Student Spectrums

Manahel Rafi seeks to actively promote understanding and tolerance as a Muslim student. She is dedicated to using her voice to stand up against discrimination in all its forms.

What do we, as a society, truly value? In a world where entertainment and escapism dominate, it’s striking to see the growing divide between the incomes of celebrities and influencers compared to the hard-working 9-to-5 workers. Factory workers, teachers, nurses, and tradespeople labor tirelessly, often facing physical and emotional exhaustion, yet their paychecks fall short of what actors or influencers earn from a single movie or sponsored post. It’s a glaring reminder of how we prioritize fame and spectacle over essential, life-sustaining work.

The problem begins with supply and demand. According to a 2023 Forbes analysis, the top 10 highest-paid actors collectively earned over $750 million in a single year, with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson topping the list at $100 million. This astronomical pay is driven by the entertainment industry’s global reach and profitability. Blockbuster films and TV shows can generate billions of dollars, and actors with extreme recognition are seen as essential to securing ticket sales, merchandise revenue, and streaming subscriptions. In contrast, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median salary for registered nurses in the U.S. is approximately $81,220 annually, despite their critical role in saving lives. This discrepancy reflects how capitalism rewards visibility and entertainment over necessity and service.

The rise of social media influencers has further widened the gap. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have created a profitable system where individuals with significant followings can command six-figure deals for a single post. Earlier this year, data from Influencer Marketing Hub estimated that the influencer marketing industry would be worth $21.1 billion.

While some influencers spend years cultivating their brands, others achieve overnight fame through viral content. This phenomenon often exacerbates inequality, as the path to success in this space often depends on pre-existing privilege, access to technology, and societal standards of beauty.

This system is undeniably unjust. Teachers, for example, shape the minds of future generations, and emergency workers save lives during disasters. These jobs are essential, yet a 2022 Pew Research Center study found that 67% of Americans believe teachers are underpaid, and 76% feel similarly about healthcare workers. Despite their societal importance, these roles are often viewed as replaceable, while celebrities and influencers are celebrated simply for entertaining.

 According to a leading analytics firm Gower Street, the Global box office revenue in 2023 hit $32 billion instead of a projected $29 billion. This proves just how much money people are willing to spend on movies. Similarly, hours spent scrolling on social media increase influencers’ value to brands. These industries are rewarded with our attention and dollars, while essential workers don’t get the same kind of public recognition.

To bridge this gap, we must advocate for systemic changes that value all forms of work. Rather than begrudge entertainers, we need to push for policies like raising the federal minimum wage, expanding union protections, and enacting fairer tax reforms. Additionally, public awareness campaigns celebrating essential workers could help shift cultural priorities. Ultimately, our society’s true values are reflected not just in words, but in actions. If we continue to prioritize fame over essential work, we risk undervaluing the very contributions that sustain our communities.

After all, what kind of world do we want to live in—a world that rewards glamour or one that values true impact? The choice is ours to make.