Why do celebrities risk their image to promote a political agenda?
It seems like it would be bad for business to promote a political or religeous agenda using celebrity status.
For example, Tom Cruise promotes a very controversial group called Scientologists. I know countless people who avoid his movies or laugh at his image now because of it. He's now known for this more than his great movies (Top Gun fan here).
Example two: Today John Voight (spelling) came out to oppose the Democrat's Health Care bill and side with his conservative friends.
Now, as a person with chronic Asthma who has to use an over-the-counter inhaler because I don't have insurance to buy the $ 200 canister of medicine I should be using, I now resent that actor and the movie's he's made. I don't look at him the same anymore. Why would make such a stupid decision?
It doesn't matter in the end what an actor believes, but they really should keep it to themselves.
Can we please discuss this? Thanks.
Note to some of the users who suggested I "get a job". I have a job, thank you. Several actually. But why should I be forced to work I am not happy at to be healthy? Seems wrong to me...
Answer by Anti ACORN (COI) protestor
Sure. I'll discuss it.
There are "countless" other Hollywood types that makes jack-aszes out of themselves on a regular basis, and I have, in fact boycotted them... Which means I really don't go to movies.
Your asthma story sounds a great deal like the sob stories throughout the election, there was even a plant at one of McCain's rallies.
I feel bad for people who are sick and have a tough time paying for their medicine, but #1 at least it's available to them, and #2 it's an incentive to get a job that has insurance.
#3 is obviously negotiating with pharmaceutical companies, on a true reform platform, not government takeover, to work out affordable prices.
Answer by maxmom
Everyone is entitled to their opinion.
My problem with entertainers is that they automatically have an international voice because of their stardom. The reality is that their opinion is no more informed than yours or mine, and they present themselves as some kind of authority or role model on the issues.
As far a Tom Cruise goes, Scientology requires that he spread the "word" when you reach the level in the church that he is at.
He just got some big award from the church for bringing in tens of thousands of people to the church and raising awareness.
Add: I hear you re: heath care. Like they would know what it is like to struggle w/o insurance. They belong to a union, for goodness sakes.
Answer by pdooma
This isn't new. Did you miss the pow wow between Hugo Chavez and Sean Penn and how Penn would be personally taking Chavez's concerns to Obama?
If you don't like what the celebrity supports then stop buying his product (movies, music, etc.). It's a very simple concept.
Answer by No really, think about it
I agree with you to a certain extent, but I think that to them the strength of their beliefs is more important than their image, and I can respect that, even if I don't agree with the particular actor's political stance (like Voight for example). Think about it, they're endorsements go noticed because they're ALREADY rich, so even if a few fans turn away, they won't lose money or movie rolls anytime soon. Sometimes you have to stand up for what you believe in. You'll notice that its usually the older, more established celebs who do this, not the fresh ones trying to break in, for the very reason you've stated.
Good question.
Answer by portia
Get a job, like the rest of us. It is not the govt job to take care of you or me.
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