Should Celebs Be Allowed An Opinion?

By Brian Webber

Rosie O'Donnell, talk show hostess, has offered her opinion on public education. According to the April 9, 2001 issue of Newsweek, Ms. O'Donnell said, "I think there's no way they should have to teach [math] now. We have computers. We no longer need to know why 3x = 2y/4."

I disagree with this opinion, though not as strongly as a person by the name of James.

"Thank you Rosie, for that incredibly unhelpful public comment. Math is extremely important to students who enter a job market. The critical thinking necessary for solving mathematical problems is even more crucial, crucial, unless of course the student becomes a talk show host."

I'll take the high-ground and not mention the questionable grammar on that last sentence. The point is, it's her OPINION, and in a free society, which is what the U.S. is, James, she is allowed to have her OPINION, and even state said opinion on TV is she so chooses.

But, I'll give you credit for not taking the typical extremist path of calling for boytcotts and cancellations. In fact you should be praised for answering spech with speech, instead of speech with calls for censorship. You're a good man James, albeit an angry one.

But you do bring up an interesting thought. Celebrities are often attacked for their opinions. Any time a celebrity proclaims to be either for or against gun control, they take a lot of heat, get lots of hate mail, and risk their careers. It's a no win scenario. Sometimes an actor's politcal affiliation can affect the parts they get, the billing they get on the posters, and the grosses for their films. It's as if we are saying that becasue these people are famous, they should not have an opinion.

But celebrities ARE human beings people! Well, maybe not Kathie Lee, but that's beside the point. Really, should a star's opinions affect their talent? NO! I know Mel Gibson is a Republican, and opposes contraceptives as is the general rule for devout Catholics. I am a Liberal, who is pro-Choice, and anti-organized religion. Do I stay away from Mel's movies? NO! I love, and will continue to love, many of his movies, and I look forward to when Million Dollar Hotel comes out on video. It looks like a dark comedy, and I love dark comedies.

In fact, if you go to the 200 Films I Love section of my website (won't post link here to avoid looking like a Spammer), many of those films contain actors who personal lives I may not care for. I dislike Scientology STRONGLY, but you know what? I still like Grease, M:I 2, Jerry Maguire, Michael, Phenomenon, To Die For, and Star Trek II (Kirstie Alley in case you weren't aware).

[10-06-01 UPDATE] I should've done this sooner, but since my website no longer exists I think you should ignore that last paragrpah's mention of it.

So why can't more people be like me in this respect? Why should we let these people's private personal constitutionally protected opinions affect our enjoyment of their work?

End of rant.

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