In recent times, it seems more and more frequent that
celebrities, often entertainers, are weighing in on politics and complex intellectual
subjects. They’re vocal on things like
racial inequity, legislation, foreign policy, and so on. Of course, every single person has the right
to voice an opinion and to have their opinion heard. However, just because you have an opinion, it
doesn’t mean that anyone has to value it.
Is math related to
science?
I think a major issue in public debate nowadays is confusion
around the right to voice an opinion and whether or not others have to
appreciate your opinion. There is a big
difference between restricting one’s right to an opinion or to voice an opinion
and disagreement with an opinion and/or thinking an idea is dumb. For example, you have complete freedom to
think that the world is flat, but that doesn’t mean that I have to respect that
thought; just as you have the right to believe something stupid and voice that
stupid idea, I have the right to believe you are stupid and voice my opinion
that you are stupid. Everyone can have
an opinion and has the freedom to express it, but that is not the same as
freedom from objection and criticism.
Similarly, many celebrities appear to be confused about
their position in the world. Celebrities
are extremely well-known and have large platforms on which they can voice their
opinions. That said, regarding
intellectual debate, it’s important to remember why they have these
platforms. Did they gain their
popularity from their ability to debate on politics? Oftentimes, no. Actually, in the case of entertainers, it’s
often simply because they’re entertaining.
So, if you’re popular, does it also mean that you have something smart
to say? No, not necessarily.
The one last part that people also forget is there is a
difference between respecting or not respecting an opinion and respecting or
not respecting the person. Just because
I think your idea is stupid does not mean I think you are stupid. Actually, it doesn’t even matter if I think
you’re stupid anyways. The truth is I
can think your idea is stupid and that you’re not intelligent while also
respecting you as a person and your freedom to be, think, and say anything.
Intellectual debate and progress do not give out
participation awards. Having money and popularity
and using both in order to push ideas does not guarantee that people will value
your ideas because they might be garbage ideas; popularity doesn’t necessarily
correlate with intelligence. As a
result, while celebrities (and all people, for that matter) have every right to
an opinion and to voice an opinion, don’t be surprised if everyone thinks your
ideas are stupid. Know your strengths
and your place in this world and get over yourself. And if you’re lacking in an area and want to be
better, then work hard and get better. The
same goes for each and every one of the rest of us. But, if you can’t handle people calling you
stupid and don’t want to do anything to be better, do the next best thing:
Blame it on fast foods.
- Steve