Actors/Actresses & Politics
- Thread starter Hessian
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ShellyCW
Guest
When you get down to it, I guess there is a very fine line between politicians and entertainers. When I said entertainers I meant those celebrities who bend everyone's ears about issues and aren't elected officials. I'll give a little space for those celebrities who back up their words with actions. I just like my entertainers entertaining and my preachers preachy, not vice versa. 
ShellyCW,
PmoneyandTT nailed it, in my mind. The media seeks their comments and then makes it out as if they are all knowing and worldly. The fact is they put their pants on the same way any of us do and they shouldn't be afforded any more weight then our thoughts and comments.
PmoneyandTT nailed it, in my mind. The media seeks their comments and then makes it out as if they are all knowing and worldly. The fact is they put their pants on the same way any of us do and they shouldn't be afforded any more weight then our thoughts and comments.
PmoneyandTT
New Member
King Ken - that goes to show you - people give actors more credit - then where credit is due.. Entertaining is just a job that has alot of great perks.. and pays a whole lot better then my job - but you said it - they put on their pants one foot at a time - They can express whatever they want - it ultimately my choice in what decisions I make is my own..
If we use Shelly's scenero - then being a computer geek - should stick with just programming computers - and if someone asks their opinion - then they shouldn't express it if its not about their "computer" job..
So we should take away "freedom of speak" from actors because their sole purpose is entertaining?
(Edited by PmoneyandTT at 3:20 pm on Jan. 9, 2002)
If we use Shelly's scenero - then being a computer geek - should stick with just programming computers - and if someone asks their opinion - then they shouldn't express it if its not about their "computer" job..
So we should take away "freedom of speak" from actors because their sole purpose is entertaining?
(Edited by PmoneyandTT at 3:20 pm on Jan. 9, 2002)
They certainly can spew all they want - this is America, after all. But I think it hurts them if they have an unpopular opinion. The same public that loves them for their hair and teeth will turn on them for their politics.
I, personally, like it that they say what they think - that way I can decide if I want to give them my money or not. George Clooney's public comments about Bill O'Reilly and involvement in that telethon scam saved me $8 plus popcorn on Ocean's Eleven.
I, personally, like it that they say what they think - that way I can decide if I want to give them my money or not. George Clooney's public comments about Bill O'Reilly and involvement in that telethon scam saved me $8 plus popcorn on Ocean's Eleven.
PmoneyandTT
New Member
I think everyone is allowed to defend themselves. And that is what George Cloney was doing.. I know alot of people like O'Reilly.. To me he is just another guy with an opinion and getting paid big bucks for it.. I agree on things that O'Reilly talks about - but alot of things I may not.. Doesn't mean he is a good or bad person - just means he has a different outlook on things.. But to each his own..
You go - keep your $8 bucks and popcorn money..
You go - keep your $8 bucks and popcorn money..
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ShellyCW
Guest
Frank
Chairman of the Board
Now that I can get Fox - I kinda like O'Reilly too. He doesn't mince words, and he goes right after people to the point where I have to wonder why anyone who disagrees with him politically would even WANT to appear on his show (my take? audience). On the other hand, he has sometimes been argumentative to the point where his guest will be talking one thing, and he will start in on some point the guest ISN'T discussing. He can be a bit over the top - I remember where he was suggesting to a guest that the Stones were 'evil' people.
Anyway - I had a long talk about this with my folks over the holidays. They don't think anyone with a regular show should use it as a platform for their ideology, or should make political comments on shows where they are brought aboard to talk about their latest movie. (BTW - I disagree). Their feeling was, unlike you or me, they have a bigger megaphone than you or I do, and they should stick to the game plan.
I disagree. If you're Sinead O'Connor, and you do something odious and stupid - you pay the price in your career - and she *did*. Talk about politics on your daytime TV show - and if the ratings plummet - bye-bye. That is the way it should work. If they go UP - like O'Reilly's has - good for him (although, to be fair, his show IS *about* politics). I think if you end up paying a price for your opinion, that is the cost of using your celebrity for your 'cause'. I mean, God help me if I actually want to form my political opinion based on Ben Affleck (he's still in rehab, right?).
