The question of religious leaders has already been asked, but what of our celebrities? Do they have a place in the discourse of the world on Covid-19?
I myself would say no, just as I would say no to religious leaders. There may be well-educated celebrities who can help ease public panic, but their ignorance can lead to many deaths in cases of uneducated statements and views given to a panicking public, or even to an under-panicked population.
For example and as a question, the video of Vanessa here gives her initial viewpoint on the matter of quarantine and the virus. She has since apologized for her statements due to public backlash.
While I do not judge her viewpoint as something inherently bad to hold - that we all die eventually what's the difference- my question is if it is appropriate to state during this time of crisis when she holds the platform that she does; as a substantial influence on the wide public, particularly the young adults?
I have a theory that statements like this from celebrities (or religious leaders) cause high-risk situations such as this:
If a substantial portion of the public is unable to make wise decisions in understanding their impact on the society around them then we should not tune into celebrities and their opinions on a potential global crisis when there is freely shouted information coming from credible and reliable sources, such as the WHO and scientists or doctors who are actively participating in the crisis.
However, I understand that freedom of speech is something that all celebrities and religious leaders are allowed. So I do not think they should be silenced, but rather the public should educate themselves through credible sources, though there is no time for that now.
What is your opinion on the actions of the Florida spring breakers? Are they fine to live their best lives or should they have consideration for those around them first?
Only time will tell if the spring breakers have spread the virus amongst themselves, and eventually their families and friends, but I am not very optimistic when I read news such as:
https://nypost.com/2020/03/23/spring-breakers-from-university-of-tampa-test-positive-for-coronavirus/
Stay safe guys.
Yes, Crystal, I, too, have wondered about comments from both religious leaders and Spring Break-ers. The bold disregard for reliable scientific advice is short-sighted and irresponsible. This makes me think, especially with the Spring Break thing, that this is a legitimate cause for the gov't to take stronger action. Why are we trusting young college students to privilege public health and the longer-term consequences (the "curve") of COVID-19 over their own personal desire to have fun??? Seems like to asks a little too much of the average 18-21 years-old brain. Make the decision for them. We need enforceable orders to keep people at home.
ReplyDeleteOur culture is besotted with celebrities and "influencers," the key is to heed the insights of those who are actually informed and credible. Dr. Fauci, for instance, is now a celebrity for good reason, and we should be listening to him. His boss, unfortunately, is insecure in the face of dissent -- especially informed dissent. Trump himself is the biggest uninformed celebrity we've got, alas.
ReplyDeleteMany celebrities are acting foolishly in the midst of this chaotic time, but many are also doing good things to help. Many of the late night hosts are still doing their shows from home and posting them on YouTube to entertain and calm their audience down. Also, many musicians have live streamed free concerts to entertain those who are quarantined. These are the celebrities I appreciate because they are using their platform to calm and comfort their fans rather than incite more chaos.
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