Are Their Limits To Celebrity Political Commentary?
There is no doubt that we are living in a politically charged world. Everybody has an opinion and rightfully so. Protests, posts, and marches seem to dominate our news at times. But are there limits to expressing our opinion? Can a celebrity go too far in expressing his or her’s opinion? Case in point is New Jersey’s own “Boss,” Bruce Springsteen. Springsteen recently addressed a packed house in Melbourne and said: “We stand before you embarrassed Americans tonight!”
Springsteen then went on to play the 1962 hit by the Orlons entitled Don’t Hang Up as a commentary on the recent phone call between President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. After a contentious conversation, Trump abruptly ended the call according to media reports.
“We stand before you embarrassed Americans tonight. This was a song from 1965 by the Orlons we’re going use it to send a letter back home,” said Springsteen, who then performed a solo acoustic version of the song.
E Street member Steven Van Zandt had similarly Tweeted this in response to the Trump/Turnbull phone call:
Australia is, was, and always will be one of the USA’s best friends and closest allies. Apologies for today’s temporary embarrassment.
— Stevie Van Zandt (@StevieVanZandt) February 2, 2017
Here’s the question; having one’s own opinion is one thing. But speaking for others is another. Or is it? You tell us.
