Hollywood stars have become mayors, senators and even presidents, and in recent years have sometimes used their influence and fame to try to sway opinion on political and social issues.
But are they as influential as they think, especially to college students? In an unscientific on-the-street survey taken during ETSU’s Winter Cruise, 61 percent of campus respondents said that movies stars and what they do does not matter.
This disconnect is because celebrities are people who live in a fantasy world portrayed by Hollywood, said student Joe R. Mikels. “This world does not reflect how most Americans desire to live their lives,” he said.
Students also believe that a lot of what stars do in front of the cameras is merely publicity stunts. “The whole Super Bowl issue is an insult to America,” said sophomore Shay Witt. “Janet Jackson should keep her exposure in the family.”
On the other hand, 6 percent said celebrities are purely important for entertainment and their personal lives should not be publicized. “What they do in their personal life is not any of my concern,” said graduate student Carla Flanary.
If celebrities have substance, they are interesting, said graduate student Kristen Heffern. “Others are only good for entertainment purposes,” she said.
The remaining 31 percent of the people surveyed said they think Hollywood celebrities are interesting, exciting people. “It keeps me entertained,” said freshman Lauren Sparks. “They are a role model to children.”
In today’s society, many celebrities are idolized as role models – if not for their behavior, then for the way they dress. “Mel Gibson has some self worth and puts morality in Hollywood,” said freshman Gabriel Harr. “He is one of the very few to do so.”
Whether they are good role models likely depends on the person admired and individual opinions. “The use of their public influence for good or bad is important and the people influenced,” Flanary said. “They are in a position to be positive role models if they choose.”
Many students said they see Britney Spears as one of the celebrities that display the “bad” in public more than the “good.” “Who would want their children dressing and acting like her?” asked freshman Cassidy Barnes.
Some students also felt Spears has crossed the line on too many occasions. “Britney Spears is single-handedly killing the feminist movement,” senior Summer Hensley said.
Most students enjoy watching television or going to see a movie or concert, but whether they let the celebrities become their role model is their own decision. “Celebrities do have the power to influence our youth and society as a whole,” Flanary said. “Unfortunately the bad is exposed more often than the good.

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