Question

That's what happened in November 2016. It was after actors had performed in the hit show Hamilton. Actor Brandon Victor Dixon knew that then-Vice President-elect Mike Pence was at the show. So he made a speech from the stage. Dixon said he and his castmates feared that then-President-elect Donald Trump and Pence would not stand up for people's rights. He said they also feared that Trump and Pence would not protect the environment.

Dixon said, "We…are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents, or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights." He added that he hoped Pence would "work on behalf of all of us."

The words got both cheers and boos from the crowd.

"I think it's really important that [Dixon and the cast] actually spoke their minds. And I think they did so [with respect]," said one audience member.

"It was a little bit disrespectful [to Trump and Pence]," said another. "They are going to be the leaders of the country."

After the show, Dixon's message for Pence went viral. This got people talking. Trump said Dixon should say he was sorry. Many people agreed. They said the statement made by Dixon was disrespectful to a future leader. But Dixon also had supporters. They said that speaking out against government leaders is an important American right. Some said that Dixon's statement was "fair."

The night before, another celebrity had spoken out on stage. Kanye West is a hip-hop star. During a concert, West stated that had he voted in the election, he would have voted for Trump. The statement made headlines. West again supported Trump in April 2018. He sent a tweet. He wrote, "[Trump] and I are both dragon energy. He is my brother. I love everyone. I don't agree with everything anyone does." West added that people "have a right to independent thought."

As with Dixon's statement, reactions to West were mixed. Some criticized West. Others said he should be able to have his own opinion.

Some people say celebrities shouldn't speak out. They say stars should keep their opinions to themselves. They argue that many stars don't know enough about politics to speak out. When famous people speak, they can reach millions of people. What if that celebrity is not well informed? Further, some people wonder about celebrities' intentions. For example, some wondered if West's tweets were a way to get attention. After all, he had a new album coming out.

But others say celebrities should speak about politics, if they'd like. Celebrities are people, too, they say. They're affected by laws and policies. So they have a right to speak out. And they're well-known, so they might get others interested in politics.

So what do you think? Should celebrities talk about politics?


Writing Prompt: Should celebrities just do their jobs and leave politics to the politicians? Choose a side of the debate. Create a thesis statement/claim to support your position. Writing an argumentative essay on the discussion of celebrities. The essay must be at least 3 paragraphs long with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Cite at least 2 pieces of evidence and explain both pieces of evidence.

Answer 1

**Thesis Statement: Celebrities should feel empowered to speak out about political issues, as their platforms allow them to bring attention to important matters, inspire public discourse, and promote civic engagement among their fans.**

In an era where societal issues are more pronounced and divisive, the voices of celebrities can play a crucial role in shaping public opinion and sparking necessary conversations. While some argue that celebrities should limit their contributions to entertainment and refrain from political commentary, the significant influence they wield offers a unique opportunity to address and advocate for pressing issues. The case of Brandon Victor Dixon, who passionately voiced concerns about the incoming administration during the curtain call of the hit musical "Hamilton," is a prime example of how celebrity activism can galvanize public discourse. He articulated a collective anxiety regarding the rights of vulnerable populations and environmental protections, thereby using his platform to represent the fears of many Americans. Dixon’s remarks were met with a mix of applause and dissent, underscoring that celebrity voices can provoke dialogue, demonstrating that famous individuals have a valuable role to play in the political arena.

Moreover, celebrities often provoke critical thought and encourage their audience to engage with political matters. Kanye West’s public support of Donald Trump, despite the backlash, highlights another aspect of celebrity involvement in politics. By expressing his views, West not only reaffirmed his right to free speech but also compelled listeners to consider differing perspectives. This phenomenon illustrates how celebrities can blend entertainment with political discourse, making complex issues more accessible and relatable to a broader audience. While critics argue that entertainers may lack the depth of knowledge required for political commentary, celebrities often drive conversations that prompt fans to seek further information and educate themselves about political issues, thus fostering active participation in the democratic process.

In conclusion, the debate surrounding celebrity involvement in politics is significant and multi-faceted. However, the merits of such involvement are clear. By harnessing their influence, celebrities like Dixon and West can bring attention to vital issues, stimulate public dialogue, and inspire civic engagement. Rather than insisting that celebrities exclusively focus on their careers, society should embrace the notion that all individuals—regardless of their profession—have a stake in the political landscape and a responsibility to contribute to it. Encouraging celebrities to express their views can ultimately lead to a more informed and engaged citizenry, enhancing the democratic process and ensuring that diverse perspectives are represented in political discourse.