The Learning Network
Do celebrities have an obligation to speak out about politics since they have such large platforms?
Do you follow any celebrities on Instagram, X or other social media? How much do they influence your interests, attitudes or behavior?
Do you think they should weigh in on politics? Why or why not?
Last week The New York Times reported on Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for president:
Taylor Swift, who is one of America’s most celebrated pop-culture icons and has an enormous following across the world, endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris late Tuesday after Ms. Harris’s debate against former President Donald J. Trump.
The endorsement by Ms. Swift, delivered minutes after Ms. Harris and Mr. Trump had stepped off the debate stage in Philadelphia, offers Ms. Harris an unrivaled celebrity backer and a tremendous shot of adrenaline to her campaign, especially with the younger voters she has been trying to attract.
Do you think celebrities should tell their followers which candidates they support? Or is it more responsible for them to remain silent about politics? Why or why not?
Has a celebrity ever changed your views or opinions on something? If so, who was the celebrity, and why did their message sway you?
Tell us in the comments, and then read the related article to learn more about Ms. Swift’s endorsement.
Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print.
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