Should Schools Set Boundaries On Celebrity Visits?

The allure of celebrities, especially among the youth, is undeniable. This brings us to a heated debate that’s been swirling on social media lately: Should schools be more careful about inviting celebrities to their campuses? This question emerged after rapper Sexyy Red, known for her provocative lyrics and stage persona, was prevented from performing at a St. Louis high school.

Here’s what happened: Sexyy Red was ready to speak at a high school in her hometown but was turned away at the entrance, reportedly for smelling like marijuana. Despite this setback, she decided to perform in front of the school building. However, the rapper faced criticism on social media, with some arguing that her explicit musical persona isn’t appropriate for school-aged children.

On one side of the argument, some people believe that exposing students to diverse viewpoints, even controversial ones, is vital for developing critical thinking and cultural awareness. Supporters of celebrity visits argue that censoring celebrities based on their content or behavior is a slippery slope that could undermine free speech and artistic expression.

On the other hand, there are those who argue that schools should focus on the well-being and moral development of their students. They believe that inviting celebrities who are known for explicit content or inappropriate behavior sends mixed messages to students and could negatively impact the school’s culture.

So, how can we address this issue? There’s no simple solution, but perhaps schools could implement clear guidelines for inviting guests and involve parents in the decision-making process. Ultimately, finding a balance between providing students with real-world experiences and shielding them from explicit content is crucial.

Sexyy Red wasn’t allowed to speak at a high school because she smelled like weed so she turned up with the students outside. pic.twitter.com/EkzraSbWiV

— XXL Magazine (@XXL) April 4, 2024