In a world full of Lena Dunhams, Amy Schumers, and Katy Perrys who spout off their opinion on everything from politics to the patriarchy, it’s refreshing to have someone like Mark Wahlberg.
During a luncheon to promote his new film Patriot’s Day, the actor was asked if he talked about politics. “No,” said the former rapper and that other celebrities shouldn’t either, reported the website Task and Purpose on Tuesday.
“A lot of celebrities did, do, and shouldn’t,” Wahlberg said to Task and Purpose, a website dedicated to veterans.
“You know, it just goes to show you that people aren’t listening to that anyway,” Wahlberg continued. “They might buy your CD or watch your movie, but you don’t put food on their table. You don’t pay their bills. A lot of Hollywood is living in a bubble. They’re pretty out of touch with the common person, the everyday guy out there providing for their family. Me, I’m very aware of the real world. I come from the real world, and I exist in the real world. And although I can navigate Hollywood and I love the business and the opportunities it’s afforded me, I also understand what it’s like not to have all that.”
Patriot’s Day depicts the Boston Marathon bombing and is the third and final film Wahlberg is making with director Peter Berg dealing with everyday heroism. The other two are Deepwater Horizon and Lone Survivor.
I never really understand why people get upset when Sarandon or Baldwin get political - it's their right as a citizen. As a celebrity, they are gifted a megaphone, and if people didn't watch TMZ or read People Magazine, we wouldn't really know about it. It's obnoxious, but just don't watch or listen to it if it bothers you.
But I do understand if you have a megaphone, and you are fortunate to have money, and you feel an issue is important, you have every right as a citizen to do something and take action. Take Mark Ruffallo - if you agree or disagree with him, at least you can respect that he takes action and isn't just running his mouth to a tabloid. He's an activist who acts for a living. We aren't defined by our profession, we are defined by our actions.
I respect Wahlberg doesn't want to talk politics, I don't wonder what an actor thinks about fracking while I'm in a movie theatre. But if a person cares about fracking and does something about it, I don't care that he/she is an actor. I respect their action, and I can separate the artist from the person. I mean, John Landis killed Vic Morrow and two kids, but I will still watch the hell out of The Blues Brothers and An American Werewolf in London.
Another one is Gary Sinise.
Switching gears, Dennis Miller is a sometimes contributor to Bill O'Reilly's show and I had to laugh shortly after the election, they were talking about all of Hillary's celebrity endorsements and Dennis says:
"Hey Bill, which celebrity endorsement do you think put Trump over the top?"
