Hi MIssy!
I don't see a generalization here. Since debating would require one to present one side, here would be the skeleton of my arguments.
American celebrities are not bad influence.
1. it is the responsibility of the PARENTS IMHO to make their children aware of role models. I will deal with this issue in 2 parts-
A- Influence on-screen
If mother is TV 24/7 and her daughter is exposed to the vamps in the day time shows, then whose fault is that? Not the celebrities's! If parents are watching movies and kids are getting inspired by stars (smoking / drinking / promiscuous sexual behaviour) then whose fault is that?
B- influence by their RL acts
Now if someone is afraid that kids may be inspired by
some of rappers / NFL stars (OJ, Vick) ( seemingly macho acts which actually fall under CRIMINAL behaviour) , Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton / similar celebrities (seemigly innocent, yet harmful to society) , again it is parents' fault. They need to inform children that being famous and being a good person is not one and the same and that the child needs to focus on the latter.
Celebrities are doing their job / living their life of their choice. Parents should help kids know and understand that.
2. Not all celebrities are involved in acts / activities that should not be looked up to
I think Oprah and similar, who actually can be good influence.
It depends on who the parents present their children with for role models. Allrounder children who read, play sports, participate in other activities will not have the time to know about what film-stars are doing 😛 .
Celebrity influence is not bad. It needs to be LIMITED and is upto the parents!
tc- qt
Edited by mermaid_QT - 18 years ago