Many people look up to celebrities as role models, and try to imitate their fashion, behavior, and even their lifestyles. The truth is that celebrities are really just like everyone else. This stated, they should not have a responsibility as role models to set a positive example for their fans. Some of the current celebrities looked up to today are Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, and Paris Hilton, all of which suffer from extended domestic problems.
The values in the world today are centered mostly upon acquiring money and fame, both of which celebrities usually have. Everyday people looking up to celebrities may only cause more harm than benefits. For example, if a person wants to be rich and famous just like one of their favorite celebrities, they may only be concentrating on that one goal. They may forget about their family, friends, and the characteristics that make them a unique person. If they choose to behave exactly like that celebrity, the person could end up being an alcoholic or a drug abuser.
Celebrities have a very stressful life. Most of them are constantly being bombarded with questions about their personal lives from the media. The media has the power to turn one little incident into a huge headline on every magazine. An example of this is when Jamie Spears became pregnant at the age sixteen. Just a few days after the news was out, everyone was talking about it. “Nickelodeon, which carries her TV show Zoey 101, said in a statement: “We respect Jamie Lynn’s decision to take responsibility in this sensitive and personal situation. We know this is a very difficult time for her and her family, and our primary concern right now is for Jamie Lynn’s well being.” ( Britney’s Teen Sister Jamie Lynn Spears Pregnant: www.People.com ).
Usually when an everyday teenager becomes pregnant, people do not make such a huge deal out of it. In Jamie’s case, the media saying that she was a bad role model for her young fans swarmed her. The truth is that being that good role model wasn’t her responsibility.
An opposing view to celebrities having a responsibility to be a good role model might say that a celebrity’s position in power gives them that responsibility. They could argue saying that children look up to Disney Channel stars such as Miley Cyrus to be there for them to look up upon. Another thing that they could say is that Miley taking on the role of her Television show Hannah Montana, is automatically putting her in that position of having to be a positive role model. This point of view is wrong because people have to realize that Miley is still a teenager and she will make mistakes throughout her carrier. She is in charge of her own life, and she should not have to give up specific opportunities, just because she has the pressure on her to be a positive role model for her fans. Also, children should look up to someone who is close to them such as an older sibling or a relative. A child looking up to a celebrity, is brain washed to act like a fake person.
The difference between a celebrity and a normal person is immense. Celebrities do not have a responsibility to be positive role models. In fact, most celebrities would be very poor role models, because in the grand scheme of things their population is only a small segment of society. After all, if we looked up to celebrities, everyone would be the same.