http://www.forbes.com/2007/10/17/forbes-tracker-celebs-oped-cx_daa_1017celebs.html
This article although dated back to 2007 is extremely relevant to our topic. It is concerning celebrities influence in the 2008 presidential election. A poll was given to 2,213 people of all ages and genders; each person was asked how they would respond if different celebrities such as Rosie O’Donnell and Oprah supported a candidate either positively, negatively or not at all. No matter if a poll taker responded negatively or positively, it is proof that these people do in fact have influence over the public opinion. The idea that this elite group of people can have such extreme power supports the trait approach to leadership. Celebrities are looked at as more powerful people; even though they technically have the same number of votes as everyone else. It is often said that people in such a position are born leaders. In the text it describes these people as leaders because they often possess desirable traits such as self-confidence, and sociability. The text would also call these leaders, emergent and are able to utilize referent and even expert power. Even though someone such as, George Clooney, may have the same amount of knowledge about politics as the average person we give them this personal power and thus the ability to influence our decisions.
Emily Seaholm
Team 6
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The 2008 election is one of the best examples of how we are influenced by celebrities. It seemed like everywhere you turned Barak Obama's message "Yes We Can" was everywhere. Maybe it just me but more means of communication available today wouldnt you imaging the influence of celebrities will only grow?
ReplyDeleteI agree that celebrities have much influence over everyday people and the choices they make. Many people look at celebrities as trend setters and they create social norms based upon these ideas. When it comes to leadership, we discussed leadership as being a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal. For your example, the election was the common goal so this would make celebrities leaders in this instance. But then my question becomes, what are celebrities common goals for individuals to achieve? is it to buy records? Then does this make them leaders or salesmen? Leaders or entertainers? I think that is an interesting perspective to take. I also that according to our book some components of leadership include: process, influence, groups, and common goals and according to these definitions Celebrities can become unelected leaders in any Situation.
ReplyDeleteGood Insight!
Quasheena Ellis
Team 6
I have never really thought about leaders not having the same goals as us, that is really interesting Quasheena. Throughout our class we have discussed how one's level of leadership is determined by their motivation, whether or not that are truly after the same goal as the followers. Although we may never know what celebrities intentions are the more I think about this, I do believe that most celebrities have the same goal as us. Or they are trying to convince us that we have the same goals as them. The way they are able to do this is because most celebrities are extroverts as well as posses low neuroticism, which are not surprisingly two of the Big Five Personality Factors.
ReplyDeleteEmily Seaholm
Team 6
I agree that at times it seems celebrities that take on causes may possibly be trying to farther their personal agenda, which reflects the opportunism theory that we discussed in class. Opportunism is when someone will do whatever they deem necessary to farther their agenda. Despite this negative viewpoint, I think celebrities take on causes because they truely believe in them, and they feel the need to give back for all the success that they have experienced.
ReplyDeleteDan Becker