in my opinion

Celebrity Influence in the World of Popular Culture

By Julie Shultz

Celebrities often complain they can not escape the media. Many bemoan the loss of personal space and the invasion of their private life since attaining celebrity status. While the media focus on celebrities will not change any time soon, one thing that can and should change is the way celebrities choose to direct their influence.

Too much attention is paid by both the media and the public on the personal lives of individuals, however, the majority of this attention does not reflect positive action, nor does it promote social responsibility. Many headlines target the negative or frivolous aspects of celebrity life: celebrity fights, parties, traffic violations, spending sprees, and their outrageous lifestyles.

Celebrities are in a unique position to promote positive movements of society using the enormous level of media attention they receive. Based upon previous examples of media attention on celebrities, in general, the public will pay attention to whatever the stars choose to do. Thus, celebrities should be responsible for shifting the media focus away from their personal lives and more towards promoting a cause for the greater good, such as advocating for programs which encourage world unity, promote cultural acceptance, or work to fight global health issues.

Many celebrities have already begun to make this shift, contributing their talents to groups or events such as: (product) RED, Seeds of Compassion, and Live Earth. Vocal celebrities such as Bono, Angelina Jolie, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Oprah Winfrey, to name a few, have demonstrated how their endorsement of virtuous causes can contribute to a rise in public knowledge and involvement in similar causes. In order to gain momentum in making a difference, celebrities should use their star status to bring about positive change.

British singer Annie Lennox, left, gives the peace sign after the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo. Artists from all over the world gathered to help spread the message of peace. (AP Photo / Lise Aserud)