Should Celebrities Speak Out on Social Issues?
Photo Credit: Mohammed Abubakr
Social media has played a vital role when it comes to addressing social issues, as evidenced by the impact of celebrities speaking out on movements such as the Me Too movement, Black Lives Matter, and LGBTQ+ rights. Currently, there has been an ongoing demand for celebrities to use their social media platforms to bring awareness to the genocide happening in the Middle East. Fans are growing more and more frustrated with their favorite celebrities remaining silent on the topic. As with other social issues, the recurring question arises: should celebrities use their platform to shine light on these pressing social issues?
Of course, celebrities have an obligation to speak on issues, especially basic human rights.
In an ideal world, celebrities would use their vast platforms to advocate for basic human rights. A recent example of this is when multiple celebrities, including Ariana Grande and Jenna Ortega, shared the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund established by Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan. Within just 24 hours, their collective influence resulted in an additional $622,000 in donations. This highlights the significant impact celebrities can have in mobilizing support for critical causes.
Therefore, we should continue keeping celebrities accountable for their silence, especially those who selectively choose the issues they support. If celebrities can pick and choose the causes they stand for, then fans and the general public should also have the right to decide who deserves a respected platform. We should not encourage harassing celebrities. Instead, as a public, we can use our influence by elevating a celebrity's platform when they do shine light to social issues. This positive reinforcement can encourage more meaningful engagement and contribute positive outcomes to society.
Despite the disappointment in celebrities remaining silent, I do believe that positive results have resulted from this such as people educating themselves and becoming more critical of those in power. By examining the history and systems that continue a cycle of oppression, society is better equipped to combat these injustices. Additionally, it's important that we question why certain influential figures, or in general people with power, choose to remain silent on critical issues. This skepticism and desire for understanding are essential steps towards creating a more informed and just society.
It is crucial to highlight that we need to stop expecting our favorite celebrities to be our social justice warriors who save the world. While they may be influential, they’re not the activists we truly need. Instead, there are individuals who have dedicated their lives to understanding and addressing social justice issues. These experts, with their hard-earned knowledge and experience, are far better suited to represent and advance these causes. It's important that we recognize their contributions and give them the platform and power they deserve, rather than relying on celebrities to drive social change.
This is not to say that we have to pass on the monumental task of saving us from the injustices of the world to experts. Everyone should strive to educate themselves on issues. We should remain skeptical of the individuals that represent us and hold power and challenge ourselves to reflect on our own beliefs and values. Most importantly, we have to recognize that it’s a difficult task that requires us to collectively take action in. If we expect celebrities to speak out, we must also hold ourselves accountable to contribute to the change we wish to see.
