People today allow celebrities to influence what they wear, their opinions, and how they conduct themselves. Celebrities are modern-day role models. Everything they do has a direct impact on each young, impressionable mind they touch. With this, should celebrities attempt to make a political impact on today’s youth? Should celebrities try to help society for the better? Or, should celebrities stay silent? No, celebrities should let people escape and enjoy entertainment without having opinions forced upon them, suffocating them by the never-ending political opinions that are shoved down the throats of millions. 

Millions tune in annually to watch award shows that honor actors’ and musicians’ greatest accomplishments. We devote our time into spending a night to admire the breathtaking gowns, hilarious jokes, and to praise the actors and artists hoping to win. In recent years, however, popular award shows have been taken over by political discussions, leading to shows dominated by jokes and dramatic pauses between segments. On the night of the Golden Globes in 2017, the most notable parts of the night featured comments berating President Donald Trump. Meryl Steep publicly expressed her opinion and proceeded to then call out President Trump’s crude and indecent behavior. Since the nation has become more and more politically divided, stars in Hollywood have loudly displayed their thoughts on the subject matter.  

Kanye West hosted Saturday Night Live  in October 2018 and ended the night with a pro- Trump rant. To close out the show, West expressed in his speech, “So many times I talk to a white person and [they] say, ‘How could you like Trump, he’s racist?’ Well, if I was concerned about racism, I would have moved out of America a long time ago.” West seems among the few celebrities who lean right in left- leaning Hollywood. Sophomore Emmie Paladino said, “I just think it is crazy there is not more diversity in Hollywood politically. And, when someone speaks their opinion respectfully, it should be respected on both ends. No matter what.” West’s rant on live television was not taken lightly by the public who deemed him crazy and unfit.

“It doesn’t matter what or who you believe in politically. For me, I want to be able to enjoy things like the movies or award shows without feeling like I am having either agenda shoved down my throat,” said sophomore Hunter Brennis. “Yes, politics are important, and it is important that we talk about them. But, sometimes, I just want to watch TV. Not everything has to be about political views all the time,” says sophomore Kate Dooling. There is no doubt that politics seem to interfere with the entertainment aspect of Hollywood today.  

We have become an unbalanced society. The right to express one’s opinion is a basic right of the American people; however, in recent years, that right has impeded all aspects of life. Celebrities must keep a balance between entertainment and politics so audiences can still enjoy their work.