The fact that many people working in the arts are arrested and prosecuted for drug-related offenses is raising many concerns about the deviation in the lifestyle of a part of today's celebrities.
Most recently, Ho Chi Minh City Police have prosecuted and temporarily detained singer Long Nhat and Son Ngoc Minh and many other subjects to investigate drug-related acts. Not long ago, there was a case related to singer Miu Le.
These cases show an alarming reality, that drugs have penetrated a part of the entertainment environment and the lives of people with social influence.
In the age of social networks, artists are no longer simply performers on stage. They have become living role models, consumer role models and even behavioral role models for many young people.
A part of today's youth tends to approach idols not only through art products but also through private life, lifestyle, way of dressing, speech and what is displayed on social networks.
Worryingly, at times, in cyberspace, some manifestations of living loosely, rebelliously or using stimulants are painted as a kind of "personality", "playfulness" or manifestation of trendy life.
When those images are associated with celebrities, the influence and level of harm are even greater.
Perhaps artists also suffer from professional pressure, aura pressure, competitive pressure or psychological crisis. But all pressure cannot become a reason to legitimize drugs.
Because drugs have never been just a story or the responsibility of an individual. But behind a drug user may be long-term consequences for the family, for the social environment and even insecurity in the community. Drugs often come with violence, loss of behavioral control, crime and many other forms of deviation from standards.
Therefore, the fact that the police force continuously dismantles drug rings and handles even famous people involved is necessary to affirm the principle of no forbidden zones before the law.
A society that upholds the law cannot have the mentality that celebrities will be viewed differently or handled differently. The more influential an artist is, the more responsible he must be to the community.
However, drug prevention today cannot only rely on arrests or criminal prosecutions after events have occurred.
More importantly, it is necessary to prevent drugs from penetrating deep into the entertainment environment, nighttime entertainment venues and negative relationships that are affecting young people from an early age.
Along with that, the cultural environment also needs to promote healthy values instead of being lenient with shocking lifestyles, disregarding standards just to attract attention.
The public can love artists for their talent. But what keeps them in the hearts of the audience for a long time is not the aura or temporary fame, but their personality and way of life.
An artist may take many years to build a name. But just one moment of falling can trade off the entire reputation, career and public trust.
And with drugs, no matter who they are, no matter how famous they are, the price to pay in the end is always very high.
