The idolization of celebrities has expanded beyond the entertainment industry and now penetrates the political sphere. In recent years, politics shifted from a democratic process focused on electing the most capable leaders to a ruthless, cut-throat and media-driven competition. Some might say party loyalty influences elections more than who is best suited to serve the United States.
Taylor Swift’s Call To Action: Voter Registration Skyrockets
One clear example of celebrity influence on politics was when Taylor Swift, a vocal advocate for political engagement, encouraged her followers to register to vote. Following her call to action, voter registration increased significantly.
In 2018, after Swift’s Instagram post, there was a 65,000 person increase in registrations after only 24 hours. This shows how celebrities’ political involvement dramatically sways public behavior
Bryce Hall and Donald Trump: A Surprising Political Pairing
This trend goes deeper as celebrities become active players in influencing elections, with many being used as political tools. Social media personalities and influencers–like Bryce Hall–have been spotted at political events supporting figures such as Donald Trump.
The two, Hall and Trump, appeared on social media together after Hall used his social media presence to express his support for Trump. At a campaign rally, Hall went as far as joining Trump on stage. This cozy association paints a picture of long-standing friendships between celebrities and political figures, further blending the lines between entertainment and governance.
Tana Mongeau’s Ethical Dilemma: Turning Down Millions
On the other hand, Tana Mongeau recently revealed on her podcast Canceled that she was offered millions of dollars to endorse a political party during the 2020 election. Mongeau stated,
“I was offered two million [dollars] to go out and publicly support a politician… but I just couldn’t do it. I felt it would be so disingenuous to my audience.”
Tana Mongeau
Despite the financial incentive, she declined the offer, showcasing how celebrities can find themselves at the crossroads of personal values and political manipulation.
These examples highlights the increasing interaction between celebrities and politics. Celebrities hold enormous influence over their fanbases, making them valuable assets in political campaigns. Nowadays, their impact goes far beyond fashion trends or beauty endorsements; they are influencing political perspectives and decisions.
What’s your opinion on the increasing role of celebrities in politics? Should they have such a significant influence, or does this trend undermine the political process?
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