topic Re: Do You Think We Have This Upside Down? in Community Chat

Do You Think We Have This Upside Down?

Desert Lily — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 03:53:57 GMT

There's a fascination with celebritries, professional athletes, musicians/singers, actors.

They entertain us.

The lead actors in best-selling movies/series get paid a fortune, as do professional basketball/football/etc. players, musicians/singers.

Should they be paid so much?

Should people focus on them so much?

What about side actors, teachers, scientists, nurses, electricians, truck drivers, professors, engineers, and others who are crucial to the infrastructure of everyday life?

Do you think we're upside down on placing so much value on entertainment?

Re: Do You Think We Have This Upside Down?

Sooner — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 03:59:46 GMT

It isn't a system, it's free enterprise. People can fund what they want.

But I think many of you make more than I do, aren't really worth more than me and should send me a check. I like this system.

Re: Do You Think We Have This Upside Down?

on the bay — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 04:20:24 GMT

I have always thought that. Always.

Very upside down.Crazy.

When I think of what nurses, teachers, first responders, and so many others who help so many others, I wish they could be paid so much more for so much that they do to help. It's not that entertainment, sports, don't give so much too just that what athletes and entertainers, celebrities are paid is just insane.

What a wonderful world it would be if none had to worry about shelter or food or paying medical bills. There wouldn't be a need to steal, and so many other things that wouldn't ever have to happen.

Re: Do You Think We Have This Upside Down?

Snowpuppy — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 05:15:46 GMT

I'm all for free market enterprise so earn what the market will pay you.

That said, I don't have interest in celebs, most pro athletes, actors or singers. I don't choose to support them with my paycheck nor any likes, shares and subscribes.

I do buy used cd's, dvd's some books and we do take in MLB games.

My life is busy enough without following someone else's drama.

Re: Do You Think We Have This Upside Down?

Imaoldhippie — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 10:47:51 GMT

I dont care how much talent, ability or they are movie stars, athletes, musicians. No one is worth the amount they get paid.

This country has teachers that shape young peoples lives they are the ones that deserve a nice salary.

Care givers, nurses, police, firemen, first responders they deserve a nice salary.

There are many more I am sure that deserve good salaries. The ones I named are the ones that come to mind.

To say nothing of the ones I cant mention here due to rules.

Re: Do You Think We Have This Upside Down?

CalminHeart — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 11:29:42 GMT

Yes, we definitely have this upside down. Money, jealousy, and greed drive a lot of people.

Re: Do You Think We Have This Upside Down?

jlkz — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 12:15:44 GMT

I have long thought that the "celebrities" from all walks of life that command $$$$$$ are out of sync.

As several posters have pointed out, there are those who touch lives and should be compensated as the true stars that they are:

the teachers who bring out the best in students and help them reach their potential

the health care professionals at every level who help people overcome illnesses and return to productive lives or simply maintain a quality of life

the unsung heroes and heroines who support every facet of our daily lives from food, transportation, safety, cleanliness, spirituality, etc.

Personally, there was a nun who took a high school sophomore academic achiever under her wing and brought out her ability to speak in public. She enabled me to excel in several careers: corporate executive, consultant, seminar leader, career coach, adjunct professor.

We reconnected at the end of her life when she was in a facility near my home. My mother had dementia and was close by her in another facility. I would visit them both. At end, Sister asked me to come to her funeral....it was well attended. She was then cremated and weeks later, I carried her ashes to her resting spot. I was so lost in thoughts of her that the priest had to pry the box from my hands.

Because of her, I have been able to touch so many lives and pay forward her gift to me.

Re: Do You Think We Have This Upside Down?

ALRATIBA — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 12:19:07 GMT

I don’t pay any attention to sports. No interest whatsoever.

The last time I went to se a movie was about 20 years ago.

Re: Do You Think We Have This Upside Down?

781Florist — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 12:56:39 GMT

There is a song called "The Men That Drive Me Places"

by an artist named Ben Rector.

I think that he (as a minor celebrity with some level of success in his field) shows a real appreciation and admiration for the workaday "regular folks" who labor long and hard to carve out their space in the world and to make a good and better life for their children and families.

If anyone is interested you can Google the artist and title and be directed to the lyrics and videos on YouTube.

I don't remember how I came across this song, but it

impressed me that Mr. Rector was so aware that fame and status often obscure the real stars in life.

Re: Do You Think We Have This Upside Down?

Dusty1 — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 13:21:10 GMT

@Desert Lily I totally get what you are saying but I don't totally agree.

Of course, I don't disagree about paying all of those that you mentioned what they are worth.

As far as sports figures, actors, singers, etc I really appreciate the talent & drive that it takes to make it in those fields.

