I ignore celebrity know-it-alls who try to tell me who is the best political candidate, what the country’s foreign policy should be and I certainly don’t take advice from talk show hosts, including the all knowing Oprah Winfrey, Dr. Oz and Dr. Phil. It’s not about their extraordinary income. It’s simply the fact their voices, in my opinion, are irrelevant to the cause they’re using a popularity platform to endorse. It is amazing to me how some watch movie or television superstars and think, “this person is smart. I should vote for whomever they say I should vote for.”
The majority who give credence to pop idols don’t seem to think beyond the fleeting infatuation driven from the last show watched. In reality, pop idols are only people who happened to be chosen for a part to play. While I am a huge supporter for the arts, I must say I love theatre and acting. I’ve dabbled in it myself and I tip my hat to those who work hard and do it for the right reason. However, I don’t give credit where credit isn’t due.
What makes celebrity opinion valid? Not much, in my opinion. In fact, few celebrities have any significant educational background or experience to speak about environmental or political issues from such an elevated bully pulpit. Would anyone call an Oscar winning actor to speak as an expert for their defense in a criminal court case? Experts consisting of theologians, scientists, academics, and journalists may fail us but for the most part, they know their business enough to form an opinion which may be worth listening. We go to the doctor for advice in dealing with medical symptoms. The doctor we choose has many years of experience and study. This forms a bond of trust with our physician because we have conversations and discuss their knowledge. We do as the doctor instructs because, in most cases, mind you, the doctor knows best. This is an important aspect of life. Still, we must consider who we elect as essential as we consider our own health.
Celebrities may sound smart and inspiring when we watch them on a large or small screen. They’re handsome people and we may idolize them because they say things we may wish to have the courage to say. However, cult of personality doesn’t include wisdom and intelligence. Remember, Israel wanted a king because other nations had one and they chose Saul because of his appearance and strength.
The election game is beginning for the 2016 race. In fact, national and social newscasts are saturated with interviews and mind games when it comes to choosing our political candidates. My question is this: will you follow popular opinion of celebrity talk show hosts or form an educated opinion of your own? Will you do your own homework or watch daytime television to see which political contender receives the majority of air time? Whether we realize it or not this is how most decide our nation’s leadership.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Ignore bully pulpit of celebrity