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If you have ever seen Harry Potter or Titanic, you know that Emma Watson and Leonardo DiCaprio are arguably some of Hollywood's biggest stars. Yet in the last week, we have seen them in settings far afield from their typical enchanted castle or doomed cruise liner bow. In fact, we have seen both actors speak before the United Nations.

Emma Watson, an appointed Global Goodwill Ambassador, delivered a moving speech supporting the HeForShe campaign, fighting for women's rights. Leonardo DiCaprio, a UN Messenger of Peace himself, spoke before the UN Climate Summit on Tuesday. His speech strongly advocated immediate action necessary to mediate the effects of climate change.

At first glance, it might seem a little bizarre to see these two expressing their opinions before the UN, and more broadly, the entire world. After all, why would their opinion matter to us? It is not like we look to them as role models. Oh wait. Highly publicized media stars influence our opinion all the time. Pick up a tabloid magazine and you can find out how to emulate a particular movie star's looks. You can even see what restaurants they eat at or what diapers their babies wear.

Clearly actors are already prominent in the media. Is it so weird to see them contributing their opinion before a well-established forum such as the United Nations?

Let me clarify one point quickly. Some of the choices we make in imitating actors are done blindly. We follow their example without thinking of our true opinion. For instance, just because your favorite movie star pulled off those tight leather pants doesn't mean you'll stop and think whether they actually look good on your body. Similarly, I do not advocate blindly following actors' opinions, but I do think they can serve as powerful motivators that can be both relatable and captivating speakers. The more actors and celebrities that express their opinions, the more opinions we'll have as examples.

If we see actors openly expressing their opinions, maybe more of us will follow suit. Here are two actors that are making a stand on topics they care deeply about regardless of the potential negative effects it could have on their careers. Furthermore, they are not speaking as actors but as people. Neither actor deigns to call themselves experts in the field they discuss.

Watson stated within her speech, "I don't know if I'm qualified to be here. All I know is that I care about this problem. And I want to make it better." DiCaprio expressed the same sentiment, saying, "I stand before you not as an expert, but as a concerned citizen."

To all those that see want to make a change; I have a message for you. Fight for it. Speak out. You may not be an expert, but your opinion counts too. For once, emulating actresses and actors might not be such a bad thing.

Gwendwr Meredith is a Ph.D. student studying Human Dimensions of Ecosystem Science and Management at Utah State University.