Stars offer valuable input, ideas

By Jasmine Venegas

Staff writer

Over the years, celebrities have used their fame to promote their ideals and share what they believe in. Currently, countless celebrities are using their popularity and status to bring attention to political issues, especially those in the 2016 presidential election. This act of expression is essential because celebrities have the ability to bring attention to important issues and to try invoke change in them.

According to CNN, members from the previous and current Star Trek series have come together to prevent Donald Trump from becoming President of the United States, by creating a Facebook page entitled Trek Against Trump. The page has gained 29,000 followers and counting.

A post from the Facebook page states, “Either Secretary Clinton or Mr. Trump will occupy the White House. One is an amateur with a contemptuous ignorance of national laws and international realities, while the other has devoted her life to public service, and has the proven ability to work with Congress to pass legislation.”

The Star Trek stars are leading examples of how popularity and fame can be utilized to fight political apathy by engaging a larger audience. They are reaching out to avid fans who may not care to keep up with political issues, but are willing to lend an ear.

Similarly, singer Demi Lovato has worked to rally young voters into the political system, according to CNN. She is a firm supporter of presidential candidate Hilary Clinton, and wants to inspire political conversation among younger people to encourage them to get out and vote.

Celebrities are also touching on other political issues concerning the environment. Actor Leonardo DiCaprio gave purpose to his wealth by founding the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation to promote the protection of the environment and the well-being of all Earth’s inhabitants.

DiCaprio addressed this political issue at the Oscars when he stated, “Climate change is real, it is happening right now [and] it is the most urgent threat facing our species, we need to work collectively together and stop procrastinating.”

Some people may argue that celebrities should stay out of politics because they aren’t educated enough.

However, the celebrities that do speak out do generally have an intelligible understanding of political issues. Actress Emma Watson is a United Nations Women Goodwill Ambassador, who fights for women’s rights and gender equality. Her active role in gender rights movements prove that she is educated in the political issues of our time.

Overall, celebrities should be able to use their fame for the greater good and to help inform people about political issues that they are passionate about and educated in.

Likewise, more celebrities should come forth and use their status to share their cultivated political views and opinions.