Millions of people look to you, expecting you to have the answers about complex geo-political issues. If you rightly assume you have neither the knowledge nor place to speak on such complex issues, you’re deemed a far right extremist. And if you do, then everyone claps and calls you informed and you go about your day. But how will anyone know if you spoke out because you believe, or if that’s what was expected of you?
In today’s climate, many look to celebrities when considering their own political views. When throwing their support behind someone, they first want to make sure that their favorite singer, actor, or late night show host checks every progressive box. And if anyone dared to question their allegiance, they would espouse their undying support for any and all minorities to ever have existed. But what does this create?
I believe it creates a culture of smoke and mirrors, and hypocrisy. If an artist knows they must check every box to be well liked within popular culture, it makes perfect sense that they would strive for that. Even if they don’t agree with the current views, they’re inclined to post a black square or call Trump a fascist if that means it looks like they’ll fit into the crowd.
To clarify, I don’t mean to say that we shouldn’t acknowledge the political views celebrities hold, and use them to inform our actions towards them. If someone refuses to condemn someone obviously problematic, there’s surely no reason to continue supporting their work. However, I think the notion that every celebrity must check each and every box is utterly ridiculous. There’s no space for nuance, or complex thoughts. I can liken us to seals, just clapping away at each new box ticked off. If someone stands for everything, then really, they stand for nothing. They stand for our approval, and being well liked within the industry.
The expectation that each celebrity will know about every issue, spending from continued efforts for equality, or the latest political update is ludicrous. We as fans are often not even caught up in all the issues we claim to care so much about. If we can’t hold ourselves to the same standards, why do we hold celebrities to them? If all they have to do is post a simple tweet and then they’re “in”, how do we know they actually support the cause? How do we know they’re not just doing it for the attention and validation they’ll receive from us?
A recent example is when the Trump campaign posted a video featuring one of Olivia Rodrigo’s songs over videos of mass deportations. Rodrio was quick to comment, telling the admin to not use her music to promote their “hateful, racist poraganda”. Many thought it was a bold, and correct move, sticking in the face of the current administration. I beg to differ. I don’t disagree that this action certainly shows disapproval, but that doesn’t mean it comes from a place of genuineness. Perhaps the larger motivation wasn’t a true, meaningful disconnect with Trump and the many controversial actions he’s taken, but rather the knowledge of how it would look if no response happened. People would slam her online, can claim she’s secretly far-right, and agree with 100% of what Trump has done. Instead, by speaking out, she looks like she cares about social issues, and is a good, moral artist. But then again, if she had to speak out, then does she mean it? Or is she doing it to just stay well liked- and accepted within the industry?
If we require action on every issue in order to stay relevant, then how long does it take to lose the motivation? The true knowledge behind these issues, and the true understanding of why they matter? Instead of looking to celebrities to “speak out” on every issue, I suggest giving celebrities the same space we get, to learn about the specific issues they care about, and show their deep and genuine support for them. This way, we know what issues truly matter to them, and where they stand on them. This, I believe, is a much more humane, and intriguing way of looking at celebrity politics, and truly understanding where they stand.