By Nedaat Masiat ’26.
In today’s media-driven world, celebrities have unprecedented power to influence public opinion and shape cultural norms. With their millions of followers on social media, their actions and words carry significant weight. Given this influence, celebrities should be held to a higher moral standard. They are not just entertainers; they are role models who can inspire, or mislead, entire generations.
Celebrities shape trends and define what’s “cool.” In particular, young people often look to their favorite stars for guidance on how to act, dress, and even think. Celebrities who engage in negative behaviors, promote unhealthy habits, or make irresponsible statements, can set a dangerous example. Holding celebrities to a higher standard ensures their influence promotes positive values rather than harmful ones.
Celebrities are constantly in the spotlight, and because of this, their actions are always under surveillance. While this attention can be invasive, it also means they should be held accountable for their actions. Mistakes should be acknowledged and learned from, but repeated harmful behavior should lead to consequences, just as it would for anyone else to ensure their platform is used responsibly.
There’s often a double standard when it comes to celebrity behavior. Celebrities may be forgiven for actions that could cost an average person their job or reputation. According to an article from The New York Times, “The original indictment in the case included two felonies and 12 charges in all, including harassment, criminal solicitation and conspiracy; the other 10 counts were dismissed.” Cardi B was on trial for 12 charges, two of which were third-degree assault and second-degree reckless endangerment. She was supposed to face four years in prison, but her sentence was shortened to 14 days of community service, which is a drastic change. Crimes like this would ruin the average person’s career for the rest of their life, but she walked away completely unscathed. This leniency sends the wrong message, suggesting fame shields individuals from accountability. Celebrities must face consequences for their actions, just like anyone else to avoid perpetuating harmful behaviors.
Holding celebrities to a higher standard isn’t just about accountability; it’s about encouraging them to use their platform for good. Many celebrities, like Leonardo DiCaprio or Angelina Jolie, have used their fame to advocate for important causes, such as environmental conservation and improving refugee camps, as stated in an article from The UN Refugee Agency. When celebrities uphold higher moral standards, they can inspire positive change and lead by example.
Celebrities may be regular people, but their fame brings extraordinary influence. Given their impact on society, especially on young people, celebrities should be held to a higher moral standard. This isn’t about expecting perfection, but instead, it ensures that their actions contribute positively to the world. When celebrities set the right example, they not only build their legacies but also help create a more responsible and compassionate society.
The Raider Press 