Drew Brees, Lady Gaga and Ellen DeGeneres are some of the newest additions to the laundry list of celebrities who have made public statements on Baton Rouge’s historic flooding. Despite the outpour of star-studded support, students have mixed views on the comments.
While many have taken to social media to express their sympathy for Louisiana, the University community is generally unsatisfied with the lack of effort some celebrities have put into helping the affected areas.
Mass communication professor and Manship School of Mass Communication associate dean for undergraduate studies Andrea Miller, who teaches courses in crisis management, said any media attention is appreciated.
Because the flooding has not garnered much national coverage, Miller said celebrity attention may help shed more light on the disaster, and Louisiana should be grateful for celebrity interest.
“We aren’t getting a lot of attention, and people pay attention to entertainment,” she said.
Pre-dental hygiene junior Tiffany Trosclair said she is happy to see celebrities, such as Taylor Swift, reach out to those who have been affected.
“They are not only being generous to those in need, but are making people aware of the devastation in our home town,” Trosclair said.
Most celebrities expressed their sympathies in on Twitter. Some, including pop star Lady Gaga, promised to donate money to the state.
“My thoughts and prayers to all of our loved ones in Louisiana suffering through the flood,” Gaga tweeted. “My family & I are donating to relief efforts.”
Louisiana native Ellen DeGeneres encouraged financial donations as well.
“Louisiana, I love you. Text LAFLOODS to 90999 to make a $10 donation through the American @RedCross.#LouisianaFlood,” she tweeted.
Saints quarterback Drew Brees also offered his condolences.
“Tough situation in Baton Rouge and South Louisiana w all this flooding. Prayers go out for everyone’s safety,” Brees tweeted.
Many students agreed that while social media helps promote and relay the message, it is not enough.
Biology freshman Sydney Schaubhut said she has not seen anyone in a prominent position say anything significant, which upsets her.
“It makes them feel like they’re doing something, but they’re not actually helping or changing anything at all,” said mass communication freshman Draven Coleman. “If you want to really help, get involved.”
“It’s extremely devastating that people are saying ‘pray for Louisiana’ and not taking action and actually helping.” said biology senior Terray Warren.
"To actually help, you have to act, not speak."- Civil engineering freshman Benjamin Willis