Anyway - I had a long talk about this with my folks over the holidays. They don't think anyone with a regular show should use it as a platform for their ideology, or should make political comments on shows where they are brought aboard to talk about their latest movie. (BTW - I disagree). Their feeling was, unlike you or me, they have a bigger megaphone than you or I do, and they should stick to the game plan.
I disagree. If you're Sinead O'Connor, and you do something odious and stupid - you pay the price in your career - and she *did*. Talk about politics on your daytime TV show - and if the ratings plummet - bye-bye. That is the way it should work. If they go UP - like O'Reilly's has - good for him (although, to be fair, his show IS *about* politics). I think if you end up paying a price for your opinion, that is the cost of using your celebrity for your 'cause'. I mean, God help me if I actually want to form my political opinion based on Ben Affleck (he's still in rehab, right?).
PmoneyandTT
New Member
Im not getting at anything.. I asked a question..
One thing I have learned being on this forum - if you say something - expect to be challenged.. I've had many days of that.. What I read from your posting is in my own words my comprehension of reading your post was
Entertainers should only entertain.. Leave the preaching to the preachers. Or rather leave the politics to the politicans. Explain it more in detail - if thats not what you were implying..
Or maybe some names of entertainers that elect to bend people's ears..
I guess I could be funny and say - Is Jesse jackson a preacher or politician. A married man or single man.
I also think another reason why media allows them to speak about regarding their views is because - some entertainers spend big bucks to support their politicians.. I can honestly say - I have never elected to send $1 buck or $2 bucks toward the presidential campaign when I send in my taxes.. I leave it up to the big dogs.. So in away - these entertainers are paying for a say..
One thing I have learned being on this forum - if you say something - expect to be challenged.. I've had many days of that.. What I read from your posting is in my own words my comprehension of reading your post was
Entertainers should only entertain.. Leave the preaching to the preachers. Or rather leave the politics to the politicans. Explain it more in detail - if thats not what you were implying..
Or maybe some names of entertainers that elect to bend people's ears..
I guess I could be funny and say - Is Jesse jackson a preacher or politician. A married man or single man.
I also think another reason why media allows them to speak about regarding their views is because - some entertainers spend big bucks to support their politicians.. I can honestly say - I have never elected to send $1 buck or $2 bucks toward the presidential campaign when I send in my taxes.. I leave it up to the big dogs.. So in away - these entertainers are paying for a say..
PmoneyandTT
New Member
Correct me if Im wrong.. Is this whole O'Reilly thing about the 911 Fund - the celebrites participated in getting money for the victims.. What happen 911 was not expected.. So in a panic I think whatever one was trying to do was get money - help the victims.. Nothing more was planned - because it wasn't expected.. Im sure some big wig - said hey lets get a 911 fund together and use some celebrites, it will bring in more revenue.. Who wouldn't of helped for that cause? Now when the money was taken up - Who planned the next step? It certainly wasn't the celebrites.. It should of been the Big Wigs who thought of it in the first place.. Obviously not - thats what stirred up O'Reilly
But then again - maybe the big wigs thought it would be a good idea to have someone step up to the plate like a celebrity and help defend their cause.. So Clooney stepped up to the plate.. Regardless if I disagree with him or not - He thought (I would hope) he was doing the best to protect what he thought was right..
Sometimes standing up for what you truly believe will hurt you.. But they can never take that courage away from you..
I personally think Clooney is to old to be a playa
definition - leads women on - then dumps them
- but I like his acting skills..
But then again - maybe the big wigs thought it would be a good idea to have someone step up to the plate like a celebrity and help defend their cause.. So Clooney stepped up to the plate.. Regardless if I disagree with him or not - He thought (I would hope) he was doing the best to protect what he thought was right..
Sometimes standing up for what you truly believe will hurt you.. But they can never take that courage away from you..
I personally think Clooney is to old to be a playa
definition - leads women on - then dumps them
- but I like his acting skills..
The issue was whether celebrities who use their fame to get people to part with money have a responsibility (there's that word again) to make sure the cause is legitimate. In this case, most of the money collected never got to the victims. No one seems to know what happened to it.
