Speaking out in the spotlight

"George Bush doesn't care about black people." - Kanye West

One thing that cannot be understated is a celebrity's ability to reach a broad audience. Whether they annoy you, inspire you or make you yawn, if a celebrity makes a comment on political or social issues, you're probably going to hear it.

Kanye West's recent criticism of President Bush during a NBC fundraising telethon for Katrina victims on Sept. 2 has been labeled many things. Many have criticized him for being opportunistic, while some view him as heroic.

The list is evenly cut between those who find him shameful and those who find him courageous.

One thing to remember is he is not the first artist to speak out against social injustice, and he will not be the last.

In March of 1973 at the Academy Awards, Marlon Brando rejected his Oscar for Best Actor in a sign of solidarity with Native Americans. He felt their perception in television and movies was racist and antiquated. His support for the Native American cause at the Academy Awards ceremony caused a storm of controversy.

Instead of receiving the Oscar himself, he nominated a Native-American woman named Sacheen Littlefeather to read a statement about the mistreatment of Native Americans in Hollywood.

Though a bit eccentric in his approach, he nonetheless generated attention to a cause worthy of discussion and one that, to this day, is often swept under the rug.

In October of 1992, Irish rock singer Sinead O'Connor was the musical guest on Saturday Night Live. At the end of her cover of Bob Marley's "War," she ripped up a photograph of Pope John Paul II.

This action caused the late Frank Sinatra to infamously say that he wanted to punch her "right in the mouth."

Her shocking critique of the Catholic religion was a complex criticism of the church's policies towards reproductive rights and human rights issues.

In March of 2003 Dixie Chicks singer Natalie Maines said in a concert in London that she was "ashamed the President of the United States is from Texas."

The quote resulted in dramatic reductions in radio airtime and CD sales for the Dixie Chicks, and other paraphernalia were destroyed in public demonstrations.

The strong reaction from conservatives and country music fans shows the power that celebrities wield in the face of politics.

If their input is irrelevant, why does the media insistently document all of their so-called irrelevancies?

However, not all celebrity input is constructive.

On "Late Night with Conan O'Brien," Alec Baldwin said that Henry Hyde, the head of former President Clinton's impeachment trial, and his family, should be stoned to death.

Baldwin's assault on Hyde was done so in a primitive and tactless fashion, and his message was consequently ineffective. Comments like Baldwin's give outspoken celebrities a bad name.

While Baldwin's comments contributed nothing to one's understanding of the issues, West's comments were meant to encourage thought.

Many people think celebrities should stick to their trade and silence themselves when it comes to politics and other dominating social issues.

But their sometimes offensive and prevalent actions are essential for a democracy and the precept of free speech.

The notion that celebrities' comments are not as worthwhile as those of politicians, educators or the talking heads on the network news, defeats the idea of the democracy.

Essential to a democracy is the right to participation and an equal voice for all citizens.

"You shouldn't be discredited because you work in Hollywood or act," said actress Janeane Garofalo in a 2003 USA Today article. "No one would stand up and say that, because people work in the food service industry, their opinions aren't worthwhile."

Although celebrities' earnings range in the millions, they still find the energy to confront social causes outside of themselves.

Despite West's provocative comment on President Bush, it can't be disregarded that he was fundraising to aid those most affected by Katrina.

Those who don't think celebrities should discuss prevalent issues undermine everyone's right of free speech.