Current location:opinions >>
VOX POPULI: Unlike Taylor Swift, few stars in Japan speak out about politics
opinions76762People 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.“Starry Scope news portal”。http://iran.lochsaege.com/news-19b999978.html
Related articles
OpenAI pauses ChatGPT voice after Scarlett Johansson comparisons
opinionsNEW YORK (AP) — OpenAI says it plans to halt the use of one of its ChatGPT voices after some users s ...
【opinions】
Read moreExplainer: Why foreign leaders prefer other Chinese cities over Beijing as first stop of China trip?
opinionsChina, the world's third-largest country by territory with a population of over 1.4 billion and a ri ...
【opinions】
Read moreDick Van Dyke earns historic Daytime Emmy nomination at...
opinionsDick Van Dyke has become the oldest Daytime Emmy nominee in history at age 98.The actor was nominate ...
【opinions】
Read more
Popular articles
- Cruise worker 'murders newborn son on board ship': Shocked co
- Explainer: What do new productive forces mean?
- Jersey Shore: Family Vacation: Sammi 'Sweetheart' Giancola and ex
- China prepares to launch relay satellite Queqiao
- Georgia Republicans choose Amy Kremer, organizer of pro
- A new, stable fiscal forecast for Kansas reinforces the dynamics of a debate over tax cuts
Latest articles
Yu Darvish extends scoreless innings streak to 25 in Padres' 9
UK cuts national insurance contributions for workers in spring budget
U.S. stocks end mixed ahead of inflation data
Letter from China: Exploring the hustle and bustle of south China's border ports
The fightback begins: Boss of London's Queen Mary University tells pro
Pasquantino, Melendez homer as Royals win 9
LINKS
- Bee Game: Dodgers and Diamondbacks delayed due to bee swarm
- Sam Fender drops a major hint about his upcoming third studio album
- Google and Apple now threatened by the US antitrust laws helped build their technology empires
- Rangers' Jon Gray holds Nationals to 3 singles over 8 innings in a 7
- Nadal plans to play in Rome after a ‘positive’ week in likely his last Madrid Open
- China highway collapse kills 19 in Guangdong
- Rockies become first to team to trail in opening 29 games, waste 5
- Bachelor runner
- Lionel Richie, 74, and girlfriend Lisa Parigi, 34, enjoy dinner date in Los Angeles
- Rantanen scores twice in the 3rd period to lead Avalanche past Jets 6