From the NRA to PETA

As important as it is to examine how celebrities can affect our society through altered personas in simulated-life, it is even more imperative that a critical lens is taken to the way celebrities use themselves and share ideas in real-life. Real-life is represented through avenues such as magazines, news exposés, talk and radio shows, public service announcements, or any medium that allows the person of notoriety to be themselves and expose their own ideas. These outlets allow celebrities to use their Star Power to the fullest because society puts a celebrity’s fame on a pedestal and allows their voices, however informed they are or not, to be heard through the equivalent of a ultra bullhorn. When celebs speak out about their personal choices, their fans listen and thusly become exposed to new ideas or trends to support such as organizations, religion, what scientific theories to believe, and what politicians to support.
Celebrities speak out about what they are most passionate for (or who is paying them the most to communicate a message as their own—Star Power!). One prime example of this is a celebrity’s endorsement of an organization. Organizations seek out celebrities to speak on their behalf because they know that people will listen to the famed.
The NRA hired Charlton Heston to speak at their national convention because he appeals to a large majority of the members of that organization. This video clip shows his overwhelming support during the conference: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0B_UZNtEk4&feature=related. Again, organizations hire celebrities that embody and place a recognizable face to the ideas that they sell. In a symbiotic sense, just like advertisements, this is a medium in which celebrities can grasp that ultra bullhorn to speak their own opinions, share with their audience, gain followers, and become more recognizable. Another example is Casey Affleck’s affiliation with PETA in an ad that shares his personal experience with Veganism and supporting the organization <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASdGZEv9lQo&feature=related>.
The bottom line is that organizations that preach and uphold fundamental beliefs and causes can raise awareness and money with a celebrity endorsement who can lend a recognizable face and established ideals attributed to their persona.