Should Celebrities Stay Quiet?

[@TazzyPhe]

I've changed my mind since I recorded this video. At the time (which was 4 weeks ago) I thought things might be different by now- that maybe the global outcry would’ve had brought the genocide in Gaza to a halt, or at least made some difference. It is clear that it didn’t. 18,000 Palestinians have been murdered. The Gaza death toll has increased by 40 percent compared to before the “temporary humanitarian truce”. When I recorded this I aimed to add some nuance to this conversation, which to be honest, is a waste of time given what’s happening. EVERYONE should be speaking out against this horrific genocide, including celebrities who do hold a lot of power!

[@yuyu2007]

I think it can be helpful when a celebrity brings attention to a cause, but I don’t think they should be the lens through which we look at the world. Sometimes I wish they just wouldn’t talk because they don’t know what they’re talking about.

[@Amila-ym7ny]

Ok but also: I wonder if we say they dont know what theyre talking about simply bc we disagree w them. It’s easy to say they dont know what theyre saying versus this person is actively against the downfall and eradication of this group of people. Like “oh u must not know” when irl its prob just they dont care or actively do want palestinians gone as well

[@JordanJumpin]

as a viet, i honestly have more respect for muhammad ali and draft dodgers than war vets, because as much as they say there was no choice, there definitely was a choice between committing imperialism and going to jail or paying a fine

[@bootsmade4walking]

I think we should all stop paying attention to celebrities lol, like just literally start ignoring them. Why should I celebrate or pedastalize someone who I don't know and whose prestige is completely manufactured by media agencies, marketing companies, and PR firms? Like why should I care what they think and why should them being pro or anti anything "move the needle" in public discord?

[@potts995]

Easier said than done but completely agree. There are many times where I think things would be better if celebrities just stayed silent and/or instead we focused on more informed voices to gather information from, to better know who and how to hold people to account. We need to kill the cultural myth that celebrities’ opinions matter any more than anyone else’s.

[@arshiyasyeda4221]

while i do agree with you, i think the whole thing with selena saying "a post won't change anything" or priyanka chopra veiling her silence under "we don't always have full knowledge of certain issues" is is extra icky considering PC was a UNICEF ambassador for 10 years and selena has been one since 2009. (tho tbf the UN itself has revealed itself to be quite a sham now). same with taylor swift asking people to register to vote but then staying silent when the govt she (indirectly) helped to get in power is now committing genocide. i guess what i'm trying to say that it sucks that celebrities thrive on the social capital they gain when they "speak up for issues" (a catchall for any sort of activism) when they have nothing to lose but stay silent when the subjects of their so-called activism (children, in this case) are dying in front of their eyes.

[@lalalulu17]

Priyanka Chopra has always been biased when it comes to muslim issues. She tries to shield it but her islamphobia always seeps through.

[@amateursewist9505]

right, they (a very long list of celebs) already implicated themselves previously by supporting hillary clinton, joe biden, camala harris, and now when the whole world recognize them as war criminals, it seems as though it still does not bother them?

[@pawanger]

It's such a big dilemma that we have to deal with especially with social media. What is frustrating tho is when people completely deny the influence that celebs hold and the power that resides in it. In international politics entertainment (whether that be music, sports, modeling etc...) practically defines a nation's soft power. AKA the bigger those industries and international appeal they hold, the more they strengthen a country's global hold. For example, imagine how many people have immigrated to the U.S. in hopes of achieving the "american dream" that was consistently displayed in Hollywood both on and off screen? Think of how much the Kpop industry is funded by the SK government like they wouldn't do that for no reason. Whether people like it or not, whether they themselves like it or not....celebrities ARE political actors! There is so much research on this subject, one of my favorites covered the influence that comedians in particular hold in politics, really interesting yet scary.

[@jazzledazzle]

my take is that it would be an ideal scenario if celebrities with big platforms were able to show support to a cause. however, what i find frustrating is the fact that celebrities start trending for not speaking out or full on supporting genocide, and when people start directing their exasperation at them it overshadows what we should be focusing on which in this case is amplifying palestinian voices and asking for a ceasefire. like who cares if another american a list celebrity is a bystander or condones genocide? we move.

[@lindamaroney5393]

I appreciate this video. You have presented some very well thought out and precise ideas about this subject. As a 70 year old woman I don’t follow celebrities and their trends , but I am trying to be more careful about how I spend my money these days. Would knowing a celebrity’s stand on the issue in the Middle East right now cause me to change my mind about seeing their latest movie for example? That is something I shall have to think about… while I am boycotting certain products should I boycott their “products “ Thanks for this video!