I personally think they should but that's not why I raise my eyebrows at Clooney. O'Reilly brought this up on his show and asked a legitimate question (the one above). Clooney got all defensive and released a statement disparaging O'Reilly and calling him a few names to boot. By contrast, Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn came on The Factor and shared O'Reilly's concerns, saying they, too, would like to know what happened to the money they helped raise.
It was Clooney's attitude and handling of the whole situation that makes me not want to give him any of my entertainment money. However I will go out and rent <i>Big Trouble in Little China</i> again.
I personally think they should but that's not why I raise my eyebrows at Clooney. O'Reilly brought this up on his show and asked a legitimate question (the one above). Clooney got all defensive and released a statement disparaging O'Reilly and calling him a few names to boot. By contrast, Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn came on The Factor and shared O'Reilly's concerns, saying they, too, would like to know what happened to the money they helped raise.
It was Clooney's attitude and handling of the whole situation that makes me not want to give him any of my entertainment money. However I will go out and rent <i>Big Trouble in Little China</i> again.
SxyPrincess
New Member
CLOONEY IS THE MAN!!!!!!!!! HE CAN PLAY ME ANY DAY!!!! 
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ShellyCW
Guest
I would never advocate revoking free speech, however that doesn't mean I, personally, don't get annoyed with entertainers who get on a soap box.
"Or maybe some names of entertainers that elect to bend people's ears.. "
One good example is the former band Rage Against the Machine. They raged on and on about such things as oppressive governments, uneven distribution of wealth, and greedy multinational corporations with their record contract from Sony. There are other musicians who rail against similar issues, yet operate through independent music labels.
"I guess I could be funny and say - Is Jesse jackson a preacher or politician. A married man or single man. "
Touché. (I know I'm a new member, so I just want to say that I understand these are just debates and not personal.)
"Or maybe some names of entertainers that elect to bend people's ears.. "
One good example is the former band Rage Against the Machine. They raged on and on about such things as oppressive governments, uneven distribution of wealth, and greedy multinational corporations with their record contract from Sony. There are other musicians who rail against similar issues, yet operate through independent music labels.
"I guess I could be funny and say - Is Jesse jackson a preacher or politician. A married man or single man. "
Touché. (I know I'm a new member, so I just want to say that I understand these are just debates and not personal.)
My boycotts extend to the comics as well. I used to like The Boondocks, even though it plays into racial stereotypes that I don't care for. Then I watched a televised lecture that the little Socialist/Commie who writes it gave at some University - made me raised my eyebrows. Then the comic writers were doing a 9-11 commemoration day in their strips - The Boondocks guy decided that would be a good time to draw a parallel between bin Laden and Bush. I haven't read him since.
PmoneyandTT
New Member
If I remember correctly - after this whole big 911 fund - the money is being distribute. Well I guess Clooney doesn't like O'Reilly to well.. I suppose people like using their power - like Deejay wanting to ban Kazamm from the forum - because of something they didn't like personally. Tell me who doesn't use their "place" in life to get things across - whether its for the good or the bad.
I know people are going to use their emotional and personal issues to lash out at others. Its being done everyday on this forum.. I was born at the end of Vietnam war - but I have heard stories that Jane Fonda said or did some crazy stuff concerning that..
And that other lady I think frank was referring too.. Isn't she the one that shaved her head? Well Ireland now thats a big ole mess.. Maybe her music wasn't selling that great from the beginning.. Remember michael Jackson with the big child molesting case - well he is still making records - and he is still doing award shows - and other projects.. Im sure the 80's gave him much more revenue - but his career is still going. I personal don't think (Clooney) that is going to hurt his career in any way. P.Diddy didn't get hurt with the murder trial - Neither did Jennifer Lopez with association. Suge Knight is an ex-gang member - been to jail many times. And his record company is still going strong. Snoop Dogg has been in and out of court - people are still buying his records.
It seems to me - the generation thats growing up now between my age and younger - don't care what these people have done in their personal lives - all they want is to be entertained. If you don't buy their records or go to their movies - 10 others will.
