Has anyone stopped being a "fan" of a celebrity b/c of political views?

[Hillbeans]

I'll preface this by saying I've loved the Dixie Chicks for years, I was a very early fan of theirs. Recently though, I find their political views overshadow my like of their music.

I'm even part of their website, and now it seems even their personal "diary" posts to the fans seems to revolve around their views on world events and how they dislike Prez. Bush, War, Fur, etc, etc.

My question is, has anyone stopped being a fan of a celebrity or a singing group because of this? I'm finding myself in that situation here and plan on not re-upping my membership next time around.

 

[CookieGVB]

I enjoy hearing some celebrities' views on certain issues, but not having it shoved down my throat.

SHUT UP AND SING!

 

[VampHeartless]

Well, I took advanced theatre for several years, and of the many life lessons I learned is to seperate the person from the art. (Example...the original theme for a beautiful mind was...the mind was beautiful, the person wasn't. The movie changed that a bit.)


Personally I don't like villifying people's art because of their beliefs, but I'm also a liberal, so who knows really. I still think they make good music, and I think it's unfair how much bad press they got just because their industry is so conservatice. (if a rock star had said the same thing, it wouldn't even be news.)

 

[Dee & Greg]

I'll never buy another Barbra Streisand record. And I've even stopped watching "Today" on NBC, because I think Katie is pretty full of herself and her liberal views. Sorry Matt Lauer....

 

[CyranoJones]

Nah, I don't pay attention to celebrities' political views. I get mine from my husband.

 

[Rutt and Tuke]

If I enjoy their talent, then their views don't bother me.

 

[olena]

I can separte art from the artist to the extent of admiration. I respect their right to express political views. I don't think they should be threatened or harmed for such views. But I do believe in my right to not support them, if such views offend me personally. If these artists depend on their image and public monies to finance their lives and careers, they should choose their words carefully. Freedom of speech protects you from the government only. Not your employer. As consumers, the public is basically an employer.

To answer the question, yes. I don't patronize some artists because of their views. I don't think they're evil, and in some cases I still admire their art. I just spend my money elsewhere.

 

[pixiemomma]

No, I think it is great that they care about the world around them.

 

[year2late]

It is called freedom of speech.

Now if they turned a concert into a political platform, that would detract me.

Oh wait, I don't listen to the Dixie Chicks.

 

[Bob Slydell]

Nope. I really could care less about other's political views. And I'm not going to penalize myself from eliminating potentially entertaining media simply because of someone's viewpoint.

I mean, if Tim Robbins and Charlton Heston were in a movie together, would I need to see the movie because of one of their political views but not see it because of the others?

 

[palmtreegirl]

Nah............

 

[Hillbeans]

Originally posted by year2late
It is called freedom of speech.

Now if they turned a concert into a political platform, that would detract me.

Oh wait, I don't listen to the Dixie Chicks.

I agree, it's "freedom of speech" and they can talk about anything they want, however I can choose not to listen to it anymore by not being part of their website.

I have my own views on things and don't expect a fansite for a singing group to be a political forum on what "they" think is right and wrong. They've become much more "political" lately, even to the point where their shows and public appearances all seem to turn into political rallies.

I personally don't like politics, can't you tell?

 

[castlegazer]

Absolutely not, and I would hope that people would not stop liking me because of my political views.

BUT, I used to love Russel Crowe until I started hearing what a total jerk he was in real life and how he handled everything with Meg Ryan - well, that changed my view of him. But that is his personality not his political views. I don't like anyone who rips a marriage apart - but it takes two to do that too.

 

[meandtheguys]

NO...they cancel each other out! I guess my support is only influenced whe the villain of hypocrisy shows up. I guess what I mean is don't tell me to concerve natural resources when you drive an SUV and fly in your private plane. It does affect my viewing/listening when I get ticked off.

Michelle

 

[Barb]

Yes, Charleton Heston when he insisted on holding the NRA convention in the wake of the Columbine disaster. The local community asked him to please tone it down or even cancel it out of respect for the students and their families. He refused. I lost all respect for the man from then on. Would he have done the same had he lost a child at Columbine? I think not.

 

[Hillbeans]

Originally posted by castlegazer
Absolutely not, and I would hope that people would not stop liking me because of my political views.

.

Let me clarify...I don't dislike them as people, I just enjoy their music. I really don't care who they voted for or why they don't eat meat or support war.

The focus on them seems to be about 10% music and 90% politics lately.

They also hate president Bush and I kind of like the guy.

 

[faithinkarma]

No, I don't believe I would, any more that I would become a fan of someone whose work I did not care for, if I admired their political views.

Now that was my initial response to the OT. But then when Barb mentioned Charleton Heston in the aftermath of Columbine, I had to admit I have never liked the man since then.

That is why I found this thread so thought provoking. I love challenges to my self perception.

But on reflection I have decided my original response still stands. In changing my opinion of Heston I was doing so as a direct result of an action he took, not an idea he espoused. An action that was hurtful to a lot of people who had already bourne more than their share.

 

[Disney Doll]

I support their Freedom of Speech to say what they want, when they want, how they want.

I support my Freedom of Choice to choose not to listen to them if their words or actions annoy me.

Do I think less of entertainers because of their political views??? Some yes, some no. I don't agree with Martin Sheen's politics in general, but I do have the utmost respect for him and the fact that he stands up for what he believes in, and lives it, even though I don't necessarily agree with the belief itself.

There are other celebrities who just annoy me with their need to espouse their views, as if what they think matters to me, or their view should have more importance than mine since they are a celebrity. They just get the and then ignored.

 

[GoofItUp]

I'll never buy another Barbra Streisand record. And I've even stopped watching "Today" on NBC, because I think Katie is pretty full of herself and her liberal views. Sorry Matt Lauer....

Geez Louise....You hit two on my top ten list right off!

 

[Poohbear123]

Opinions to themselves, I do NOT like: Johnny Depp, Tim Hutton, Susan Sarandan, Barb. Striesand, Russell Crowe, Charleton Heston and a few others I can't think of right now.