Should Celebrities Be Role Models: Argumentative Essay

Celebrities and their virtues

What is virtue?

If anyone is asked to define the word virtue, they would give a wide range of meanings spanning from their understanding of the word to the vocabulary they have in their arsenal. However, whichever meaning they provide to the word all points down to the same thing; 'Being good'. So virtue can be defined as the good behavior of a person as considered by society or the moral excellence of that individual.

Celebrities are usually looked up to as heroes or role models and even idols by most, so sometimes their virtues are called into question. Celebrities are humans, so they too are not perfect, they party and get drunk, get in car races and even sometimes get violent with extreme fans but they also have amazing virtues.

These virtues include certain character strengths such as sound judgment, a sense of responsibility, personal courage, self-mastery, prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance.

These virtues are not easily seen by the public, but they become obvious when they indulge in some more public activities or events that showcase good deeds.

Examples of virtuous celebrities

1. Paul McCartney:

The English singer-songwriter Paul McCartney, and Hollywood actors Woody Harrelson and Joaquin Phoenix co-signed an impassioned letter written by a 12-year-old California eco-activist named Genesis Butler, challenging the pope to go vegan for lent in other to fight climate change. If he agreed, the campaign would offer $1 million US to a charity of the Pope's choice. In hopes that the Pope's participation might also inspire Catholics to reconsider their eating habits. This was a virtuous act as meat production is one of the leading causes of climate change, deforestation, and animal extinction. Research shows that by sticking to a vegan diet humans could reduce carbon emissions by half and water usage by 19 percent.

2. Beyoncé Knowles (Beyoncé):

Another example of a celebrity who portrays good virtue is the Grammy award-winning superstar, Beyoncé Knowles (Beyoncé). Beyoncé has also been known to fight climate change by being pro-plant and promoting veganism. Last year the singer went on social media saying that she had decided to follow a strict vegan diet to prepare for her headlining gig at the Coachella music festival. This prompted millions of her fans who followed her on Instagram to take veganism seriously.

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She and her husband Jay-Z have set up a website called The Green print Project. The Green print Project is a website that promotes sustainable eating through veganism. Last week, Beyoncé announced to her 120 million-plus Instagram followers that by clicking on the site, they could win lifetime tickets to her and Jay-Z's concerts. This shows good virtue by the singer.

3. Pharell Williams:

Another Celebrity who displays good virtue is singer-songwriter Pharell Williams, who is the co-founder of Bionic Yarn. Although he is more popular for his songs 'Happy' and 'Freedom'. Bionic Yarn is a company that produces high-quality fabric from recovered and recycled plastic. In other words, he reduces, he reduces and he recycles. So far, Bionic Yarn has teamed up with some of the biggest names in the fashion business, including Adidas, Timberland, Top shop, and GAP, to create upcycled clothing collections (made entirely of Bionic Yarn). The company also recently collaborated with G-Star Raw and Parley for the Oceans to transform recovered plastic from shorelines into an entire denim collection. So Pharell isn't only jumping around making everyone happy, he is also doing his part to make the planet a better place for everyone.

4. Hugh Jackman:

The X-men superstar Hugh Jackman. Hugh Jackman is the founder of 'The Laughing Man coffee shop in New York. He was inspired by a meeting with an Ethiopian coffee farmer named Dukale back in 1999. The Laughing Man coffee shop helps farmers in developing countries sell their products in the U.S., which would have been very difficult for them to do without incurring high costs. The Laughing Man Coffee brand was later purchased by Keurig, which now sells Laughing Man Coffee K-Cup varieties.

The proceeds made from the sales of Laughing Man Coffee are directly invested back in the Laughing Man Foundation; the foundation supports educational programs, community development, and social entrepreneurs around the world, especially in developing countries. So Hugh Jack Man doesn’t just help people as the wolverine, he is also helping farmers around the world. A good virtue indeed.

5. Matt Damon:

Another example of good virtues portrayed in celebrities is the community development initiative carried out by the 'Bourne Legacy' American actor Matt Damon using Water.org. So many of us know about water.org but what many of us do not know is that Matt Damon is a co-founder. Warer.org is more than just a charity that provides safe water and sanitation for communities in need, They also have a Water Credit initiative, which provides small loans so more people can gain access to clean water. Their New Ventures Fund also provides funding to innovative projects helping to solve the world's growing water crisis, especially in developing countries.

6. Leonardo DiCaprio:

The Titanic American actor Leonardo DiCaprio. Leonardo DiCaprio is the founder of the Restorative Island, ‘Black adore Caye’. Black adore Caye is a ground-breaking, sustainable resort on a private island off the coast of Belize. As a passionate environmentalist, Leo going beyond the current concept of an ‘eco-resort,’ this innovative getaway will focus more on restoring the island’s natural resources as well as raising awareness around environmental issues and eco-living. According to reports, Black adore Caye features homes built with sustainable and local materials and also integrate renewable energy, electric vehicles, and innovative water and waste treatment systems. Resorts like this that focus on building the environment are rare. So when Leo is not giving his life away to save a damsel in distress, he is helping to save the environment and make the world a better place.

Now, most people are used to thinking badly about celebrities majorly because people don't know them. Celebrities are amazing people who portray everyday human emotions and virtues. It will be good if we learn from them and apply these virtues in our daily lives, in how we treat others, our families, and the people around us.