NEWSIs Justin Bieber a Bad Influence on His Fans?
May 17 2012, Published 7:01 a.m. ET
Justin Bieber is an 18-year-old multimillionaire who recently ranked No. 3 on Forbes list of powerful celebrities. He's close to his mom, is in a monogamous relationship and doesn't outwardly abuse drugs and alcohol — but does his lack of interest in education make him a bad influence on young fans?
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Justin was profiled by both GQ and The Daily Telegraph in recent weeks and in both publications made statements that could have been interpreted as careless when it came to his own schooling.
He told Australia's The Daily Telegraph that he only graduated high school to appease his mother and added that he's "really not into" traditional education.
"I mean, this kind of lifestyle has given me a different perspective on life. I've been able to travel the world. At school, usually you have to do a lot of writing and reading. I'm really not into that stuff. I like to be out there."
When GQ asked how he felt about not stepping foot into a classroom since he was 14, he replied.
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"As far as education goes, you should be a smarter person."
Which wasn't exactly an articulate or well-thought out response to the question.
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Lisa Bloom, author of the book Swagger: 10 Urgent Rules for Raising Boys in an Era of Failing Schools, Mass Joblessness and Thug Culture, tells Celebuzz.com she worries that the Biebs may not be sending the right message to his many followers. Not many young kids will reach the level of fame and fortune Justin has without education, she writes, and J. Bieb should be more conscious of his words.
"I don’t want any young person to think reading is uncool or finishing school is uncool," she told the site. "He’s an adult. Celebrities have a responsibility to be role models for their millions and millions of fans. When he says something like that, it creates a terrible example for young people."
What are your thoughts? Is Justin a bad influence or a good one?
