The place of popular culture

The death of Robert Altman gives us a chance to discuss exactly what role popular culture plays in society. Altman’s films -- from the very pointed statements against Vietnam in M*A*S*H to the subtle swipes at power and wealth in The Player – often served as a spark to wider public debate.

While it is easy to dismiss Barbara Streisand as a mindless liberal using her position to further an agenda, or to slam Charlton Heston as a right wing reactionary turd brain doing exactly the same thing, (not to mention Tom Cruise and his famous “Plant a tree, trees are good” Earth Day speech) the fact is that the entertainment industry has always been a mouthpiece for policy. Whether it was Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland hawking War Bonds or Sonny and Cher doing Anti-Drug films Hollywood has been part of the Infotainment machine since the Brother’s Warner first joined Sam Goldwin in the So. Cal. Sunshine.

So, what is the limit to their influence and involvement? It wasn’t that long ago that we picked a middling actor to lead the Free World. Gofer from the Love Boat served in Congress, as did the aforementioned Sonny Bono. California just sent another one back to Sacramento –- though in fairness I believe he still resides in Beverly Hills and commutes in his G5.

So let’s hear the opinions –- is it important to public debate what these people think? Is using celebrity for political gain cheap or savvy? Or is it only useful if the stars on your side chime in? Does it really have an effect on public policy or is it just more glitz and glamour for the trailer park set?