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| Yes | 27% | 77 votes | Total: 281 votes | |
| No | 73% | 204 votes |
Yes
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It seems to be a common belief among the general public that entertainers must forgo their flaws and privacy when they indulge in a successful lifestyle. It should, however, be appreciated that although these individuals happen to excel in a career that earns them vast sums of money, they deserve the same levels of respect and privacy that we demand on a daily basis.
Unlike celebrity, common people have the ability to easily shift roles in their everyday life. An individual may wake up as a parent; arrive to work as an employee, then a citizen as they make decisions daily that impact our society (like while driving), and arrive home in an effort to relax from the days tumultuous tasks. The difference between celebrities and us is that we don't have paparazzi, and fans invading our privacy throughout this entire experience. How would we react under the pressure?
In all careers there exist some rules for the safety of employees, and to become an entertainer (whether it be in movies, music, sports or politics), unfortunately, also means to relinquish privacy on a daily basis. Though it may seem a bit excessive to suggest that celebrities ought to be awarded the protection of police escorts when large masses are expected, think of all the positive aspects this kind of care would do.
To ensure that trained professionals escort celebrities to large events is entirely proactive. The dangers that surround celebrities are immense, and not just for the celebrity, but for the crowding individuals around them. There exist many occasions on which fans or paparazzi have been hurt as they, and several others, carelessly charge toward a famous personality. These moments would certainly be limited, and far better controlled under the surveillance of a trained police officer. Placing police in a location where a crowd is bound to collect is a precaution and can prevent people from being hurt, or worse, killed.
In some cases, it is the celebrity who is at risk, and during this time it is also important that the police become involved. The lengths to which people go to get close to their favorite celebrities, or that paparazzi endure to get the best shot is limitless. One must wonder if awarding famous individuals with police escorts may have positively altered the day Princess Diana was killed in a car accident, or John Lennon was shot in front of his building. Many have been physically wounded in the midst of a fan/paparazzi stampede. How far must this go before the government pays closer attention to it? How much longer before they take precautionary measures?
It is simply a necessity.
Learn more about this author, Jen M. Hernandez.
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No
If celebrities are citizens of the United States they are entitled to the same rights as any other citizen. If they have been threatened or have any reason to believe that they are in danger, then perhaps in some instances they should receive an occasional police escort. Jodi Foster and other female celebrities have been stalked, and because this is a crime no matter who is on the receiving end, they deserve protection.
There are consequences for the choices we make in life. Rarely does anyone become a celebrity without having chosen a profession and//or lifestyle that could possibly lead to that end. Tax payers should not have to bear the responsibility of providing police escorts to such people possibly excepting politicians. If they choose to pay off-duty policemen or private "cops" for protection, then I have no problem with it. Most celebrities would have no trouble affording it.
If foreigners who also happen to be celebrities come to this country for concerts, movie premiers, or just to visit and they feel as though they need a police escort, my suggestion would be that they bring them along as part of their paid entourage.
Granted, there are some deranged people out there who want their fifteen minutes of fame, even if it results in prison, and will do harm to a celebrity if they think it will put them in the news. This still does not warrant adding to taxpayers financial onus to protect them.
How often have we known of someone who had been received legitimate threats from someone and called for protection, only to be told that the police could do nothing unless actual violence had occurred? If Joe Q. Citizen receives this kind of response, then so should a celebrity.
From what I read and hear in the news, celebrities are not targeted any more often than others. Every day there are drive by shootings, domestic violence, robberies and random shootings. These crimes almost never involve celebrities. Police have all they can do to cover the danger out there for actual crime. Most police forces are understaffed as it is. To thin them out further by having them escort celebrities is nothing short of foolish.
In pondering those who might actually expect protection from an escort, it occurs to me that they are the Madonnas, the gangsta' rappers, the politically outspoken celebrities who intentionally antagonize certain segments of the population. This does not deserve a police escort. This should not be a part of what made them celebrities, and it is a concious choice to behave in a way that puts them in potential danger, and they should not be protected at my expense. We have free speech in this country, but, I repeat, there are sometimes consequences for our life choices.
Learn more about this author, Linda Burleson.
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