Should celebrities give back more to society?

Question

If a celebrity takes up a cause and starts asking the struggling middle class to put money into it, do you think they should put more of their own millions into it as well? (If someone has $50 million, donating $250,000, is almost nothing to them)

For instance, after 9/11, they had that celebrity telethon, but only a small handful donated a million or more, themselves. Rosie O'donnel later said she asked half a dozen celebrities for $1 milllion donations and all declined. To quote Rosie: "In America, the millionairs should be donating millions, especially when they go on TV and ask the paupers for pennies."

I'm not saying celebrities shouldn't enjoy the money they earn or that it's their "responsiblity". But if they're going to lobby for a cause, I think they should be willing to back it up.

Bear in mind, I am referring to celebrities that actively take up a cause and then ask for money, while they're own bank accounts are overflowing. There are many celebrities that donate to charity on their own time and don't ask for money from other people.

Answer 1

Yes i think they definately should practice what they preach. If they are telling us to 'give what you can afford' they should do the same! I also think a lot of them should pay more income tax too instead of hiding out in tax havens!

Answer 2

I agree with you. I don't like benefit concerts for this exact reason. The celebrity gives a concert and the proceeds are donated to the charity/cause. But it's still the poorer Americans who are giving the money. Instead of giving a concert, give money! That's what the people in need truly need!

Answer 3

I agree...society as a whole make these celebrities who they are by going to see their movies, purchasing the products they endorse or buying their music...etc... Give back to the communities that have and continue to support you as an artist. It kills me how they can show these "Clowns" with the most expensive purses and clothes but to ask them to donate time or even money is like asking for a heart or kidney. I think celebrity is overrated and I think they should not get paid as much as they do to do the job they do. (Wow...Mouthful) They are individuals with character flaws just like everyone else.

Answer 4

I see your point and respect your opinion but The way Iook a it they already give enough to society. Think about it without actors and actresses, we would not have entertainment therefore a lot of people would be bored out of their minds..It may not seem like a lot to some people but to others it is

Answer 5

I am thankful that they do donate but, yes it would be nice if it were a little more $250,000 is like 2-3 shopping sprees to them.

Answer 6

Yup. Why is it that there are homeless, starving women, men, and children on the street and yet the rich and famous can't even spend all of their money in a lifetime? Sounds a little ridiculous to me. No one should be left a$$ed out.

Answer 7

The public/fan base are the ones who make celebrities rich. Personally I don't think they should be so greedy in the first place then there would be nothing to "give back."

Answer 8

I think people should give what they wish to give, no matter how little or how much. I think a lot of the political problems we have now is how much one person thinks another person SHOULD give.

Although, since you're coming from the perspective that people who ask us to give should give of themselves even more, I completely agree.

Answer 9

well it seem right in what ur trying to say but if they dont dont be mad not all are kind hearted as other as long as they donate no matter the amount every penny is worth it

Answer 10

I like your question and respect your opinion.
Alot of these celebrities feel that if they give their precious time to a cause that's enough.