Do celebrities have a moral responsibility to hold themselves to a higher standard?
If you became a celebrity (maybe you already are?) do you believe you would feel compelled to treat your new found social station in a more responsible fashion? Knowing people may be both viewing you in a new light, yes, a somewhat judgemental light, but a light that shines much further than others around you, will you try harder? Try harder to be good? To present a benevolent role model? Acknowledge your power of influence and realize you could squander it or use it to make the world a little bit better?
Do such thoughts enter into the minds of celebrities? And when I say celebrity I mean anyone in the spotlight — for an extended period — media personalities, sports stars, politicians, the wealthy.
Should such people, whether they admit it or not, accept they the have a responsibility to the public? They do have this power — we all realize this. But do the balance of them accept this power and wield it ethically?
Would you?
Anonymole - apocryphal agitators 
Great article.
I totally agree with the fact that a celebrity (whatever that may mean in today’s world) should be slightly wiser than average joes. They should take more time to speak or to make a decision. They are in the spotlight. Our eyes are on them, waiting for their moves.
However, I disagree with the last paragraph. What kind of responsibility?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Charles Barkley: “I don’t get paid to be anyone’s role model. I get paid to play basketball…”
So, no…I would not pretend to be someone I was not to please the media…and thus the public.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Pretend? So the the fact that a million people start to look to you and your words (with whatever expectations) would not tend to alter what you think or say?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Couldn’t say unless I’ve been there. I’d be better off keeping my mouth shut tho…….
LikeLiked by 1 person
No matter what a celebrity says, it causes controversy… so keeping my mouth shut would be the best option. Can’t please everyone…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, so your message to society would be caution and moderation in all things…
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL! Now you’re putting words in my mouth. That’s good advice, but I would strive for something original. Notice how even a mouth that is shut emotes interpretation!
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s nowhere to hide in the spotlight.
I’ve been watching celebrities signal their ‘truth’ on each side….. Then they take heat for being evil. Poor saps don’t stand a chance.
What would you do?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d probably waffle between indignation at having anyone think I should be held to a higher standard and admitting that society made me famous and so, owe it to society to help lead it in some minuscule way.
LikeLiked by 1 person