Now, one might wonder what is the relation between elections and home cinema. Movies involve actors and actresses who together with other celebrities support, kiss and hug presidential candidates in public.
As Rachel Chang recently wrote, in a post entitled ‘From Sinatra to Streisand: 100 Years of Celebrity Political Endorsements’, for more than a century, celebrities (movie stars, athletes and musicians) have used their fame to support presidential campaigns.
For instance, Kamala Harris supporters included, among others, George Clooney, Harrison Ford, Bon Jovi, Julia Roberts, Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and Cardi B.
Donald Trump supporters included, among others, Amber Rose, Caitlyn Jenner, Kid Rock, Chris Janson, Dave Portnoy, Danica Patrick, Zachary Levi.
Naturally, this is not a USA issue. The same is also true of many countries, and at different scales.
What exactly is the meaning of such actions? What do celebrities have in common with the average voter?
Do celebrities and politicians think that people will be influenced by celebrities? Even if they do this is humiliating for both the celebrities and the candidates. In fact, a recent Harvard study shows that the entrainment of celebrities only reduces electoral abstention. It doesn’t affect the election outcome. Yet, it might add to the celebrity’s fame.
This celebrity-involvement game must be stopped. People are not deadwood. People see, think, judge and make choices.
Politicians must find other ways to drive people to ballot boxes: their political actions.
Celebrities can declare whatever they want in TikTok, you tube, their personal blogs, in interviews, etc. But kissing and hugging on campaign stages is stupid and humiliating for all.
And yes, it is a totally different story when a group of academics or scholars sign a document in favor of a candidate. In such cases support is based on a series of solid arguments.
So, all of us must work against such humiliating nonsense.
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