Why do people boycott artists that they don't agree politically with?

Question

Are we putting to much political capital in celebrities? In most cases they are not really any more knowledgable than the average Joe on the street.

Answer 1

It's call customer service. For example, UPS and FedEx can both deliver a package to the same place for about the same money. So, which one do you chose? The one that provides the best customer service. A celebrity lives off the kindness of others. If I do not like what the product a celebrity has to offer, I take my interest and money elsewhere. There are no shortage of celebrities, but there is a limited amount of time and money I have to spend on their service.

Answer 2

Why would anyone pay money while some idiot on stage tell them that they are a moron for believing the opposite of the "artist."

While you are correct that to many put stock in what celebrities think, as an American I have the right to choose not to listen to certain artists that insult what I believe, especially if I have the educational background in the area that they have no knowledge.

They have the freedom of speech but there is no requirement that they be heard. I don't see it as boycott if it is my decision alone whether or not I see a movie with a certain actor, or purchase a cd by a certain artists. Some of such decisions have nothing to do with politics either, just the simple fact that I don't like type of movies they do or the way an actor comes across.

Answer 3

Personally I couldn't care less what a celebrities political views are. But when they spout off and it gets national attention, I can't help but be offended by it. I really wish they would keep their views to themselves. The fact that Tom Hanks chose to be public with his views bums me out. It's not that I boycott him, I just don't look at him the same way anymore. As for the Dixie Chicks, Barbra Streisand, Bruce Springsteen etc. they are all about shoving it down peoples throats after their fans have paid BIG money to hear them perform. I think that's wrong and would boycott them. Just shut up and sing! The funny thing is most of them are less educated than I am but think just because of their "star" status that their views are right and should matter to the public.

Answer 4

Because I don't pay for a CD, or buy a theater or concert ticket to hear about an artist's political views. I pay to be entertained.
Making money by being an entertainer evidently isn't enough for some artists, and they feel that somehow because they are talented, that they are qualified to speak about things that they really don't have a grasp of.
When it gets in the way of my entertainment, then I won't spend my money on that person for entertainment anymore.

Answer 5

Thats kinda true, but celebrities are held up to a higher standard, which none of them meet by the way. If a singer says something that a whole bunch of people don't like well theres really nothing for those people to do except try to cost that person money. Since money is the only legal way to get back at them thats what they go with.

Answer 6

I choose my entertainment based on talent and ability, not politics. I'm conservative, but I wouldn't want to boycott the likes of Sean Penn or Robert Redford, just because I don't believe in their personal views. I know they will take that money and contribute to liberal causes, or at least democratic politics, but why should I reject a good performance for that reason. In short, I boycott entertainers based on poor performance.

Answer 7

I dont boycott anyone... personally I feel celebrities get far too much attention for doing a "fun" job and getting paid WAY too much for it...
everyone has different political views... some are right some are wrong and some are objective

I would avoid a bad movie or bad music just becuase its bad.. not because of who it was or what they beleive in

Answer 8

It's not the kind of thing I would do. But I can understand that some Republicans would never want to patronize an entertainer that they knew was a Democrat and likewise some Democrats might choose to never patronize an entertainer that they knew was a Republican. For examples, Republicans who will never go to a concert performed by Barbara Streisand, or Democrats who will never buy a ticket to see a movie starring and/or directed by Mel Gibson.

The underlying attitude is that if you do patronize the other party, then you're helping them to win elections, which you obviously don't want to happen. A Republican who buys a ticket for a Streisand concert would be giving Streisand money which Streisand herself would use to contribute to Democrats.

Answer 9

I dont know, you'd think they'd find a more interesting thing to boycott them on but nevertheless I think some people are just so caught up one bush that they dispise anything that has to with the republican party..... which is insane becasue their the only ones who know whats good for the country..... yea were in debt bigtime as a country, but if the democrats didnt mess everything up all the time the republicans wouldnt have to go and clean it up.
Sorry anyways yea its rediculous not to like someone for their political offiliation but sadly there are stupid people out there

Answer 10

correct, and if I wanted to hear the 'common man's' opinion I would seek it out, just like I seek out entertainers to entertain me, THAT is their job. When they start spouting off showing how truly ignorant they are, they cease to entertain, so why would I continue to seek them out if they are not doing the job they are supposed to do?
I would not invite anyone into my home to visit if I did not respect them, so there really is no reason for me to rent a movie, buy a CD etc. that are made by celebrities I have no respect for...