My remix video is at the bottom of this post. You can also click here to view. .gif
Social responsibility is an inherent feature of power and influence, or at least it ought to be. For celebrities with millions of instagram followers, hit songs, and lead roles in block-buster movies, their power lies in the support that the general public gives to celebrity culture. In short, Celebrity Culture is society’s obsession and perpetuation of celebrities’s personal lives on a global scale, effectively disconnecting them from the real world a.k.a the general public. The mere existence of paparazzi and tabloids testify to how disconnected celebrity culture is from real world issues. In the same week and from the same publication, one headline can be about Kendall Jenner not having a wardrobe malfunction while another headline tackles Russian imperialism over the Ukraine. Clearly, there’s a disconnect, and in times of crisis, it often ends up that the general public suffers while those in power take shelter million dollar mansions. Despite their means to make a difference, some celebrities choose to put a bandaid on a gaping flesh wound.
There’s a clear division in priority, and as consumers, we are a part of the problem. Celebrity culture is all about parasocial relationships, which are one-sided, virtual connections that fans feel to a given celebrity. As a fan and consumer of media, we need to be cognisant of how those in power treat us. When we don’t, celebrities will give us videos like this (embedded below) during a global pandemic. Once again, the sheer disconnect from real world issues is what makes celebrity culture so one-sided against the general public.
I chose this video to remix because I feel that celebrities with strong platforms need to play their role in providing aid to those afflicted by crisis. Gal Gadot might play Wonder Woman, but Wonder Woman would never release a poorly created rendition of a song written by an abuser in response to a global pandemic. Instead, she would find sustainable ways through which essential workers and medical professionals can be supported. Maybe not, but my point still stands: as world citizens with large platforms, celebrities have a responsibility to use their resources and influence to help those who are suffering. .gif
I pulled from a variety of clips that demonstrate how multifaceted of an issue the virus is. From hate crimes, to underpaid essential workers, to virtual funerals, all the way to mass graves at home and abroad, celebrities had a multitude of issues they could have substantially addressed. By juxtaposing the ironically serious facial expressions and poor singing of the celebrities with the real world issues presented by COVID-19, I wanted to highlight how the general public should not accept these sort of publicity stunts as support and solidarity.
But celebrity culture can be used for good. I also chose screenshots of different headlines that showcase the many good things that celebrities are able to do during times of crisis. From Russel Wilson, to Dolly Parton, to Cardi B- the range of issues they address is as diverse as their careers. Furthermore, with an actual doctor singing alongside these headlines, I wanted to create some irony between both halves of the video. With a doctor singing and celebrities contributing substantial aid to the general public, it’s the exact opposite of the first half. .gif
This remix is not to say that celebrity should cease to exist- I sincerely believe it has its place in inspiring people to be better. Regular people, their fans, are their livelihood. When everyday people that support them are suffering, celebrities share some responsibility for society’s well being. As consumers, we need to think critically and demand better from celebrities when they drop publicity stunts like this. We deserve better than performative activism, so let’s hold our idols accountable.
Sources:
Alfred Bordallo // ASCJ 200 