Politics in a flash. Celebration in hard politics.

Kamala Harris gained support from many leading pop culture stars. However, this did not safe her victory. origin – Wikimedia Commons. licence – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Aike 2.0 Generic. Author – Gage Skidmore

Modern political campaigns increasingly attract celebrities who support candidates and parties with their image and authority. The practice of involving celebrated people in politics has become highly popular in the United States, where the impact of their support can be seen in election results, especially in circumstantial age or cultural groups. What is the situation in another countries? How crucial and socially acceptable is the function of stars in politics?

The United States is the best example of a country in which celebrity participation in political campaigns has become almost the norm. For decades Hollywood fame, musicians, athletes and influencers have openly engaged in presidential elections. Barack Obama in 2008 gained support from celebrities specified as Oprah Winfrey, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, which had a profound impact on the mobilisation of young voters and representatives of cultural minorities. Further candidates, both Democrats and Republicans, followed a akin lead – Hillary Clinton in 2016 could number on the support of woman Gaga or Katy Perry, while Donald Trump, before becoming president for the first time, was himself a media personality and a figure associated, for example, with the program "The Apprentice".

Celebrities engage in election campaigns in the United States not only due to their individual political sympathy, but besides due to their willingness to influence crucial social issues specified as human rights, climate change or racial equality. The stars thus gain a reputation for people who are conscious and socially involved, which frequently increases their popularity. At the same time, their support for candidates is not free of controversy – there are criticisms that indicate that actors and musicians are not political experts, so they should not influence the choices of voters, drawing only their popularity.

In another countries, the participation of celebrities in political campaigns is besides nothing new, although it varies in strength and social reception. According to a 2020 investigation by Cambrigde University in the United Kingdom, the support given by recognizable personalities in this country is visible, but has no crucial impact as in the United States. Posts from the front pages of newspapers supporting Labour organization or Conservative organization campaigns do not engage as actively as their American colleagues. Nevertheless, sometimes this happens – for example, Morrissey musician or Benedict Cumberbatch actor publically expressed their political preferences. However, their influence on the electorate seems to be limited to more politically conscious audiences who, erstwhile speaking, are not simply fond of a celebrity.

Paweł Kukiz is simply a native example of a musician and celebrity who became active in political life. origin – Wikimedia Commons. licence – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Aike 4.0 International. Author – Silar

In Poland, the function of stars in political campaigns is noticeable, although not as crucial as in the US. In the past, artists supported the political side of the dispute, which was close to them globally, although it was alternatively individual decisions than extended campaigning. In the 2020 presidential election, Maja Ostaszewska, Katarzyna Grochola and Wojciech Malajkat, among others, sided with Rafał Trzaskowski. In turn, Paweł Kukiz, a musician and politician, engaged himself in the elections, first moving for himself and later supporting the organization of the Law and Justice. This situation, although unusual, shows that the Polish political scene gradually opens to the presence of stars. This phenomenon, however, is little popular than in the United States, resulting, among others, from the little developed celebrity culture and the comparatively large scepticism of society towards engaging stars in politics. Polish celebrities, especially those who associate with culture and advanced art, frequently fear that open support for a peculiar organization will harm their career or upset any fans.

Harmful manipulation?

Does involving celebrities in political campaigns truly warrant greater support? David J. Jackson's 2018 Bowling Green State University investigation shows that the presence of known people in campaigns can increase the designation of candidates, especially among younger voters and those little curious in politics. However, specified influence can be short-lived and does not always translate into real support at urns, and sometimes harms celebrities themselves. Many voters are critical of the support of a given political option by the stars, seeing this form of manipulation or superficial marketing. From an ethical perspective, the question arises as to whether celebrities should engage in politics, since their popularity comes not from public activity but from careers in entertainment. Critics believe that their presence in politics can disrupt a healthy public debate, focusing on personalities alternatively than political programs. On the another hand, supporters argue that stars as citizens have the full right to express their political opinions, and their engagement can inspire greater interest in public affairs.

The influence of celebrities, and more of their support for a organization or individual on the political stage, cannot be denied, and should not be underestimated. As long as they are people belonging to the planet of art, music, or mainstream (including certain ethical and moral standards), this should not rise objections. The bigger problem seems to be the patoinfluencers or patocelebrists, who can manipulate especially the youngest group of voters.

MAZIOPA OIL