Celebrity Activism: Leads to More Environmental Corruption
Leonardo Dicaprio on the cover of Think Smart Photo 29
In recent years it has become increasingly popular for celebrities to involve themselves in political, usually environmental, causes. With their abilities to reach a wide range of people, many that might turn away from governmental pleas for action, celebrities can attract a following that can learn from them. Leonardo DiCaprio in particular takes a stand on environmental issues such as global warming and endangered species protection. Some believe that celebrity activism is the next step in helping our environment because they can have great success in reaching the masses and will push for children to follow in their footsteps. Others believe that this activism lacks authenticity from the celebrities because while they are pushing for a good cause they are still marketing themselves to the public and will in turn create greater success in their own careers (Black and Lybecker vol. 2, 268).
Because celebrities are able to reach mass amounts of people, with sometimes misleading information, the popularity of the green movement increases dramatically. People view celebrities as role models and when they choose to buy earth friendly products the everyday consumer wants to as well. Ill informed citizens may misconstrue what is labeled as earth friendly and what actually is good for the earth.
Because celebrities are able to reach mass amounts of people, with sometimes misleading information, the popularity of the green movement increases dramatically. People view celebrities as role models and when they choose to buy earth friendly products the everyday consumer wants to as well. Ill informed citizens may misconstrue what is labeled as earth friendly and what actually is good for the earth.
This Video illustrates one way celebrities are using their fame to send out a message. Video 10
| This video is an example of celebrities using their popularity to call out to kids to save the earth. Video 11
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Live Earth was the "oddest byproduct" of Al Gore's appearances before Congress (Black and Lybecker vol. 2, 258). The concerts took place on seven continents, in the cities of Sydney, Tokyo, Shanghai, Johannesburg, Hamburg, London, New York, and Rio de Janeiro during a twenty-four hour period. They hoped to bring the issue of climate change to a global audience. Most people came for the music but they were treated to lessons, by rock stars and speakers, mostly about how to reduce their carbon emissions and campaign for political action. Gore was the featured speaker and again put himself in the spotlight for the world to see.
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