Wow, a poll that actually says what we all already know. Numbers don’t lie.
Sixty-one percent of those surveyed said that religious values in America are “under attack,” and 59% agreed that “the people who run the TV networks and the major movie studios do not share the religious and moral values of most Americans.”
My absolute favorite statistic is this one:
– Nearly half of those surveyed — 49% — believe that the United States is becoming “too tolerant in its acceptance of different ideas and lifestyles; 47% disagree with that statement.
Wow! Now, if we could just give a voice to the 61% majority the way that Hollywood has an automatic, influential, and unearned voice with the movies they make, etc. Same feeling towards the celebrities that use their celebritism to expound on their political views (and societal and moral as well). It’s not right because the rest of us “little people” don’t have that same opportunity to reach millions of people with our opinions. Oh sure, there is the internet and whatnot for us “little people” to voice our opinions, but celebrities have an unearned advantage. I will never forget watching a clip of Matt Damon talk about how scary the thought of Sarah Palin getting into office (and possibly the presidency) was to him. My opinion of him very quickly went right into the garbage. I will certainly never give him any of my money via paying to see a movie of his again. And I feel the same way about any other celebrity who uses their position to propogate their political opinions or endorsement of a candidate. Unless us “everyday folk” are allowed the same luxury. Look at how much press Joe the Plumber got for his simple question to Obama.
November 19th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
“We the People” give those movie producers and celebrities the opportunities that they have to convey their thoughts and emotions.
What does it matter if Matt Damon supported Obama or disagreed with McCains choice in V.P. The only reason it matters is because “We the People” allow it to matter.
Are you going to stop watching Movies & TV programs from:
Tom Hanks
Scarlett Johansson
Ben Affleck
John Cleese
Edward Norton
Oprah Winfrey
Will Smith
John Leguizamo
Leonard Nimoy
They all openly supported Obama. Does that make them bad people? Does it truly detract from what they ultimately do, provide entertainment?
And what of those who supported McCain. Does there support of your candidate make them better at their jobs in any way?
And numbers lie, all the time. Statistics are often skewed. For example the above statement “Sixty-one percent of those surveyed”. The key is “of those surveyed”, that number is easily skewed by the choice made by the surveyors on who to survey. I know that enough people were not surveyed to hold any true statistical value. The cost and effort that is required to get an accurate random sample of the U.S. population is far to high. A sample of 1,000 from the nearly 300,000,000 people in the US is not statistically significant. Which makes the findings inaccurate and without any real value.
(I hope you understand I am not attacking you. Just posing a few questions and making a few statements. I still love you and respect you, even when our opinions differ.)
November 19th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
> Does it truly detract from what they ultimately do, provide entertainment?
Depends on the type of entertainment they provide and your individual tolerance for what they are doing. For example:
Will Smith - Actor - No
Oprah Winfrey - Talk Show Host - Yes
John Cleese - Not US Citizen - Don’t Care
Here is another interesting read regarding Hollywood and politics.
November 19th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
I don’t much care for talk shows in the first place.