We live in what can only be described as a very unusual time. Maybe the years I have been alive are starting to creep up on me. Before I become the man who yells, “Stay off my lawn!” I want to reflect on something that I find both amusing and perplexing.

At times, it seems there is a new celebrity in the headlines every day. Some for good things, most for things they would rather not be known for. A situation seems to happen time after time. When someone is an up and coming star, the world cheers for them. Once they achieve a certain amount of fame, people look to tear them down. This may not be new to the times, but with the advent of new technologies, it seems to be happening quicker and more intensely than ever. Keeping this in mind, there are some things that we ask of celebrities that are almost unfair.

We are going to use Taylor Swift for an example as I do not think anyone has more followers or influence than her right now. Taylor Swift is primarily a singer and performer. When major world issues outside of music come up, people are asking why she does not use her fame and influence to weigh in on those issues. This creates an interesting dilemma. On the one hand, using your fame for a purpose greater than material gain should be admirable. On the other side will be people telling her to “Stay in her lane.” Both of these hold some merit. There is a motivational speaker I listen to. He is a psychologist and has some insightful thoughts on the human mind and how it works. He often strays into more political issues and environmental sciences and ends up sounding like a fool.

What should we expect celebrities to do? More to the point, what should we do with the influence we have? First, we should understand that we are offering an opinion. We may not have all the facts and must consider everyone’s unique experiences and circumstances. Second, we should, as Bob Marley says in the photo above, make sure our intentions are pure. If we make a mistake we should admit it. If someone else does, we should offer them a little bit of grace. This is especially so if their intentions were pure.

Next time you are tempted to weigh in on an issue, stop to think of this. We may not have millions of followers or the press reporting our every move, but we should act like we do. Be responsible with our words and actions. When we hear an opinion we may not agree with, give that person a little understanding and compassion. We would want them to do the same for us.