Because they're such stellar role models with cutting, well-educated insight on all matters, we should follow the lead of our favorite television and movie characters when on the road. We've been so impressed by the well-informed and thoroughly considered stances that many movie and television stars have taken that we hang on their every word, awaiting the eventual revelation of the meaning of life. They're on TV, so they must know, you know? That Ed Begley, what an automotive authority he is. Who hasn't wanted to emulate the drunk starlet as she cruises through life thouroughly self-absorbed? Sarcasm aside, UK-based Motorists' Forum is suggesting the use of television and movie stars, as well as atheletes, to deliver positive messages about road safety. The premise is that sports figures and popular characters are so well known in people's homes that they're almost like surrogate family members. Because of the familiarity, the feeling is people will pay attention to an embedded message about driving respectfully and raise awareness of poor and antisocial driving practices. They go on to link criminality to seriously bad driving and suggest rewarding responsible behavior behind the wheel. We don't know why, but suggesting we look to people who are yessed to death and insulated from the real world for cues on how to behave in the real world doesn't impress us. We Autobloggers have always been self-thinkers, though. For those that don't see the problem in looking to unqualified, well-known stars for life tips, we can't help you. Babies outgrow spoonfeeding quickly, there's no need for adults to return to the practice.
[Source: Motorists Forum via AutoExpress]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
BOB @ Mar 2nd 2007 5:16PM
Ummm -- kinda nasty. At least Ed actually walks and bicycles places, appears for a lot of causes. Lindsay is not exactly his twin,
jscro @ Mar 2nd 2007 5:40PM
"We Autobloggers have always been self-thinkers, though."
You are? You sound like a right wing talking point memo on the ills of liberal Hollywood. Stars are effective advertisers, like it or not, and there is a reason for it. The sheep like stars. It's not like they'll be giving their own tips and tricks on how to drink and drive effectively, they'll be reading cue cards and scripts. It's probably the most effective way to do this.
Howard Kerr @ Mar 2nd 2007 5:48PM
At least one problem with this idea:
The old " I'm not a doctor, but I play one on TV deal."
Why should anyone believe the "pitch" of a movie/tv star or pro athelete, when there are so many of them that drive like drunken lunatics?
W L Simpson @ Mar 2nd 2007 6:08PM
since "they" are paid attention to, why not allow them to present an
ACCURATE, professionally supplied message?--- in their own words, of course
bob @ Mar 2nd 2007 6:21PM
I give Ed credit for at least not being the typical Hollywood hypocrite that most are. With that being said, hollywood stars should trade in their expensive foreign gas guzzling autos and their American SUVes and go buy and drive their a prius. While they are at it, give up their private jets and fly coach. Only then will I'll take them seriously.
vettes2 @ Mar 2nd 2007 7:03PM
Paris and Nicole get the message out for their side better. How not to be Role Models. Ed has always been this way, more power to him, pedal power.
david @ Mar 2nd 2007 7:51PM
wait a minute. a u-k based motorist forum? first half of the meeting would be discussing auto makers left in the uk. that will take 0 seconds. the other half would be a discussion on how to brush their one tooth. or maybe they could have jeremy clarkson tell everthing he knows about cars. that should take 3 seconds.
Mike @ Mar 2nd 2007 8:25PM
The only thing I rely on Hollywood for is great one-(or two)liners...
"You've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel lucky?' Well, do ya punk?"
Bob @ Mar 2nd 2007 8:58PM
To paraphrase: Shut and act.
JC3 @ Mar 3rd 2007 12:34AM
Fox had a funny show on sunday night that said Ed Begley was driving on his way over to the studio in a car that ran on human excrement to talk about green issues.Then they announced later on that he would be a bit late because he ran out of fuel and it would be a while before he could re-fill it.
KazO @ Mar 3rd 2007 1:38AM
Heh. Friend of mine was Begley's neighbor for some time and says he drives his (wife's) Prius like a maniac. Possibly not the best role model for more than one reason...
mk @ Mar 3rd 2007 2:32AM
As Monty Python so eloquently put it:
"You are ALL individuals!!!" response: "Not ME!"
Begley can do whatever he likes, and if people want to listen, it's your life...
But SO much of this crap has become about social controls on the masses, and making political and cultural statements that are intended to shut down debate, and impress guilt upon as many people as possible.
Celebrity endorsements usually don't generate knowledgeable discourse, they generate uninformed compliance through emotional appeals from famous people.
Shut it and Act, indeed. And people wonder why no one gives a rip about hollyweird, besides themselves, anymore...
John Anderson @ Mar 3rd 2007 10:24AM
I think this is a good idea.
The stats are bad for the first 6-8 months' driving,
even after training. Seems to me you need either a
close call or a collision as a teenager to 'get with
the program' and know it can and does happen to you;
that you are not invincible or immune. You simply do
not have the experience and some pay with their lives
to get it.