[@sybil3129]

i love your efforts! And yes i do think it's probably best to boycott celebrity products as well...especially their brands such as Rare Beauty etc. For movies, it's going to be really really hard but personally i can't watch a movie which has actors etc that i have no respect for

[@safe5775]

9:40 my take is, I don’t want to support people with my money that support genocide or at the very least don’t condemn it. So I want to know where they stand if it’s related to my spending. I like rare beauty products but now I will not longer purchase items from there. Also… she’s a UNICEF ambassador and prides herself on being a mental health advocate. I think in cases where celebrities have already involved themselves in the space of human rights - they deserve to be held accountable. And the thing is - people have been outspoken against our politicians. They don’t give us healthcare or affordable living but will fund over 100 BILLION dollars to support a terrorist country. It’s not like people are just targeting celebs but seems like they’re easier to reach and can make a difference.

[@marzylarpy1090]

Yupppp. UNICEF and UN are literally jokes of organisations. And all these celebs are UN ambassadors. The hypocrisy is real. The only one who is sane might just be Angelina Jolie

[@TCt83067695]

Targeting celebrities in my view is absolute laziness. If we want universal healthcare and affordable living, then ppl need to start voting correctly. We can't act shocked and chagrined that the face eating leopards we voted for are eating our faces. Hell there is literally a politician looking to replace genocid-en Biden right very now but yall ain't ready for that conversation. Ppl are intentionally ignoring her campaign. But rage tweet at a clueless celebrity would sure change policy and legislation? Ok Hope you see where I'm coming from

[@lindseykirsten1124]

we have to take all these celebs accountable of their opinions and actions even if it means to me boycotting all the industry. i felt betrayed by selena gomez because i feel like i have a hand in her wealth, i watched her shows , i listened to her music , i followed her on instagram so that today she has money for every post she puts there. and now this money is given to voldemor+++ ( you get me) !!!! i can"t forgive myself for just being this dumb ... i m not a huge fan but it was (for me at least ) the only person that i enjoyed watching and listening to due to nostalgia , it is only today i discover that this person sees my people (arabs) as unworthy of a decent life, and she agrees that genocide is okay if you believe stongly in your stupid zionists dreams, noo thanks ,, ima get back what i gave .

[@sassysally-555ko]

Preach 👏

[@zuko_24568]

the problem with selena gomez is she just made a post complaining and made it all about herself. it would have been better for her to just be quiet about it than centre it about yourself. also she is the most followed person on Instagram a post from her can make a huge difference in shifting perspectives of her followers who are mostly younger people and will be the future generation of voters and leaders. let's not act like it won't make any difference. in an ideal world we shouldn't be idolizing celebrities but that's not the world we actually live in, in this world millions of people around the world do idolize celebrities and so what they say or do or post actually does make a difference in influencing perspectives.

[@mukhlisaf3712]

Yes it would make a difference if she actually cared about that cause but she doesn't so it's a waste of time to pressure her. Thats the point tasmin is trying to make. Bella Hadid's involvement in the movement made a difference bcuz she actually cares. Nobody made her care.

[@rabia-2079]

Other than that, years ago Selena Gomez voiced support for Palestine prior. How come these celebrities are so unhinged they find even bother reading a few articles about what's happening

[@macondiano503]

@@mukhlisaf3712 I second this! When something is said meaningfully because it comes from the heart, so to speak, it has more power long-term. Whereas someone just putting out a statement only lasts so long. We definitely saw a lot of this in the U.S. when the 2020 'racial reckoning' happened. Activism really works when that change is long-term.

[@zareenakhtar9763]

Agreed on the work Bassem Yousuf has done. May Allah reward him abundantly for his efforts.

[@Aieshoo]

Why do people place celebrities' opinions on a pedestal? Most of them are self-absorbed and overrated anyways.

[@nadia_here]

Celebrities are useless when it comes to a humanitarian crisis, most are so out of touch they only care about their wealth, fame, and what they're wearing tomorrow. The most they could do by posting anything pro-Palestinian is awareness, call to action, or the encouragement to change someone's opinion. I can't understand why people give them so much love, attention, and energy.. modern day idol worship?

[@feefs2139]

Perfectly said.

[@jfm14]

What's always baffled me is that people demand celebrities and influencers "use their platform" and then get mad about performative activism. What is the point? If they're comfortable being complicit, don't waste your time and energy on them.

[@smetrixtumblebridge2753]

Oo very good point!

[@safakng3606]

Some influencers pride themselves on speaking against injustices and subscribe to the idea that if you have a platform you need to speak up but then when there is an injustice happening ( case in point the gaza genocide right now) they're radio silence. That's why it's frustrating. It's like selective activism.

