Linda J. Alexander http://www.lindajalexander.net | | Everyone:
This article from CBS News Online, June 7, 2002 -- "Mixing Celebrities And Politics U.S. Senator Fed Up With Celebrities Testifying Before Congress" -- is a fantastic find. Here's the link, as indicated in Glenda's original message:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/06/07/politics/main511507.shtml
I'd like to ask all to read it -- I'd LOVE to hear your thoughts. It lays out pros & cons of celebrity influence on society in a concise manner.
The likes of Kevin Richardson, from Backstreet Boys, testifying in front of congress on mountaintop removal mining, specifically in Kentucky, definitely offers a mixed message.
Good points?
1). He's from Kentucky.
2). He's interested & involved in environmental activism, particularly in his home state.
3). He organized an environmental activist's group.
3). Apparently he's well-spoken enough to be invited to be there, (ie, sponsored).
Bad points?
1). He's part of the Backstreet Boys. Gosh, possible intellect & knowledge notwithstanding, doesn't that cut credibility from the get-go? Will people be less likely to listen to the ISSUE because of the MESSENGER?
2). He has no visible connection to the issue. He may be an environmental activist but how many in the general public know this?
3). He hasn't spoken out on human interest issues in any large arena so his appearance, seemingly suddenly, in front of a congressional committee, to me comes off looking like a publicity stunt on the part of whomever asked him to be there, & on his part, too. Did he have a CD coming out in 2002? Did he NOT have a CD coming out?
The article, at the end, says the current crop of celebrities speaking out on politic issues is "a 180-degree change from the 1950s, when Hollywood stars were summoned to Capitol Hill to testify in the anti-communist hearings." Do you agree? Why? Why not? Other thoughts?
Thx, Glenda, for bringing this article to us.
Blessings -- Linda
Linda J. Alexander, Books For The Thinking Reader
http://www.lindajalexander.net
http://www.authorsden.com/lindajalexander
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