“It’s a recession when your neighbor loses his job; it’s a depression when you lose yours.”
-Harry S. Truman
Flipping on the television this morning, I was surprised by how many “Celebrity” stories there were.
Perhaps, I just haven’t been paying attention, since I broke up with Facebook, but it really struck me at how important these people are to most Americans.
I mean, they’re really important to some people.
What celebrities have to say, and what they believe, actually sways the thinking of some folks.
It made me wonder if I was ever that “crazed” over a celebrity.
I also wondered if these people — the people that have been placed on societal pedestals — ever consider how their words and actions potentially impact many, many people; Perhaps, even worldwide.
Mind you, I’m not talking about the “causes” that they put their names behind, in order to generate publicity for whatever that good cause may be (as well as themselves).
(There is no unselfish good deed…)
And I’m not talking about their politics or who they politically throw money toward, a.k.a. “support.”
What I’m wondering is if the Harry Styles or Katy Perry’s of the world, wake up and wonder if some 22-year-old in Boise, Idaho is going to make a decision today, based completely upon what they’ve said or done.
You want to talk about POWER? INFLUENCE?
These celebrities — film, sports, music, social media — have that power and influence, in spades.
Yes, it’s due to social media — of that, there is no doubt.
It’s also A LOT of RESPONSIBILITY.
What do you think? Are you certain that they’re taking that into consideration before posting a Tweet or uploading a video?
I’m not certain that it’s even a consideration of theirs.
During a national recession, are certain utility bills not being paid, because some social media “influencer” is peddling a $175 wand of mascara?
Are car insurance payments not being made, because someone has just got to have the latest pair of tennis shoes that some sports celebrity has endorsed?
Gee, I hope not, but I think it’s pretty safe to say that that is exactly what happening.
I call my generation of women “The Oprah Generation.”
I can’t speak for everyone, obviously, but the majority of the girls I knew in high school, flipped on the TV and watched Oprah Winfrey every afternoon, after school.
Guess what? Oprah influenced us.
Whether intentional or not, we spent our formative years listening to Oprah tell us that we didn’t need no man! We were strong, independent women!
Hell, she was in a relationship with Stedman, but she stated repeatedly that she’d never marry him.
YOU GET A CAR! AND YOU GET A CAR! AND YOU GET A CAR!
Of the women that I know that grew up in my generation, 90% of us don’t have children, for one reason or another, and many of us are not married.
Is it Oprah’s fault? Hell no, it isn’t.
We are all free-thinking adults — or supposed to be.
But I can’t help but wonder just how much our subconscious minds soaked in what Oprah (and others) were telling us, and how much that influenced our individuals thought processes, opinions and decisions.
Even in the 80’s, we were influenced by celebs.
Forty years, and the only thing that’s changed is the accessibility and speed of the influence.
Holy smokes, that’s deep, right?
At the end of the day, I think it comes down to three things:
- We are all responsible for our actions and words.
- No one can influence anyone, without their consent.
- Never, ever, forget that those celebrities are being PAID to endorse whatever “must have” they’re telling you you’ve just gotta have.
Do we stop admiring those “celebrities” on the silver screen (I still love you with all my heart, Mel Gibson) or sports figures’ athleticism?
Nope.
Should we ALL take responsibility for what we do and say?
Abso-frickin-lutely.
Drive carefully, people. You never know who skipped making their car insurance payment this month, but they’re wearing a BANGING new pair of shoes.
More tomorrow,
-A