Current location:travel >>
VOX POPULI: Unlike Taylor Swift, few stars in Japan speak out about politics
travel3947People 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.
Tags:
Reprint:Friends are welcome to share on the Internet, but please indicate the source of the article when reprinting it.“Culture Canvas news portal”。http://croatia.mybodyonelife.com/article-19b599978.html
Related articles
From girl next door to Mrs Bezos
travelMany people may known Lauren Sanchez best as the fiance of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.The pair got en ...
【travel】
Read moreClimate activist Greta Thunberg detained twice at demonstration in The Hague
travelSwedish climate activist Greta Thunberg is arrested during a climate march against fossil subsidies ...
【travel】
Read moreHow electorate candidates funded their campaigns
travelCandidates for the Northland electorate, as a group, spent the most money vying for a seat in last y ...
【travel】
Read more
Popular articles
Latest articles
Hush money trial: Trump asks New York court to intervene in fight over gag order
Buildings shake briefly as earthquake rattles Taiwan
Alicudi: Italian island offers goats up for adoption
Department of Conservation proposes 130 job cuts
A Palestinian converted to Judaism. An Israeli soldier saw him as a threat and opened fire
Watch live: Millions across North America await total solar eclipse
LINKS
- Interview: Popularity of Chinese NEVs soaring in Europe, says BYD's Dutch partner
- German agribusiness giant Bayer confident in China's seed industry
- China's PPI down 2.7 pct in February
- China's Xiaomi releases its first self
- China's 2024 GDP growth goal achievable via enhanced efforts: official
- China In Perspective: Confidence, certainty and potential behind China's 2024 growth target
- Chinese carriers allowed to operate more flights to US
- China's central bank adds liquidity via reverse repos
- China In Perspective: Confidence, certainty and potential behind China's 2024 growth target
- Green shift places remote northeastern Chinese city in spotlight