Current location:World Wanderer news portal > style
VOX POPULI: Unlike Taylor Swift, few stars in Japan speak out about politics
World Wanderer news portal2024-05-21 21:25:21【style】3People have gathered around
IntroductionWhen 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.
Address of this article:http://congorepublicofthe.cezaryphotography.com/html-97a199902.html
Very good!(25)
Related articles
- 'The Apprentice,' about a young Donald Trump, premieres in Cannes
- Bank of England expected to wait for more evidence that inflation is under control before rate cut
- Hurricanes, Blues tussle for top spot in Super Rugby Pacific
- Kourtney Kardashian opens up about undergoing 'terrifying' fetal surgery during 'high
- Culture festival showcases integration
- This Morning's Josie Gibson snaps at co
- Cameron Diaz films Outcome with Keanu Reeves and Matt Bomer in LA
- Cameron Diaz films Outcome with Keanu Reeves and Matt Bomer in LA
- These hilarious notices will make you do a double take
- Eurovision explained, as the contest is shadowed by Israel
Popular articles
- Siblings trying to make US water polo teams for Paris Olympics
- Stock market today: Global shares mixed after Wall Street's lull stretches to a 2nd day
- Haiti violence: Transitional council embraces new changes following turmoil
- Yemen's Houthi rebels claim 2 attacks in Gulf of Aden, another unreported in Indian Ocean
Recommended
This Week: Home sales, Fed meeting minutes and consumer sentiment index
Sydney Sweeney will play history
Haiti violence: Transitional council embraces new changes following turmoil
King Charles and Queen Camilla tell double
Mohammad Mokhber: Who is Iran’s acting president?
Three men sentenced to life in prison for killing family in Washington state
Twins top Mariners 6
Kevin McCloud builds his very OWN Grand Designs: TV star, 64, transforms 400
Links
- 'Wearing garden on the head' in Fujian attracts visitors
- House Speaker Mike Johnson says he will push for aid to Israel and Ukraine this week
- London Book Fair director calls for more cultural exchange
- Update on Ashlee Good's baby who was stabbed in Westfield Bondi stabbing rampage
- Athletic Bilbao celebrates Copa trophy before being held to 1
- McCutchen's 300th homer, Suwinski's grand slam leads Pirates over Phillies 9
- Paolo Banchero scores 26 as Magic clinch playoff spot with 113
- A Manic Monday in the NHL features 7 of 8 games that could affect the playoff picture
- Feature: Students in Myanmar studying Chinese celebrate Spring Festival
- Light decorations seen before Chinese Lunar New Year in Macao