Your current location:HOME >style >VOX POPULI: Unlike Taylor Swift, few stars in Japan speak out about politics 正文
TIME:2024-05-21 19:18:41 Source: Internet compilationEdit:style
When I visited the United States on business years ago, I turned the TV on in my hotel room to find
When I visited the United States on business years ago, I turned the TV on in my hotel room to find popular actor George Clooney on the screen.
I vividly remember him saying to the effect, “According to the education we’ve received, criticizing the government is something like a duty of American citizens.”
It was a talk show in which celebrities answered questions from viewers.
Regarding film stars engaging in political activism, Clooney noted with complete equanimity, “Why not?”
His reaction made me feel the robustness of democracy in America.
But making political statements is obviously never a simple matter for anyone who is famous.
In fact, pop singer Taylor Swift, whose recent comments about this year’s presidential election have attracted considerable attention, has admitted in her own documentary film and elsewhere that she had agonized over whether to speak out or not.
Ever since she debuted at age 16, Swift said, she was constantly warned about “talking politics and inconveniencing other people.”
But six years ago, she’d finally had enough and publicly criticized a Republican presidential candidate.
This exposed her to ruthless online slander and bashing, but it also freed her, she recalled, as if a muzzle had come off.
It is pointed out that when an influential superstar publicly voices support for a specific politician, this creates a tricky--or even dangerous--situation.
Big-name celebrities are invariably super rich and some people worry that their political endorsements will benefit only the wealthy.
But surely that shouldn’t mean all A-listers must remain silent.
In contrast, how few prominent stars there are in Japan who openly discuss politics.
Swift said to the effect that she will continue to act, having realized it is her responsibility to take advantage of her power of influence and challenge disgustingly cheap policy pledges that are nothing but lip service.
I am bedazzled by her words.
--The Asahi Shimbun, Feb. 19
* *
*Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.
I was 'brokefished' by my friend for £4002024-05-21 19:05
AUKUS Pillar Two: Defence Minister Judith Collins meets with top US military contractor2024-05-21 19:04
Labour leader Chris Hipkins calls for a ceasefire in Israel Gaza conflict2024-05-21 18:51
Person found dead after house fire in Whitianga2024-05-21 18:23
Here comes the char2024-05-21 18:09
60 migrants die in dinghy in Mediterranean, survivors say2024-05-21 17:30
Person found dead after house fire in Whitianga2024-05-21 17:25
How endangered dolphins could shut down the SailGP2024-05-21 17:17
'Constantly learning' Imanaga off to impressive start with the Chicago Cubs2024-05-21 17:00
Exploited migrants: New language rules may force workers still in debt to leave NZ2024-05-21 16:38
Jon Wysocki dead at 53: Staind drummer passes away2024-05-21 19:15
Government negotiations end, deal to be signed on Friday2024-05-21 18:55
Coalition talks stretch on one month past election day2024-05-21 18:54
AUKUS Pillar Two: Defence Minister Judith Collins meets with top US military contractor2024-05-21 18:54
Supreme Court declines to hear challenge to Maryland ban on rifles known as assault weapons2024-05-21 18:34
Biden says he expects Iran to attack Israel soon, warns: 'Don't'2024-05-21 17:45
Review: WOMAD artist line2024-05-21 17:38
OJ Simpson's alma mater, USC, stays conspicuously silent on his death despite honoring the ex2024-05-21 17:16
Uber and Lyft say they'll stay in Minnesota after Legislature passes driver pay compromise2024-05-21 17:14
Wellington City Council seeks feedback on its 102024-05-21 16:42