Why Celebrities and the Wealthy Think They Are Above the Law

We read about it all the time – wealthy individuals or celebrities who engage in outrageous, and often illegal, behavior believing that they can easily get away with it (and they often do). A lot of this is about the dynamics of power and the way we afford power (and a sort of celebrity) to wealthy people.

Famous and wealthy people can become "intoxicated" by the power and prestige that come with their celebrity status. They snap their fingers and a slew of attendants jump to their every command.

Their extraordinary power leads them to believe that they are special and that the rules that apply to everyone else simply don't apply to them. Leadership scholar and philosopher Terry Price calls this "exception-making." Celebrities begin to believe that they should get a free pass that allows them to misbehave. If they do get caught, their celebrity or money can help them escape punishment, or get a slap on the wrist. [Here’s a list called “Celebrities who should have gone to jail.” Even when the rich or famous go to jail, they are given lighter sentences or sent to “luxury” prisons.]

What is the antidote to the poisoning effect of celebrity and power? It is humility. Celebrities and powerful people need to realize that power and fame do not excuse them from following the law or societal standards.

Many powerful and famous people do not become intoxicated by power and are able to keep their feet on the ground. Think of Warren Buffet, Apple’s Tim Cook, and celebrities Tom Hanks and Keanu Reeves, who are powerful yet humble. They realize that if it weren't for a good deal of luck, they wouldn't be where they are now.

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