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Martin Varhnis

Consultant, Special Olympics

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Does celebrity activism matter?

I saw this as an opinion post on al-Jazeera, and I'd like to know what the people of Ted think.

Topics: celebrity culture domestic foreign opinion policy popular
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    Robert Winner 50+

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    Sep 3 2012: These people become celebrities because the camera liked them, they have a voice, were elected, etc ... None of these factors says they are smart although they may be. Most of them are in rehab, drunks, druggies, or their lives are in some way in the toliet.

    They have people who run their lives and tell them where to be and what to say (for a price). Most of their appearances have a ulterior motive. My friend (in the movies) lives in a home owned by the studio and cannot have people over unless the studio approves. She is told what to say, when, and where. She is under contracts by the studio and her agent that totally control her thoughts and actions.

    When I see a celebrity at an event or promoting a cause I see them as a paid prostitute for that cause. Like when I see Al (take the money and run) Gore who has a life style totally opposite to the green movement.

  • Dan Geurin 10+

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    Sep 1 2012: I couldn't care less what Angelina Jolie or Bono thinks about Africa. Celebrities are people. Nothing more nothing less. I'll hear anyone out, but celebrities don't matter more than the person next door.
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    Gail . 50+

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    Aug 31 2012: Depends on the issue at hand. If I like the celebrity's position, then I appreciate anything they have to offer. If I don't, I think he/she is an uninformed trouble-maker.

    Personally, I would never allow a celebrity, or anyone else, to think for me. I have a brain for a reason.

    If a celebrity brings something that I was not aware of to my attention, so that I can understand it to figure out how it came to be possible - thus find a cure - I can appreciate that.
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    Scott Armstrong 50+

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    Aug 31 2012: if celebrity endorsement works for roll-on deodorant and sugar-drinks, then it works for celebrity activism.

    there will always be cynics who suspect other motives and celebrities who do have ulterior motives.

    in the end, raising awareness of a good cause is not wasted time, regardless of the vehicle..

  • Scott Koenraadt

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    Aug 30 2012: celebrity activism is just a feel good measure for them and a publicity stunt. If they had numbers for the amount they donate to these causes I would be more impressed. Then again I am not a celebrity obsessed person
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    David Hamilton 50+

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    Aug 30 2012: Celebrity, brings with it influence and responsibility. Unlike most people, I wish it mattered more, and I wish celebrities were more honest, informed, and involved. It can be a powerful tool, but just like any tool it can be used for good or ill. Right now, I would suggest very little of what is called celebrity activism matters.
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      Martin Varhnis

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      Aug 30 2012: that is also my opinion. entertainment celebrities (not all, but a majority) "support" causes that their PR agent tells them to support, much rather than actually, honestly supporting said causes.
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    Fábio Nunes

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    Aug 30 2012: If you are talking about it, it matters. The most important thing for a cause is to be known, for this way more people are aware of the problems and can take action, wheather yourself or by pressing your government to take action.
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    Feyisayo Anjorin 50+

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    Aug 30 2012: It matters if the celebrity believes in the cause he or she is championing and is actually passionate about it.
    Celebrities can use their influence to draw attention to often-overlooked but pressing social issues.
    It is however important that concrete and practical steps are taken in finding solutions to problems that has been identified and brought to public awareness.
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    Feyisayo Anjorin 50+

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    Aug 30 2012: It matters if the celebrity believes in the cause he or she is championing and is actually passionate about it.
    Celebrities can use their influence to draw attention to often-overlooked but pressing social issues.
    It is however important that concrete and practical steps are taken in finding solutions to problems that has been identified and brought to public awareness.
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    Ken brown 30+

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    Aug 30 2012: Imho

    Sport celebrities don't pollute the image but i think entertainment does.
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