Why do Americans listen to movie stars about politics?

Question

I would imagine that Hollywood has the most disconnected view of the average American, but why do we seem to rely so much on what Bono, Gwenith Paltrow, Oprah, Pdiddy, Jon Stewart etc...think?

Answer 1

This is a GREAT question that I've been wondering about for years. Every time I see complete intellectual zeroes like Alec Baldwin and Barbra Streisand spout off about politics I dry heave. Hollywood is like an logic black hole.

These people don't get how idiotic they look because even when they say something idiotic the press oooh's and aaah's about what they said. They live in a fantasyland that insulates them. But there is a way to get throught to them. For example, when was the last time you saw Julia Roberts headline a smash feature film?

Hey Hollywood ... your **** DOES stink.

Answer 2

Bono, Jon Stewart, Gwyneth and Oprah are highly intelligentm individuals, who have a cultivated opinion on politics and other subjects (I don't know PDiddy), they have travelled, and worked on humanitarian projects for a large part of their lives, so they are not your average celebrity.

But to answer your question, a lot of Americans listen to Bush about politics, that, to me, is like listening to Britney Spears.(provided that Britney could randomly bomb countries)

Answer 3

Well, personally I do not listen to movie stars. Why in the hell would I? But then again, most people outside the states have a disconnected view about us anyways so...... to someone who doesnt live here you might get the misguided idea that the majority of americans do, however wrong that is.

Answer 4

Very good question. Because most people do not think for themselves.

The same people who listen to Hollywood's politics are the same people who cry about the price of gas while they pay $9 to rent a chair for two hours in a movie theatre.

Answer 5

Not all Americans do.
I couldn't care less what some Hollywood actor's opinion was on political events simply based on some character they played in a movie.
I want REAL experience to base an opinion and a decision on first.

Answer 6

Because they all make more sense than Dubya.

More seriously, because we recognize them, think we know them, think they give a danged about us, they are familiar. They also talk better then the average politician, and can convince us they know what in the world they are talking about. The average politician can't.

They are also usually not trying to get elected which is a huge plus.

Now, does that make them a good source for political views? Hell no.

But that is not what you asked. You asked the reasons they get listened to, and that is what I answered.

Answer 7

in a democracy, everybody can say what they think! even the famous and not very bright.

it's both a great thing and a drawback of democracy that everybody gets to say what they think. that people weigh famous people's words more heavily is a reflection of how much they occupy public space.

one problem is that public space is oversaturated with the opinions of a small number of people. but then again, nobody really wants to hear from the geniuses of society, as people don't relate very well to them.

what to do? it's the human condition...

Answer 8

i'd say some below a third of the risky adult men in American action video clips are English. I as we communicate concept of Alan Rickman in Die confusing. probably it has in spite of to do with the English accessory being synonymous with sophistication interior the eyes of the american public, as a result making the character seem better like an evil mastermind instead of a terrorist. i'd say it relatively is endearing in this experience, so don't experience risky. (hint) Head over to the states, women human beings wish the accessory. (i'm American)

Answer 9

I don't pay attention to this current crop of Hollywood idiots, but on the other hand, Ronald Reagan was an actor and look at all the great things he accomplished.

Answer 10

Americans have made demigods out of these celebrities. I think the other posters have made their points about the intelligence of the average celebrity-worshipping American.
There are a few exceptions. Robert Redford has educated himself about his cause and is worth listening to.