Politically Incorrect Personas:

Celebrities Who Made the News for Their Politics

Evelyn Salinger
The latest news is shining light on Western pop stars like Usher, Beyonce, Mariah Carey, and Nelly Furtado performing for Moammar Gadhafiand his family. With the ongoing news about the current Libyan protests and uprisings, it begs the question: When is it too much for celebrities to put their politics out there? Or is it simply a matter of money?

According to Nelly Furtado, that's all it was. One million dollars worth, to be exact. For a forty-five minute private concert. That was back in 2007. Now, she is remorseful enough to donate the entire earnings to charity.

Some noteworthy celebrities of varying genres over the years who have sparked international attention for their political faux pas:

Louise Bryant :
An American Communist

A celebrity journalist and writer in her own right, Louise gained notoriety in her lifetime for being an infamous American Communist along with Jack Reed, her beau and fellow comrade during the early part of the 20th Century. Depicted dramatically in the movie, Reds, Diane Keaton did her justice on the silver screen.

Jane Fonda:
Hanoi Jane

Actress Jane Fonda regrets her negative affiliation in regards to her influence on POWs during the Viet Nam conflict in her latest memoir, but still stands by her convictions. Regardless, "Hanoi Jane," still holds as a moniker she will never be able to completely shed.

Cat Stevens:
Folk singer Turned Fundamentalist

Heralded 70s folk singer, Cat Stevens, turned into a Muslim fundamentalist back in 1977. After the U.S. 911 attacks, he was placed on the "no fly list," based on comments he made backing the Ayatollah.

Should celebrities of the Western World take heed of the actions that take when associating on any level with world dictators? Probably. Such associations, however non-political their intentions ($$$), spark immediate controversy. It doesn't take a Rhodes Scholar (or my dog) to comprehend the ramifications of performing for Gadhafi at this point. Better to perform stateside, Nelly.

Published by Evelyn Salinger

I was raised in Chicago, IL. I must have been born with many words in my mouth just waiting to spill out into written stories. My natural gregariousness is best served as a literary device... after all, I...  View profile

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  • Evelyn3/1/2011

    I speak to Cat Stevens' comments in regards to his support of of the Ayatollah against Salman Rushdie back in 1989. Personally, I consider Cat Stevens as a fundamentalist, hence my editorial description of him as such.

  • Vanessa Bartlemus3/1/2011

    Cat Stevens did not become a Muslim Fundamentalist. He became a Muslim. As a side note, I don't like the term fundamentalist (not your fault!). Literally, fundamentalist means he follows all the fundamentals of the religion, which is a great thing. (Unfortunately there aren't many Muslims who do follow all the fundamentals of the religion.) However, the word has taken on negative associations for some reason. Not saying you were wrong to use the word, but I don't think Cat Stevens can be classified as a "fundamentalist" in the common understanding of the term. He may have made a mistake by saying something politically incorrect, but he is far from being an extremist or any other negative terms associated with being a "fundamentalist."

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