Celebrities are Role Models

Argumentative Essay Practice 7 Question: Celebrities are role models and should act accordingly. Do you agree? Step 1: Defining key terms 1. ‘Celebrities’ – people who have strong influence over large groups of followers/individuals who have strong presence in the media industries  Typical understanding of celebrities are movie stars, or highly-successful singers, etc. (Could give some examples of famous celebrities – Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley and more popular ones are Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, etc)  Might also have to take into consideration the new definitions of ‘celebrities’ we have in mind today: given the rise of social media platforms, those who have huge followings on these sites are also considered ‘celebrities’ in their own rights  The definition of celebrities therefore will evolve and change based on the current socio- cultural trends that characterise each era 2. ‘role models’ – are the people who set a certain standard of social behaviour or moral conduct for the rest to follow, often looked up to by the people who respect them greatly  Often, role models exhibit (or at least, are expected to showcase) exemplary behaviours because they are a strong source of influence for others  Also need to note that ‘role models’ are subjective – in other words, individuals have a right to choose who they want to look up to, even if the actions of these individuals are not desirable/socially acceptable  The standards of what a ‘role model’ means to everyone is different 3. ‘act accordingly’ – to what is expected of a role model! Even though, as mentioned, the idea of a role model can be subjectively defined, how they should act is often understood to be in a way that is: socially responsible, appropriate, sensitive to others’, not offensive/vulgar, etc.

Step 2: Considering some further questions… • For this question, no conditions are needed to be stated, given that it is not an absolute question. We then consider a few questions to help facilitate our brainstorming process. Q1) Why do you think celebrities are considered role models in the first place? • Given that celebrities often have an immense among of fans, their scope of influence on the groups of individuals who worship and admire them is significant • Many times, these celebrities are being idolized intensely by their loyal fans – not only do they swoon over their good looks, many see them as symbols of empowerment and inspiration • It is common for fans to want to emulate the behavioural standards of their idols, seeing them as a standard to strive towards to, not just in superficial terms, but they also internalize these celebrities’ values and ideals. Of course, it is arguable whether or not these fans are merely attending to an idealised vision of their idols • The desire to emulate their role models is obvious from the number of social trends – from fashion to slogans – that were influenced by celebrities. ‘Swag’ came from Justin Bieber, and how Marilyn Monroe became a fashion icon even till today • Therefore, given the immense amount of influence that these celebrities yield, it is expected that they take on the status of being a role model to their fans – and to set an appropriate conduct for them to follow after Q2) Do you think celebrities today have a stronger influence over their following today than in the past? • Arguably yes- which is also what makes this issue of considerable significance and importance • The digital advancements that has unlocked many multiple convenient ways to follow celebrities’ every moment is made possible with the social media platforms – Twitter, Instagram, Youtube. • These are sites that celebrities themselves use very actively, which in turns help increase their connectivity with and influence over their fans. Fans get sneak peeks into the lives of these celebrities via their regular tweets or Instagram posts – something that is rarely done in the past, when celebrities’ private lives are shrouded in secrecy and up for public speculation

• The increase in intimacy between the celebrity and fans strengthens the bonds between them, and also makes it more possible for them to emulate their idols when they are able to observe more closely how they live • Not to mention, these social media platforms themselves have led to the rise of new celebrities – albeit unconventional ones, who have found fame and success from successfully garnering a huge following on these sites • Therefore, with the new forms of digital connection and cultural milieu that characterises our contemporary times, the relationship between celebrities and their fan base have been likewise transformed Step 3: Brainstorming for arguments… Celebrities are role models and should act accordingly (i.e. you agree) Celebrities might have a strong influence but does not necessarily need to live up to expectations (i.e. you disagree) Celebrities are role models and should act according because they are inevitably in the limelight most of the time.  Paparazzi are quick to snap pictures of celebrities in public, and detailing their behaviours in tabloid magazines to gain viewership  The celebrity culture today has intensified, and fans are jumping on every opportunity they have to grab a new piece of juicy information on their idols  Constantly being showered with attention from the public translates to an added responsibility to behave appropriately, given the intense amount of scrutiny they would receive from the media  Their loyal supporters will also be expectant of them to behave desirably in real life and would be disappointed to see their idols acting in insensitive or offensive manner Celebrities are not obliged to take on the identity of being role models because as individuals, they deserve the right to the freedom of choice.  In actual fact, it isn’t part of a celebrity’s job scope to make sure they are suitable role models for people to look up to  Celebrities themselves have never explicitly agreed to become role models for their loyal fan base, or for the public  Whether or not they are aware of their influence, and whether or not they see it as an individual responsibility to use it constructively and positively is ultimately still their choice  It stems from our personal expectations we exert upon them to act in an exemplary manner  Celebrities are famous for their personalities, their creations, their talents and abilities but very little for their moral conducts/upright behaviours  The pressure to become a role model is only tied to the fact that they receive very high media coverage, and are often placed under the harsh, scrutiny of the public eye

 Being placed in the limelight means that every minute detail of one’s behaviour will be amplified significantly  While it may be unfair for celebrities to have to put through such demanding standards,  This is often a price they have to pay for their fame and success Celebrities are role models and should act accordingly because these high-profile individuals often term themselves as ‘influencers’.  This self-applied label is an explicit acknowledgement of their own capacities to influence others  This means they should take up the responsibility of using their influence over their followers in an appropriate manner.  Having such an immense scope of influence over large groups of people demands for an equally intense responsibility and ownership over such ability to use one’s power constructively  Many people expect ‘influencers’ to be responsible with their actions as well, precisely because of how they choose to label themselves  This is why many people often express disappointment in celebrities who do not manage to live up to their