I know people are going to use their emotional and personal issues to lash out at others. Its being done everyday on this forum.. I was born at the end of Vietnam war - but I have heard stories that Jane Fonda said or did some crazy stuff concerning that..
And that other lady I think frank was referring too.. Isn't she the one that shaved her head? Well Ireland now thats a big ole mess.. Maybe her music wasn't selling that great from the beginning.. Remember michael Jackson with the big child molesting case - well he is still making records - and he is still doing award shows - and other projects.. Im sure the 80's gave him much more revenue - but his career is still going. I personal don't think (Clooney) that is going to hurt his career in any way. P.Diddy didn't get hurt with the murder trial - Neither did Jennifer Lopez with association. Suge Knight is an ex-gang member - been to jail many times. And his record company is still going strong. Snoop Dogg has been in and out of court - people are still buying his records.
It seems to me - the generation thats growing up now between my age and younger - don't care what these people have done in their personal lives - all they want is to be entertained. If you don't buy their records or go to their movies - 10 others will.
StillCrazy
Member
Tell me why this is relavent in this topic? I don't see it as anything other than stirring th pot.
PmoneyandTT
New Member
maybe it is stirring the pot.. People seem to point fingers at others(famous or not) - but others that are right here - are doing the same exact thing... Thats the point I was making..
They said it not me - they said they can ban Kazamm because they can - Well Clooney can make those remarks because he can. Best thing I ever learned from Dept of Justice - Use their own laws/reports/accusations/judgements of others - to show them they can't point the finger at anyone - because they are doing the exact samething.
They said it not me - they said they can ban Kazamm because they can - Well Clooney can make those remarks because he can. Best thing I ever learned from Dept of Justice - Use their own laws/reports/accusations/judgements of others - to show them they can't point the finger at anyone - because they are doing the exact samething.
StillCrazy
Member
Ok, you agreed, stirring the pot. Again, why is it relevant here, and why do we need to deal with it almost constantly?
PmoneyandTT
New Member
Deal with what constantly? People judging others all the time. Thats constantly - thats what Im pointing out..
Frank
Chairman of the Board
"And that other lady I think frank was referring too.. Isn't she the one that shaved her head? Well Ireland now thats a big ole mess.. Maybe her music wasn't selling that great from the beginning.. "
The shaved head thing was *always* her thing. And she was pretty big, at the time (I don't see what Ireland being a mess has to do with anything).
She ripped up a picture of the Pope on Saturday Night Live, reciting the lines "fight the real enemy", repeatedly. (She has since apologized for this incident). It effectively ended her career. Oh she did other stuff to offend people, but that was the big one.
THE POINT is - she made a political statement, and people stopped buying her stuff. Career over. She's not the only one to do this, but she was the first one to come to MY mind.
Is this good, or bad? It's not squelching of free speech. *Everyone* who professes an unpopular opinion has GOT to realize that there are consequences. You may even be *right*, morally. Doesn't matter. It's a price. If an actor goes on TV and extols the virtues of Nazism - if his career tanks, that is the price. Some personalities have accepted this, and STILL pursued their cause, anyway. Those, I respect. I don't respect those who tout their cause because they think it will cause people to embrace their stardom.
The shaved head thing was *always* her thing. And she was pretty big, at the time (I don't see what Ireland being a mess has to do with anything).
She ripped up a picture of the Pope on Saturday Night Live, reciting the lines "fight the real enemy", repeatedly. (She has since apologized for this incident). It effectively ended her career. Oh she did other stuff to offend people, but that was the big one.
THE POINT is - she made a political statement, and people stopped buying her stuff. Career over. She's not the only one to do this, but she was the first one to come to MY mind.
Is this good, or bad? It's not squelching of free speech. *Everyone* who professes an unpopular opinion has GOT to realize that there are consequences. You may even be *right*, morally. Doesn't matter. It's a price. If an actor goes on TV and extols the virtues of Nazism - if his career tanks, that is the price. Some personalities have accepted this, and STILL pursued their cause, anyway. Those, I respect. I don't respect those who tout their cause because they think it will cause people to embrace their stardom.