VOX POPULI: Unlike Taylor Swift, few stars in Japan speak out about politics
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.
Related articles
Mother throws her disabled six
A mother has thrown her disabled six-year-old son into a crocodile-infested river where he has repor2024-05-08Thunder brushed off questions about youth, inexperience, in first
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The Oklahoma City Thunder entered the playoffs facing questions about their relat2024-05-08Jeff Bridges, 73, returning for Tron: Ares nearly 42 YEARS after original Disney sci
Jeff Bridges is poised to reprise his role for Tron: Ares, marking his third appearance in Disney's2024-05-08Celtics' Porzingis leaves playoff game in Miami with right calf tightness
MIAMI (AP) — Boston center Kristaps Porzingis left the Celtics’ playoff game in Miami on Monday nigh2024-05-08Giro leader Tadej Pogacar finally takes it easy in Stage 4. Jonathan Milan takes a sprint victory
ANDORA, Italy (AP) — On the fourth day of his first Giro d’Italia, Tadej Pogacar finally took it eas2024-05-08Man United's ENTIRE squad 'is up for sale'
Manchester United are open to selling the majority of their squad in an explosive fire sale this sum2024-05-08
atest comment