PRO
As younger generations grow, the media continues to progress. With the internet’s rapid succession now inescapable, you can find a wide variety of information on any celebrity of any status or age. This wide exposure proves challenging to manage, with thousands — even millions — commenting on every action or move both in person and online. Celebrities and athletes deserve the privacy and respect millions of others have the privilege to experience.
Many famous individuals view their status as a privilege. They use this attention and their influence to assist and inspire others. Taylor Swift, for example, has donated money to many fans throughout the years. During the pandemic, she donated signed CDs of her album “folklore” to small record store businesses, helping them out financially. She has donated money, clothing and more to many fans since she debuted in 2006. Younger fans, such as the upcoming generation with this access to the media, may read about her charities and feel inspired to assist others as well.
Additionally, with other celebrities such as Selena Gomez, Simone Biles and Halsey showing vulnerability by using their platforms to speak out about their mental health battles, body dysmorphia and more, they are encouraging others to be comfortable within their own body and mind. As children are becoming more engrossed in their screens, these healthy and honest conversations are vital for them to see and comprehend.
Fame is a complex system — some intend to become famous, while others view it as a consequence of their career path. Their behavior and comments are forever engraved within the media. Therefore, they set an example and their mistakes are learning curves for younger generations. We should not glorify these celebrities and athletes, for they are humans as well. However, they are individuals with status and affluence capable of influencing the mindset of upcoming generations.
rross1@ramapo.edu
CON
Celebrities and athletes should not be considered role models because the power that they hold over their fans can be dangerous, and they all have access to a public relations (PR) team that are able to cover any controversies or mistakes that they become involved in. While this can work in their advantage to avoid situations blowing up, it can send a negative message to young fans who look up to them.
Some fans might copy what they see their favorite influencer does regardless of whether it is a good thing or not because their brains are not fully developed yet. Teenagers and young fans may replicate the behaviors they see online. Many of these behaviors seemingly go without consequences other than people discussing them on forums such as X and Instagram, so it is easier to ignore any feedback. Without proper accountability for behaviors like harassment, bigotry and indecency, young people may grow up to believe this is acceptable conduct.
This is not to say that celebrities and athletes should not be admired. There are many qualities that different celebrities portray that make them likable in their field. But it is important to exercise caution on where young people take their inspiration from and assert that they have loved ones and administration to look up to as role models in place of celebrities.
It may be better for young people to look up to idols that are unchanging, like a fictional character on a television show or in a movie. This way, parents know who their children are watching and supporting as they are unchanging in their personality and values. While other people’s values can change as time goes on with more life experiences, a cartoon character from a children’s network might display more positive traits that are ready to be modeled after.
dwalton@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of @selenagomez, Instagram
