The Celebrity Factor

Celebrities and politics, is the blind leading the blind? In class we've talked about how most Americans are not educated in the political science and government, therefore their vote may hinder larger problems. Think of it as kind of like guessing on an exam where you're asked to match answers to definitions. If you get one wrong, it's a chain reaction to other problems being incorrect.

So what do celebrities contribute to politics? Similar to fusing entertainment and news, celebs involved in political races and issues causes for the same effect. Viewers tune in to see their favorite celebrity or hear their celebrities talking about a particular issue then they may feel like they want to get involved as well. The want for involvement is great, but how do we know if they're just listening to what they're told on television by a certain celebrity?

For example, during the 2008 political campaign with Obama and McCain, celebrity involvement was very high. I remember seeing many celebrities and public figures getting together in rallies, campaign ads, public service announcements, on their own platforms such as televisions shows, social media, etc. One on the top of my head would have to be Oprah. She was a hardcore Obama supporter from the get go. Since Oprah is a huge celebrity and has a great deal of influence on the average American who watches her show and participates in her book club. With the backing of Oprah, Obama's campaign points will be expressed to a wide range of people and it won't have to come directly from him. People will be getting their news about the campaign from someone that they have allowed into their homes and hearts. With that kind of trust, they trust Oprah and her backing of Obama. So more likely than none, they will be open to Obama's points and be more lenient towards voting for him.

So is celebrity sponsorship good or bad? Both. Having certain celebrities for or against you can really hurt your campaign depending on the reputation and creditability of the celebrity. I'm sure not very many Americans would take a political figure seriously if he Lindsay Lohan backing them. But maybe celebrities are the future to getting information to the younger generation. If they see people who they look up to, no matter if they're a great role model or not, being involved in politics and giving it a "cool" factor, it might spark an interest. An interest to be involved and educated about government.

Marriage; A Controversy

This article by an unknown author, mainly because it didn't say and I couldn't find one, talks about the Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA as I'll be referring to it. The author criticizes DOMA, stating that it was created during a time when pro-homosexuality was taboo, more so then now, and ultimately created to gain the popularity of voters at the time. Now, during times when homosexuality has really began to hit the spotlight hard and gained the attention of many Americans. To be honest, I believe it’s always been a taboo topic, but as of recently, people are beginning to feel comfortable talking about it. I feel like we've heard a lot of the arguments of the opposing side for years and now people are really beginning to stand up for a new progressive idea of equality.

In the article, the author targets those who may be on the fence about same sex marriage by stating some concerning contradictions. With the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell earlier this year, once soldiers are allowed to serve openly and freely the question arises of, "what about their spouses? How will the housing, benefits and burials play out?"

Other examples the author points outs in the article are backed by other laws set in place that would ultimately be compromised as well. The author states if DOMA is not Congress' right to force upon and change, but ultimately comes down the power of the states, then what about the new health care law? With criticism after criticism of how republicans and antigay government officials play with hypocrisy when it comes down to the gay agenda really discredits their claims.

As for me, I'm not as informed and educated in the politics to really understand the full length of some of the claims the author mentions because I don't have the adequate background information. I do feel because homosexuality is condemned in the bible, it is going to be a long argument that will not be settled overnight. Stating all of the facts and making a good argument will not change a persons view if they are strongly religious or what not. At least not overnight, acceptance and understanding with the idea of this modern equality may take many years. The author does make some great points and arguments in the pro-gay corner, though.

The fact of the matter is, I feel as though our government is heavily hypocritical. We say that there is not a central religion but the actions and views of government officials and the people of this nation prove otherwise. I don't believe there will ever be separation between church and state because religion is the driving force for many people.

Source -- In Defense of Marriage, for All.