Based on a study done by economists at the University of Maryland, Oprah Winfrey's endorsement of then presidential candidate, Barack Obama, earned him 1,015,559 votes. The study concluded the following: "The results of this study suggest that Oprah Winfrey's endorsement of Barack Obama during the 2008 Democratic Presidential Primary had statistically and politically significant effects on Obama's political outcomes. Winfrey's involvement increased the share of the vote and the campaign contributions received by Obama, as well as the overall level of voter participation." Michael Jordan makes 20 million dollars a year alone from his Nike endorsement. He is under specific contract that he must wear Nike apparel from head to toe until the year 2023 in order to continue his image and endorsement effects. The Kardashian clan makes a reported 90 million dollars a year from products they "represent."
Entertainment publications sell around 5 million copies a week. The paparazzi has devoted their lives to capture celebrities in the lowest points of their lives. When Heidi Klum says she wears a certain lotion, the lotion sells out overnight. When Tiger Woods was caught in a scandal, the products he endorsed suddenly dropped in popularity. When Tim Tebow wrote John 3:16 on his face paint, 90 million people googled it. Photos of celebrities wearing red strings around their wrists sparked a Kaballah movement.
Even while writing this, Alyssa Milano is on the tv screen asking for UNICEF donations. No matter whether we want to admit it or not, celebrities are a huge part of our life. Even those who hate the whole "Hollywood" scheme can instantly recognize names such as "Justin Bieber," "Brittney Spears," "David Beckham," or even "Rebecca Black." (who by the way has more then 150 million views on YouTube).
Countless studies have proven that celebrities play a significant roles in our lives, whether it is the areas of purchases, diets, or religion. Some suggest that we are fascinated by celebrities because they help us escape our every day lives. It may seem humorous and even depressing, but many people live vicariously through the lives of celebrities, even though they are strangers they will never have a personal relationship with. They escape their own unhappiness and disatisfaction of life by pouring through the pages of People or UsMagazine, exhaling deeply wishing for the "perfect lives" of these "perfect people."
If we think about our own actions, we might find our actions a bit humorous as well. We would be completely creeped out if a stranger posted life size portraits of ourselves on their wall. Yet, how many of us have done this at some point? Or how about we cheer for our favorite sports players, telling our lifeless television "nice job boys" or yelling "run, run, faster, faster!" We buy shirts with pictures of strangers, we follow these strangers lives, and we defend their honor when insulted.
While researching infortmation for this post, it prompted me to think that when it comes down to it, are celebrites more beneficial then harmful or vice versa? Celebrities have done some pretty amazing things. They have raised major awareness and donations over the years. Celebrities have such power in their hands. They can grab peoples attention and cause people to listen and actually care. In the 2008 elections, more young adults voted then every before, thanks to celebrites constantly talking about the importance of getting involved. When celebrites open up about their problems, we are more comfortable talking about our own problems. When Larry King revealed his smoking problem and his struggle with lung cancer, people listened and took note. When Terri Hatcher revealed her past and how she was sexually abused, women were more willing to open up about their problems. When we realize that these "perfect" people share the same struggles that we do, we are more likely to accept our own conditions.
On the other hand, celebrites can cause major harm. Statistics have also shown that thanks to fashion magazines and pop culture in general, many teens battle with eating disorders and body image problems. Celebrities have become our new standard and our new ideal. Society has nurtured a movement and almost cult like following that makes us crave and lust to look like the athletes and supermodels on the glossy pages of vogue and sports illustrated. Thousands of dollars have been spent on plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures to get Jennifer Aniston's nose or Brad Pitt's chin.
I will admit to picking up UsMagazine at the checkout line at the grocery store or buying a mascara because Eva Longoria said it made her eye lashes longer and I think that's totally fine. Watching the Laker's play and celebrating their victory is totally fine. There is just a fine line between appreciation and obsession. We can't hold a celebrity on a pedestall or be super upset for a week because our favorite team lost. We cannot lose family time because we are glued to a tv and we cannot be out trying out a million different religions because Madonna said so. Yes, celebrities have experience in their professions and can offer us tips and advice and there is a lot to be learned. We just need to understand that they are not perfect, and they do not have all the answers. We are all individuals with our own characteristics and thoughts that are no less valuable to this world then that of anyone else.
