Social activism and entertainment have always gone hand in hand. If an artist speaks out on a topic of social importance, it tends to have two effects. The first effect is that it creates an awareness of the issue. Indeed, it make even make millions of fans aware. The second effect is to alienate an equal number of people. These tend to be people who either disagree or are outraged an artist has an opinion.
What seems reasonable at one moment may prove poisonous for many celebrities. Speaking out tends to hinder the artist's reputation. Most Americans want their celebrities to be seen, but not heard. It's a cultural sin for actors and musicians to have talent and an opinion. It's incomprehensible that should thrill us in the theater, but dare to discuss debt settlement leads or economic policies.
The cause that helped change the public perception of celebrity causes was Farm Aid. In 1985, Farm Aid brought together artists like Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, John Mellencamp, The Beach Boys, and Don Henley (just to name a few) to perform on stage. The galvanizing force of a good cause and great talent seems to have made a dent in that old American aversion to celebrity causes.
More than just a one-off performance, Willie Nelson, Mellencamp, and Neil Young brought farmers before Congress to testify on behalf of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987. As a result, the legislation to help grant farms some reprieve from their massive loans was passed. Even though the concert is still held every year, it is more of a working organization that provides awareness for the cause.
Being a celebrity does not preclude you from being entitled to make a valid point. To be sure, there is an appropriate time and place for a moment of social activism, but that can fluctuate from person to person and celebrity to celebrity. Choose the wrong time has often lead to the greatest criticisms of celebrity activism. But, this does beg the question: when is the right time?
What seems reasonable at one moment may prove poisonous for many celebrities. Speaking out tends to hinder the artist's reputation. Most Americans want their celebrities to be seen, but not heard. It's a cultural sin for actors and musicians to have talent and an opinion. It's incomprehensible that should thrill us in the theater, but dare to discuss debt settlement leads or economic policies.
The cause that helped change the public perception of celebrity causes was Farm Aid. In 1985, Farm Aid brought together artists like Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, John Mellencamp, The Beach Boys, and Don Henley (just to name a few) to perform on stage. The galvanizing force of a good cause and great talent seems to have made a dent in that old American aversion to celebrity causes.
More than just a one-off performance, Willie Nelson, Mellencamp, and Neil Young brought farmers before Congress to testify on behalf of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987. As a result, the legislation to help grant farms some reprieve from their massive loans was passed. Even though the concert is still held every year, it is more of a working organization that provides awareness for the cause.
Being a celebrity does not preclude you from being entitled to make a valid point. To be sure, there is an appropriate time and place for a moment of social activism, but that can fluctuate from person to person and celebrity to celebrity. Choose the wrong time has often lead to the greatest criticisms of celebrity activism. But, this does beg the question: when is the right time?
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