By Molly Lindstrom ‘21, A&E Editor

Celebrities influence what we wear, what we eat, and what we buy. When we see our favorite celebrity using a certain product, we feel compelled to buy that product. In fact, studies have shown that celebrity endorsements can increase the sales of a brand by at least 20 percent. By making similar decisions as celebrities, we ultimately believe we are aligning ourselves with the people we so highly admire. Yet, what about when their influence extends beyond the everyday products we buy? Should celebrities have an impact on the more meaningful political decisions we make? 

Our modern society is heavily centered around digital media. Particularly, social media has absorbed the lives of society’s younger demographic. We love to observe (and sometimes obsess over) the lives of famous figures through their presences on social media. This being said, the voices and actions of celebrities can be extremely influential to the beliefs of their followers. Many people believe that celebrities should use the power of their platforms to create change by educating their large fan bases on the issues currently faced by society, the most prevalent being the election. Reflecting on the 2020 presidential election, numerous celebrities have made their political beliefs transparent. Selena Gomez and Billie Eilish both clearly stated that they voted blue, even posting filmed conversations with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on certain issues. Taylor Swift, who remained silent in the 2016 election, also publicly expressed her democratic vote with a picture of her decorating Biden/Harris cookies. On the other hand, rappers Lil Pump and Lil Wayne have openly revealed that they voted red. Celebrities have also been spotted at Trump/Pence rallies, including “Dance Moms” star Kalani Hilliker. 

However, it has been argued that the line between pop culture and politics should not be crossed. Some believe that the expression of political views may cause more harm than help, separating celebrities from their fans with opposing beliefs. If they express their views, celebrities may reveal their lack of political knowledge or experience, harming their content and credibility as well. Additionally, some find that celebrities may have too much of an influence on their audience. Considering the fact that the majority of their social media fan base is the younger population, political posts from celebrities may shape the thoughts of fans who are not fully educated.  

Though Joe Biden and Donald Trump may have had respective celebrity supporters in the presidential election, the candidates themselves are not the only aspect of the election being projected on social media. The emphasis on voting has been greater than ever before, especially from famous influencers. In the advertisements of mainstream corporations, fashion items with the letters V-O-T-E, or simple words of encouragement from celebrities, it seems that pop culture and politics have united. And it seems this unity has paid off in our nation’s democracy. A record-breaking number of 161 million Americans voted in the 2020 election. This proves that the political involvement of celebrities can be highly beneficial to our society. Regardless of who or what they support, celebrities can and should use their public involvement in politics to create substantial change.