Gov. Bobby Jindal and “Twilight” actor Robert Pattinson have more in common than you think.
If you’re an avid reader of The Daily Reveille, you know the editorial staff launched the “Jindal tracker” more than a month ago to keep tabs on our oft-traveling state leader.
Two weeks ago, the paper also devoted a Twitter account to following the cast of “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn” as they enjoy nearby hangouts between filming sessions.
Even before these movie stars invaded Louisiana’s capital city, an epidemic of paparazzi syndrome had swept the University campus.
But whether an inept politician or a talentless actor, everyone should still be treated respectfully — it’s basic human decency.
And respect doesn’t include behavior like stalking and asking for a picture or autograph.
Respect means treating someone as a person on your level — not as a celebrity.
In the case of politicians, these leaders should be tactfully held accountable for their actions, rather than hunted or idolized.
But the effect of giving our policymakers the “star treatment” is clear — it’s one of the driving forces behind the broken circus machine called American politics.
Diplomacy meetings have become mere photo-ops.
A Michigan couple sold a handwritten letter from President Obama for $7,000 to make ends meet.
And comedians, of all people, organized a rally at the National Mall in D.C. to restore sanity.
Washington, we have a problem.
As for celebrities like the “Twilight” cast, I personally couldn’t care less where they are.
I realize most pop culture columnists would drop everything to pursue world-renowned actors when they’re miles away — an interview with a vampire is a difficult opportunity to resist.
But better yet, might I suggest Robert Pattinson and Co. use their “star power” to champion a cause while they’re here, as celebrities like Drew Brees, Brad Pitt and Sandra Bullock have done?
Cameras and crowds are going to follow them everywhere.
Why not join forces with the media and politics, bring attention to the higher education crisis and make an appearance at any of the numerous upcoming protests against budget cuts?
Our University’s student involvement at such events has been generally low, but skipping class to follow the Cullens to the Capitol might seem more appealing to my peers.
It’s an unrealistic request, of course, but I’d think much more favorably of these entertainers if they were seen doing something more productive than partying and shopping.
But if we want our easily recognized visitors to feel welcome in Baton Rouge and contribute to the local economy (the only feasible perk I find in their presence), they need to be reassured they can step out to the store or bar of their choice without being mobbed in minutes.
So far, the only major patronage to any of these businesses has come from the influx of fans now trying to catch at least a glimpse of the stars reportedly seen there.
Though I’m sure this hysteria is what the “Twilight” stars have come to expect, we should at least try to be polite and prove them wrong. Southern hospitality doesn’t involve stalking and exploiting their whereabouts — those are speculative, tabloid-like activities that social networking sites only encourage.
I understand being starstruck in the midst of such breathtaking, Oscar-worthy performers might cause you to think irrationally, if at all. Everyone loves sharing those life-changing experiences, and constant connectivity makes it easier than ever to do so.
But if I spot any of the “Twilight” cast (or the governor, for that matter), I won’t be broadcasting it on my news feed — I already think it’s creepy I’m required to tell you to “follow” me on Twitter every week.
We can’t expect our own digital privacy to be respected and then violate others’ simply because they’re famous. Leave the mobbing to the paparazzi.
Besides, celebrities tweet so much about their lives, they just about put the star-stalkers out of business.
Kelly Hotard is a 19-year-old mass communication sophomore from Picayune, Miss. Follow her on Twitter @TDR_khotard.
 
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Contact Kelly Hotard at [email protected]