Those who keep up with current events may often feel emotionally drained as headlines that feel far too outlandish and devastating continue to flood publications across the nation.
Unfortunately, this is just the reality of the current world. In response to the fast-paced environment, many media consumers may feel quick to anger. People may even want to assign blame to celebrities who choose to not speak about the political environment.
While everyone is entitled to their own opinion, Grand Rapids Community College students did not stay silent about their thoughts. When asked if celebrities should be involved with politics, the response was surprisingly more united than polar.
“I think it’s good that they do, but I feel like it shouldn’t be required,” said Dylan Cotecki, 19, of Grandville.
Traclinh Christensen, 18, of Grand Rapids, shared a similar view, “Yeah, I think it’s perfectly fine to not say anything.”
Joshua Salgado, 19, of Grand Rapids, bluntly stated, “I don’t like it.”
While some students said they do believe celebrities should stay out of politics, their reasoning was more varied.
“I watch a lot of YouTubers and streamers. I feel like with them, if their content, or what they do, isn’t very political, they shouldn’t be forced to give out their opinions,” Cotecki shared. “I see a lot of people kind of get upset and, like, hate on different celebrities for not speaking up… when I don’t think it should be required of them.”
Salgado and Christensen were more concerned with celebrities’ vast fan base.
“I feel like they have too much influence in certain areas, so it can sway the public,” Salgado said. “You know how people are, like, super fans and stuff like that? Like, basically sometimes even cults and stuff.”
Christensen said, “They have a lot of sway… like they have a lot of influence.”
“I feel like those people are easily manipulated to like either vote for somebody or vote for a policy because they like the celebrity that much,” Salgado further explained.
Cotecki was under a slightly different impression. He said, “…For example, if, like, Jack Black speaks out against something, that’s not gonna change a whole lot, you know?”
As students continued to share their thoughts, some did reveal it was refreshing when celebrities do speak out.
“I feel like personally it comes down to morality at this point, and humanity,” said Rissa Hellem, 33, of Grand Rapids.
Christensen agreed that it is important for celebrities to speak up about politics, but only if they have relevant and credible information to share.
“I feel like they should be able to voice their opinion, but give, like, references and be like, ‘oh, this is what they’re doing,’ not be like, ‘hey, you should support this, or I just support this side,’” Christensen said. “I feel like they should say specific things about what they believe in if they’re going to voice their opinions.”
Hellem elaborated more on her thinking and said, “It’d be nice to kind of hear what they really, truly feel about the whole thing going on… with the current events. I feel like it’s more important for them. So we can kind of judge their personal character a little bit more.”
Despite many people who feel compelled to critique celebrities who do not share their thoughts about certain issues, Cotecki does not think it is appropriate to judge those who choose to keep their political beliefs private.
“I do feel like it’s good when people do speak out about the issues. I just don’t feel comfortable yelling at people and forcing them to give their opinions when they don’t want to,” Cotecki shared.
Regardless of belief, students seem to understand the unique circumstances of today’s ability to always stay tuned in, whether about politics or celebrities.
“It’s kind of a weird situation, ’cause, like, if they (do speak up about politics), that’s good, and that’s important,” Cotecki said. “But if they don’t, it shouldn’t be a big deal that they don’t.”
