Wouldn't you agree that every individual is responsible for his/her own political views?

Question

I have heard some conservatives complain that Hollywood stars have too much influence on impressionable members of the public. That may be true in some cases, but who's responsible for one's political beliefs? Conservatives often like to preach about personal responsibility, yet when they complain about the influence celebrities have, they're actually absolving some members of the public of the responsibility of thinking for themselves.

Answer 1

Every adult is responsible for his/her beliefs, views, actions...etc.

To blame anyone's expression of opinion as the "cause" for various viewpoints is simply passing the buck.

The fact that a majority of adults in the US are unwilling to do the sightest bit of research in order to form valid opinions may be an indicator of major societal porblems though.

Answer 2

All people should be charged with responsibility for their own thoughts and actions. It is a sad fact that some people can be easily led, but that does not put Hollywood, or anyone else for that matter at fault for these people's lack of interpretive ability. I am a conservative and I don't like the positions favored by many in the Hollywood left, but my answer is this. When I find a celebrity I don't agree with, I won't buy their product. This means I won't buy their movies, records, watch them on TV, etc. I believe in their right to free speech and expression, but I do not have to support their careers, or in some way help provide them a forum in which to present those views. My thought is that entertainers are here to entertain, if I want political commentary I will watch a show which features experts in the political arena, not George Clooney, Michael Moore, Danny Glover, or Susan Saradon and their silly musings. In short you are correct, only the person holding the opinion should be held accountable. It doesn't really matter how they came by the knowledge.

Answer 3

From what I see conservatives do not complain about Hollywood star's influence, they complain that these "stars" ( who no little or nothing about politics) are issued a free pass to state their views but then call themselves "victims" when they are held accountable for their actions/ views.

Those that are uneducated and weak minded tend to idolize Hollywood stars so much so that our media now gives 20 minutes of airtime to Brittany Spears and 2 minutes to national and global events.

It is my opinion that one who pays attention to current global, national and political events is far more likely to cast an intelligent vote then one who gets their information from People, The National Inquirer, and Inside Addition.

Answer 4

Ahhhhh... but you see, that works both ways. I'm a conservative who hasn't been a big supporter of Bush, nor do I spend my time listening to talk radio, or staying glued to Fox News. And yet, I've been repeatedly badgered by the extreme right as being influenced by these sources.

You're correct, every individual is responsible for his/her political views. I take complete responsibility for mine.

Answer 5

Yes you are right. But most people don't actually think about their views . They will just go along with others that they may have heard speak and agreed with what they said.

The only problem with Hollywood stars is that they get a soap box that almost the rest of people don't get . And why is their opinion any more relevant then yours or mine?

Answer 6

I agree that every responsible individual is responsible for his or her own political views.

We probably just disagree on the responsibility of those who would try to shape our cultural attitudes.

I start my analysis with how public education influences our children. Then I look at children's television.

I'm not impressed.

Answer 7

It's kind of like an ad on TV. They tell you that a certain shampoo with make your hair shine or grow, etc...many people will buy that product because a certain star recommends it.
It's sad but our population is easily impressionable. They are too lazy to think for them self so they feel that if so and so believes it, it must be okay.

Answer 8

It's true. They rail against George Clooney but say nothing about Rush Limbaugh, et. al. Unfortunately, for a large section of the population, rational thought never takes place and they puppet the views of those whom they admire, be they liberal or conservative. Next time, ask them if they feel Rush and his cronies have too much influence on impressionable members of the public.

Answer 9

Yes they are responsible, but what forms our views is others opinions. I don't listen to celebrities, but I do listen to members of Congress, President Bush, and the media. So while I connect the dots between all forms of info, and therefore am responsible for my opinion, I wouldn't be able to do so without the opinion of others.

Answer 10

I agree, however what is concerning is when you have celebrities, and let's face it there are those who look up to these people, sit down with dictators and tyrants (ie Sean Penn, Danny Glover and Kevin Spacey) and treat these people cordially, then come back to the US and not extend the same courtesy to our own duly elected President.

Everyone has a right to like or dislike the President, however people should respect the office, and not debase and slander, the person who occupies it.