Essay Sample about Celebrity Activists in Contemporary Society

Issues have been in society for as long as mankind can recall. Issues such as slavery, unequal rights, Black Lives Matter, Covid-19, etc. all have had some sort of celebrity activism - celebrities utilizing fame and wealth to bell in a particular issue – shown. Although there are mixed opinions on the helpfulness of celebrity activism, it is evidently beneficial for society because of celebrities’ influence, attraction, and initiative.

Although not everyone everyone believes in the usefulness of celebrity activism, it is extremely beneficial for society because of celebrities’ influence. For instance, Beyoncé supporting ‘Black Lives Matter’ protestors by “bailing [them] out of jail.” (Source 7) Not only has Beyoncé helped by paying their bail, but also “donated $1.5 million [dollars]” to help support the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement. These good deeds help Beyoncé influence her fans into supporting the ‘BLM’ issues. Celebrities, such as Beyonce, have the special privilege of “[leveraging] their fame to help sway public opinion,” (Source 7) which can ultimately assist in the bettering of society. For example, Covid-19 has been, and still is, a tremendous issue, however celebrities, such as Ryan Reynolds, Rihanna, Madonna, Oprah, and many more, have made donations, provided health guidelines, encouraged fans to stay home, etc. As a result of these wonderful acts, fans of these celebrities were persuaded to stay home and follow safety guidelines. Others decided to be generous by donating to help fight off Covid-19. This simply demonstrates how “having a following for you art [means] people might actually listen when you” (Source 7) address an issue going on in society.

Moving forward, celebrity activism is clearly beneficial for society because of celebrities’ ability to gain peoples’ attention. If there is one thing celebrities can do well, it is gaining someone’s attention. Whether it is through social media or face to face, meeting or seeing a celebrity will almost always get your attention one way or another. Therefore, you are more likely to pay close attention to everything a celebrity says and/or does. If athlete celebrities “know how to get the president’s attention,” (Source 8) they can just as easily get anyone else’s attention. Attention goes hand and hand with influence. Once a celebrity has someone’s attention, they can influence them into support a worldwide issue. For example, if you are out and you spot Cardi B, she would get your attention quick due to her social status. If she has your attention and begins a march in favor of ‘BLM,’ it is obvious you would join in.

Conclusively, celebrity activism is valuable for society because of the initiative celebrities take. For instance, the “What They Did There” table from “Dr.Clooney, I Presume?” (Source 2) listed a variety of activities that specific celebrities participated in. Celebrities, like “Don Cheadle, Brad Pitt, George Clooney, and Dave Eggers,” (Source 2) contributed to society by “[starting] a charity” (Source 7) to help Africa with their issues. Initiative is being shown through this action because no one told them to start a charity, it was something they did out of their own free will. Initiative does not always have to present itself in the form of money, it can also just be bringing awareness to a situation to strengthen the assist. Both Don Cheadle and Dave Eggers took it upon themselves to “[write] a book about” (Source 2) the hardships of Africa. People being aware of the issue often leads to the solution, or bettering, of the situation. For example, people can start marching, protesting, boycotting, speaking out, etc. in order to help Africa with its problems. For the most part, people will not quit until they see results, therefore celebrity activism does improve society.

In conclusion, celebrity activism has presented itself many times throughout history. Celebrities’ usage of wealth and fame to bring attention to a particular issue, has helped society in more than one way. Historical events such ‘Black Lives Matter,’ slavery, unequal rights, unfair pay, harsh working conditions, etc. have all been led, or helped, by a celebrity. Although not everyone believes in the usefulness of celebrity activism, it is evidently beneficial for society because of celebrities’ influence. attraction, and initiative.