The dumbed-down generation

[Yahoshua]

I'm so thankful our nation isn't run by bogus national polls and slanted questionaires.

But what AL means by the title is that newswriters consider actors (who have no political value whatsoever) as being more influential than politicians themselves (whom, as we all know, DO decide how our lives are influenced).

[Heibges]

What about Ronald Reagan, Arnold Schwarzenager, Fred Thomsen, Jessie Ventura, Sonny Bono, and the dude from Love Boat, who were actors that became politicians.

There seem to be only a half dozen or so entertainment figures on the list.

Not that I'm making a comparison between them and Leonardo, but Truman Capote, Norman Mailer, Leni Reifenstahl, TS Elliot, Eli Wiesel, Boris Pasternak, etc. etc. etc. were also entertainment figures who were also very influential, more so than most politicians.

[Yahoshua]

Politicians hold the approval stamp to pass laws or write them. Actors don't.

[robbo180265]

Originally Posted by Yahoshua

Politicians hold the approval stamp to pass laws or write them. Actors don't.

Politicians are also incredibly boring people.Youngsters are more interested in Posh and Becks than Bush and Blair, so it follows that Posh and Becks should end up more famous - surely?

[fatty]

Originally Posted by Yahoshua

Politicians hold the approval stamp to pass laws or write them. Actors don't.

But politicians [are supposed to] rely on and represent voters who watch television, go to the movies, and listen to music. It's not accurate to say actors have no political value - while they don't directly participate in the political process (except for Heibges' people) they can and do use their superstar status to influence the public.

[Tchocky]

Angelina Jolie's work for the UN as a Goodwill Ambassador, etc

Having a public profile gives you an opportunity to bring attention to certain causes/problems.
Of course you'll always get "they should just stick to being actors/singers"/"damn Commiewood Commiefornia"/etF*ckingcetera

[Yahoshua]

Actors' can't exactly be scapegoated for the failings of a political party, they also don't participate in active proceedings of legislature or politics, save for when they go to the voting booth every 2 years.

Just about anyone can bring attention to an issue, they don't need to be famous or be an actor to do so. Cindy sheehan and Jim Gilchrist are just a couple of examples.


Robbo- While you're correct that whoever holds the interest of more people will be more famous, yet I cannot recall the last time an actor or celebrity had a face-to-face talk or discussion of national policy with a foreign diplomat.

Aside from influence among their fans who wish to emulate every atom in their idols' body, actors and celebrities have no political value whatsoever.

[robbo180265]

Originally Posted by Yahoshua

Robbo- While you're correct that whoever holds the interest of more people will be more famous, yet I cannot recall the last time an actor or celebrity had a face-to-face talk or discussion of national policy with a foreign diplomat.

Bono with Bush

Bob Geldoff with Blair