With both the Canadian and American elections that took place this fall I thought this would be a suiting question. I noticed more so with the American elections that a lot of actors and celebrities were announcing their endorsement which made me to the question, is that right? Now people other than celebrities go around promoting who they are voting for but celebrities seem to think there opinion is something special. How is an actors opinion on politics relevant? Its not really and yet they appear in a lot of the political ads promoting whichever candidate their voting for.
In general I don't have anything wrong with discussing politics, but I do have a problem with going around announcing who I am voting for. Politics should not be promoted in this way because it's not productive to voters. Basically they are saying Vote for so and so because I am. People need to watch the debates, listen to the speeches, talk it over with friends and family if they so choose and make their own decision.
Now back to my question "Promoting your political views any different than promoting your religious views" I would say no it is not any different. It is one thing to display information about a candidate or have a proper discussion with a consenting person. Its another going around holding up signs and yelling vote for so and so. It's no different than a religious group shoving their views down you throat or an atheist yelling that god isn't real.
It's an odd thing to say that politics should be less flashy seeing as the Canadians had a all time low turn out of voters. I dunno maybe half of canadians just don't believe in democracy? Thats what they are saying by not voting. Its good to have politics in the media and to be talked about but it needs to be done in a way where we are getting political information not just people saying do as I do.
1 comment:
Thanks for stopping by my blog. It's a shame when people in a democracy don't take the time or interest to vote.
If nothing else, this US election has people interested in the candidates more pervasively I think that many elections have been.
And you make a good analogy about how we would feel if public figures tried to use their position to work to change us to their religious beliefs. As Tom Cruze (sic) found out - it's not well received.
But actors go on TV and make statements like, "Jesus was a community organizer, but Pilate was a governor", and somehow it's supposed to be news worthy!!!!
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