The people that I admire are good people & they bring a lot of happiness/entertainment to my life.

I would never deal with the things that they deal with to be "famous".

I could never work as hard as they do to get & stay where they are.

Well A: I don't have any talent.

And 2: I am pretty lazy.

Re: Do You Think We Have This Upside Down?

ValuSkr — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 13:22:28 GMT

Americans like to be entertained. Who can explain it? I guess it comes with having so much leisure time.

Re: Do You Think We Have This Upside Down?

They CallMe MRWILKES — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 14:35:02 GMT

I have always found these comparisons to be invalid.

Most professional athletes, performers, models, actors, entertainers are paid by private entities.

Many of the other professions are employed by municipalities, nonprofits, governmental entities, with different revenue sources such as a tax base, limited in scope and ability.

I am perfectly satisfied with the status quo. In the private sector free markets in this country determine how someone is compensated. My employer determines my salary. I like it or I don't.

Re: Do You Think We Have This Upside Down?

Dusty1 — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 13:34:25 GMT

I also meant to add that the "celebrities" are like the CEO of a company that gets paid a lot of money.

They employ & provide jobs for a lot of people.

Writers, directors, producers, choreographers, lighting, sound, security, food service, makeup artists, clothing, coaches, health providers (for all of those sports injuries), etc....

Re: Do You Think We Have This Upside Down?

MaverDaver — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 13:39:59 GMT

You've hit a nerve. The salaries for actors and sports figures are out of control. People become star struck with these individuals. Seriously, I don't now how a family of say 4 can afford to go to these games. Prices for tickets, parking and food can cost you upwards of $300.

Then there's the fools that buy their sports memorabilia so they walk around with a shirt/jacket with someone's name and/or number on it. Oh let's not forget the real fools whose profession, i.e. painters, plumbers etc. that when completing the job tells the multi-millionaire "no charge'. If I were doing work for one these overpaid individuals I'd put everthing in perspective. Let's see -- I can fix that leaky pipe and it will only cost you $2000 and I'll paint that room for $2500!

Re: Do You Think We Have This Upside Down?

Sooner — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 13:51:05 GMT

The salaries celebrities are paid are paid by a vote of the American people. It is voted on with our $$$$ spent on them. If we vote for them, they make a boatload of money. If we don't spend to see them and talk about them and pay attention they aren't worth much.

Dollars, media time, photos, headlines, all pay off and we pay them with our use and attention and support (and keeping them in the news is support, love them or hate them it provides the payoff for them).

Re: Do You Think We Have This Upside Down?

We rescue cats — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 14:00:41 GMT

I believe that the values of the masses in this country are completely out of whack, yes, they are upside down (so to speak). A few years ago I got rid of everything tied to the NFL because I think the organization is rotting from the top.

Re: Do You Think We Have This Upside Down?

LTT1 — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 14:08:43 GMT

@Desert Lily

Yes...we need an adjustment in our values

Re: Do You Think We Have This Upside Down?

Lakelife62 — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 14:32:33 GMT

@MaverDaver wrote:
You've hit a nerve. The salaries for actors and sports figures are out of control. People become star struck with these individuals. Seriously, I don't now how a family of say 4 can afford to go to these games. Prices for tickets, parking and food can cost you upwards of $300.

Then there's the fools that buy their sports memorabilia so they walk around with a shirt/jacket with someone's name and/or number on it. Oh let's not forget the real fools whose profession, i.e. painters, plumbers etc. that when completing the job tells the multi-millionaire "no charge'. If I were doing work for one these overpaid individuals I'd put everthing in perspective. Let's see -- I can fix that leaky pipe and it will only cost you $2000 and I'll paint that room for $2500!

What's really rotten is when the supposedly wealthy individual refuses to pay the working people they hire to do work for them.

There is a celebrity known for walking away from obligations over and over and over. Even stealing from a charity they set up. Yet the fools who worship celebrity keep giving them their money. So yes, totally upside down.

Re: Do You Think We Have This Upside Down?

occasionalrain — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 14:46:36 GMT

It's return on investment. Recently, the Taylor Swift concerts brought jobs and millions to every community in which she preformed, and she preformed for over three hours. She deserves, has earned what she's paid.

Few actors, musicians, and athletes make millions. Those who do generate substantial returns to investors.

All those who are nurses, teachers...were free to choose their profession, knew the pay scale.

Re: Do You Think We Have This Upside Down?

They CallMe MRWILKES — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 14:56:10 GMT

I agree completely.

We are, fortunately, free to choose our vocation.

If wealth is your goal, there are multiple paths.

If yours is public service, not motivated monetarily, that is another fork in the road.

We all have options.