The Celebrity PSA, starring George Takei

Now, we have had celebrities supporting products and companies since the dawn of print media, nay, the dawn of commerce. Oratory word of mouth can make all the difference to the aspiring merchant, and imagine if royalty fancied their product? They'd have a new slogan in ten seconds flat! However, the (over?)connectedness of the digital age has also enabled a different kind of advertising; political lobbying and public service announcements (occasionally disguised) spread throughout youtube, twitter, facebook, let alone the aging television. The rich and famous instruct their followers on political issues, attack or humiliate rivals, and use entertainment as a tool of enlightenment. Humor, after all, can be the most effective way to rally for a cause.

While this does seem to have a sinister edge, it's only because anyone can do it, good or ill. However, for every loudmouthed Donald Trump, you have a well-spoken George Takei. Lobbying for gay rights and the awareness of Japanese internment during World War II, the former Star Trek actor is a hit across the internet, approaching issues with a balance of humor and severity. While he has a prolific facebook account, the following videos should be more than enough to portray those traits.

First, speaking out against an Arkansas School Board Member in 2010

And second, a recent Conan skit...

Humor, wit, and as a commentator put it, a voice that can say a "juvenile word like 'douchebag' with such gravitas" can go a long way in the digital world.

((If the hyperlinks do not work, here are the text links in order: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UACK93xF-FE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNjuB_lwgQE ))