Money vs. Charity — The Public Discourse on the Influence of Celebrities on Social Media
Celebrities are followed and listened to by millions of people, some of which hang on their every word, drooling for more insight from their favourite influencers. When someone’s favourite star retweets, reposts, or even starts their own campaign — millions are there to listen.
While it’s easy to bash celebrities who merely tweet about social movements as opposed to going out and actually “making a difference” through marches, protests, and public meetings, there is no denying that the sheer reach famous individuals have through their social medias is an incredible tool to utilize in informing, educating, and bringing people together. On the other side of the story, celebrities also efficiently market their social medias to promote their own products, concerts, and appearances. From hashtags to Kickstarters, I truly believe that celebrities can shape public discourse through social media, whether it’s for non profit or monetary reasonings.
Let’s take a look at one side of the spectrum: the Kardashians and Jenners, the women who I loathe so very dearly. However, even though every mention of them garners an eye roll from yours truly, it is impossible to ignore how much of an influence they have had over their millions and millions of followers. Any product these women promote — whether it’s gummy bear shaped vitamins, waist trainers, or their own makeup lines — is immediately sold out the minute an Instagram is posted promoting the product.
The Kardashian clan are marketing geniuses, making each and every single one of the items, lines, and experiences they market through their social medias seem tempting enough that some make it a necessity. The feeling of, “oh my gosh, I need to have this!!” is derived from their extravagant presentation of each ad they decide to promote, representing a luxury life each normal person longs to have. The contemplation of whether one should spend $50 on an overpriced eyeshadow palette or signature lip kit is decided upon the thirst we all feel to have an ounce of the jet setting, wig wearing, millionaire Kardashian and Jenner lifestyle.
However, the spotlight that’s placed on this family is because of their dramas, bodies, and entrepreneurial projects — and often very little on their philanthropic endeavours. There is a reason for this though— the Kardashians aren’t one’s to use their social medias to promote a certain belief, social movement, or fund raising initiative —that isn’t part of their style, image, or lifestyle. They are the celebrities who only have one focus; themselves and their grandiose lives lived in excess. This, to some, is a waste of a platform with millions, nearly billions of people who are willing to listen and view what the family is posting, as this large audience can be used to further activism, research projects, and social movements. To others, they understand that the family has created a brand, one not to be altered for any reason, as that reason could result in monetary loss.
On the other side, we have celebrities who often, if not, mercilessly, post about their philanthropic activities and initiatives on their various social media accounts. Let’s take Sami Zayn, a Canadian born, Syrian descended professional wrestler, for example. While not even an eighth as famous as the aforementioned Kardashian clan, Sami actively promotes his foundation Sami for Syria on his social medias and receives an insane amount of support for his charity.
Taken from the foundation’s website, here is what Sami’s charity campaign is all about:
Struggling to survive the effects of siege, many Syrians remain isolated and suffer the effects of malnutrition and deteriorating health due to the lack of emergency and primary medical services and medications. SAMS provides medical care to these patients doorsteps in the form of Mobile Medical Units (MMU). By donating to Sami Zayn’s campaign today, you will help to purchase and prepare a vehicle for use as a MMU. You will also help fund the salaries of medical personnel, a driver, medications, supplies, vehicle fuel and maintenance.
(SAMS Foundation. (February 2nd, 2017). Retrieved January 31, 2018, from https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/SAMIFORSYRIA)
As of January 31st, 2018, Sami’s campaign has raised a staggering $85,432.83 from 1580 different donors (SAMS Foundation, 2018). Looking at the WWE superstar’s followers, he averages around 587k followers (Instagram, Twitter, 2018), which is not too shabby, but not anywhere near traditional celebrity’s follower counts. However, a good number of these followers raised over 85k for charity; which makes me think the amount of money that could be garnered from bigger campaigns by influencers like the Kardashians, who could make an earth shaking difference for health research, animal rights, environmental initiatives, and funding for the less fortunate.
The question remains; why don’t super rich celebrities do initiatives like Sami’s more often? Is it because they don’t want to promote a certain political agenda? Maybe because they don’t want to risk alienating their fans? Or more simply, is it because they don’t care? Incredibly famous people often have one agenda, and that agenda is to stay incredibly famous. Is it wrong to think the reason these megastars don’t promote activist causes is because they value their image too much to jeopardize it, even if, say, maybe the loss of a few thousand followers or possible judgement from fans, could save lives?
I’m not coming out here and saying that all super famous people don’t have causes they’re passionate for; I’m positive most of them do–but how often do you hear about them? It is an interesting thought to dwindle around in your mind, that’s for sure.
Whether a celebrity uses their fame for monetary gain or for the assistance to those most needy, there is not doubt that celebrities shape public discourse through social media. The actions they perform online directly influence their fans–whether that influence is to blow another $29 on one of Kylie’s lip kits or to donate to a charitable foundation, is ultimately, up to the poster’s decision.
