
It proves to be ironic that as we are discussing “power” in class, this blog shows a potentially higher power given to celebrities. I agree that because of their status or popularity they can encourage or sway the vote of their fans. So does this give them more “power” during this election time or just a greater influence? And if we are provoked by our favorite movie stars, does that mean we automatically vote for their candidate or do we simply take a closer look at their views? Because of the respect or admiration we have for a celebrity, I don’t believe it always leads us to mimic them, yet they are influential.
I agree that celebrities, unfortunately, have a great influence over who people want as a president. But, I do also believe that the main audience celebrities persuade is young people. I think older and educated people do have a mind of their own, and their own opinions. I sometimes do not understand why certain musicians, actors, etc. are put on a pedestal for doing a lot of things that every day people do. People should have their own beliefs and morals and stick to them.
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