After months of controversy and run-ins with the law, Justin Bieber is obviously in his rebellious phase. Browse through any newspaper and flip on any news channel and the 19-year-old pop star’s latest scandal will be the headline in focus.
Bieber’s shenanigans have become so excessive that someone created a petition on We the People, the White House’s petition website, requesting to deport Bieber and revoke his green card. The petition, with more than 200,000 signatures and counting, is so popular that it will be reviewed by the White House. Although the fact that White House staff will have to respond to something as seemingly ridiculous and overdramatic as the proposed deportation of a newly infamous celebrity sounds a little silly, the petition should be taken seriously.
If Bieber weren’t a teen pop sensation, he would be deported without question. For a U.S. resident to keep his or her green card, the resident must follow local, state and federal laws. Bieber has had quite the criminal record the past couple months, from egging his neighbor’s house to drunk driving and drag racing. Because he is rich and famous, he typically gets away with his reckless behavior with nothing more than a slap on the wrist — and he is aware of this. Because Bieber is such a public figure, young Americans observe his shenanigans and the lack of discipline he receives and assume that they can get away with similar reckless behavior. Deporting Bieber will show teens and young adults nationwide that no illegal action goes unpunished. The justice system should not treat celebrities differently from everyone else, regardless of how harsh the punishment seems.
Although Bieber is Canadian, he is a permanent resident of the U.S. and is signed to an American record label. His music and his merchandise all originate in America. Therefore, regardless of his Canadian nationality, he affects American pop culture. Bieber is one of the most popular artists in the country, even internationally and, unfortunately, his behavior represents American values. When he travels abroad and shows up to international concerts two hours late, it is not the Canadians who are judged. Instead, Americans, who welcome, foster, and support his musical career and mischief, are criticized.
When Bieber lived in Canada, he was a sweet and ambitious boy from humble beginnings. When he moved to the U.S., the cute little Canadian boy transformed into a whole new person who abuses drugs and has no respect for other people or the legal system. Although the U.S. does have its share of wacky celebrities, the lack of discipline Bieber receives for his actions represents America on the global stage.
Bieber is obviously acting out for help and attention. The last thing he needs is more ridicule. For his own sake, Bieber should be forced to lay low and move back home to Canada for a while. The fame and fortune has gotten to his head and he could certainly use some time to reflect on his past actions. He can return to America and his music career once he learns his lesson.
