In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus teaches us that we are all our brother’s keeper. But this charge is taken a little further in modern day society as it relates to celebrities. We take up the mantle for celebrities – people we don’t know, have never met and don’t know from Adam. But in the age of social media, TMZ, and paparazzi, we can find out almost anything we want to know. As a result, we feel like we know our idols and favorite celebrities creating a false sense of familiarity that results in a sense of loyalty that has us fighting with family and friends alike. It is one thing to look out for and take care of someone you see on the side of the road, but at one point or another, we have all found ourselves defending celebrities and artists we favor, and placing that same burden on others. It is not enough for us to defend the greatness and good nature of the celebrities we like, we demand others to do the same.

We expect the people around us to advocate for and defend their favorite celebrities when they say something controversial, or have done something that may be perceived as reprehensible. At any given moment, we are willing to throw down the gauntlet for our favorite artists when we learn that someone doesn’t like them. We go to bat for them over and over again when their names are in the media, and in beefs with other celebrities. For most of us, it has become instinct. Defending our favorites is second nature. Almost as if we’re defending a family member. But I want to evaluate this tendency for us to stick out our necks and get into Twitter arguments and just plain arguments over people that yes – we have uninhibited access to by way of social media and other avenues but no – we don’t actually know.

First and foremost, let me say I’m not judging. I’ve been a victim of it too. Just admitting that I listen to J. Cole and that I find his music enlightening has started so many arguments. Every time his name has come up on Twitter, in the media, and in conversation, I found myself feeling strongly, feeling as if my own name was being disrespected and attacked. I get the feeling completely. Because the lines of privacy have been blurred, it is almost impossible not to feel like we know them like the back of our hand. Because we are so familiar with the art, it makes us feel as though we know the artist and to that end, that we can speak for them, and in some cases, it feels like we have to.

I have realized a few things that helped put things in perspective for me when I found myself getting fired up because someone disagreed with me. Somewhere along the way, we stopped having discussions and started picking fights, really. We don’t have discussions with the sole purpose of talking, exchanging ideas and maybe even learning something and instead, have started having arguments with the sole intent of changing people’s minds and trying to get people to have the same perceptions and opinions we do. But guess what? Some people simply won’t ever agree with us and see things our way, so arguing is futile and not worth engaging in. If someone on Twitter thinks J. Cole isn’t a good lyricist, then that is a matter of opinion and I don’t need to comment on the post and tell them that they’re wrong. They don’t have to agree with me and I don’t have to do anything. 

I did, however, realize where the passion comes from, why we fiercely defend and take up for those that we love or respect. In some cases, it can be dangerous because it cultivates a sense of blind loyalty that has us defending celebrities we love no matter what. And even when they find themselves in positions we would never place ourselves in. But I am telling you that you don’t. Liking someone’s song or a movie they were in doesn’t make you accountable to them and it doesn’t even mean you have to agree with everything they say and do. You are not their spokesperson and you don’t have to fight and everyone who doesn’t see things your way. 

But more often that not, the undying loyalty and need to defend our favorite celebrities is more about us than it is about them. Because they represent everything that we stand for and to hear that someone doesn’t like an artist that reminds us of ourselves or captures an emotion that we know all too well, feels like a personal attack. It feels like commentary is being made about us. But the entire thought is wrong. There may be something you have in common with a celebrity or even something you admire, but their failures are not yours and neither are their triumphs. You are your own person with gifts, talents and tribulations of your own without heaping theirs on your back as well.

Now, I am not saying stop listening to their music, watching their movies or loving them for the art they create and the ways in which they relate to you. Simply, consider and examine why you love them and if it is worth defending every minute of every day, then by all means. But if you simply want to enjoy your favorite artists in peace without engaging in the endless arguments, then that’s okay too. There is already so much expected of us by God, our families, friends, not to mention what we expect of ourselves. Don’t add another fruitless thing to your plate.