[@aamnahere6250]

I respectfully disagree on several counts even though I am not a fan of celebrity culture at all: 1) If you reduce celebrities to brands for our consumption, it entirely takes away from them their agency as human beings. Yes, I know it's hard to believe it at times but they're human beings. Extremely privileged human beings but human beings nonetheless. That means they're susceptible to the same corruption, ignorance and self serving attitudes as the rest of us. It also means that they can be genuinely committed in their activism just as the rest of us. Taking that away and turning them into objects of consumption is extremely problematic and wrong. 2) By your standard, nobody can save anyone so we should all be on our own. To be honest, boycotting a country like Israel hasn't worked in more than a decade. The BDS campaign cites South Africa as an example but conveniently forgets to mention that boycotts were not the main reason behind the dismantling of South African apartheid. It was primarily the grassroots struggle which in conjunction with the boycott movement put immense pressure on the apartheid regime and dismantled it. Celebrities do bring attention to causes. Not only that, they normalize active conversations regarding subjects that have either been forgotten or considered taboo in western societies. Without such voices, all you have is a century of Hollywood propaganda films extolling the 'virtues' of the Israeli project which has created this mess in the first place. Whether you and I like it or not, most people are more aware of what celebrities are consuming than scholars which is why they do have the power to normalize narratives unlike others. This is exactly why Israel pays a good deal and puts a lot of pressure to keep them to support their propaganda. 3) This is indirectly related to celebrities but the fact that support for Israel is so normalized in the western world is because of a few key reasons. One is that it took a long time for the proponents of Zionism to sell the Israel project in the western world. They've had a century of experience in lobbying major world powers to support them which has paid them massive dividends. Of course, a lot of Europeans were antisemitic as well and wanted European Jews to be gone from their societies as well but there was a lot of dedicated work put by those who felt an ideological affiliation to the Zionist project. On the other hand, even in 2023 there's no effort from Palestinians to counter it. You cannot expect to destroy a century of carefully planned, invested and dedicated effort to sell a racist idea to the Americans and the Europeans by simply protesting. Celebrities at least generate conversation and have the power to humanize populations who have been dehumanized for far too long. Otherwise there's hardly anyone doing anything. Even now it's Israel destroying its own self image, not any Palestinian or Arab resistance or any unified attempt at building a lobbying force.

[@TCt83067695]

Hmmm you're giving me a different perspective on the matter. But I still maintain wishing and hoping celebrities will save us is a fools errand

[@aamnahere6250]

@@TCt83067695 Of course, they can't save you but that's not because they're 'celebrities' but because that's neither their job nor can any political crises be resolved by a few statements. They're resolved by decades and sometimes centuries of grassroots work and investing in to turn the tide of oppression. Muhammad Ali was a black American boxer. His refusal to participate in the Vietnam war and to publicly state his reason is not itself responsible for the end of that horrific war. However, he displayed a lot of courage as a black man in an extremely racist country. He was willing to go to prison for it. That kind of moral courage is contagious. It inspires people across generations. Muhammad Ali himself couldn't save millions of innocent Vietnamese. But he did refuse to participate in their suffering. He did use his platform to humanize them. He did present an alternative voice. That's extremely important. When people condescendingly say 'celebrities won't save us', it's because they themselves don't want to put in the work for the cause they claim to care about. Then they push their own lack of political mobilization and commitment onto celebrities as if its their fault these issues aren't resolved. It's become a popular thing to bully celebrities no matter what they say and do. It's never good enough for anyone. If they don't speak out on Palestine, they're cruel sellouts. If they speak out on Palestine, they're still accused of being attention seeking and trivializing the subject. No nation is handed its freedom on a platter. Forget about celebrities, no one can save a people other than themselves. However, the western world is the one actively dehumanizing Palestinians so it helps a lot when the mainstream media, Hollywood or any celebrity humanizes them because the absence of that has resulted in the foundation of Israel. Zionists wouldn't have ever been able to sell the Israel project to a western audience if that audience already didn't think of all Arabs as 'backward' extremists.

[@rooks4ever]

Celebrities have 4 times as much influence as a scientist have in the West. Really scary the dynamics of change since the internet has gained more influence

[@mariametheexplorer]

First of I like your content, I’m going to say something and I’m not being rude, I’m just sharing. The reason why people are mad at Selena is the way she talk. She posted something so vague, and of course it made people mad. Like always , she posted she needs a break , she always do this when she’s getting heated and not trying to listen. Honestly, I don’t know why the public expects her to talk . She was very ignorant doing the BLM … And you’re right celebs shouldn’t speak up or be activist, but I’m mad at Beyoncé because her past songs has theme for freedom, liberation and black empowerment. And that fact she’s airing her documentary film in Isnoreal, that’s troubling… I feel like celebrities should just stay to be delusional and not being activistism into their art if they aren’t about that shit in real life .

[@maxdondada]

This may be your best video. I laughed out loud. That hunger games analogy is gold.

[@illuminatedgecko4248]

Thank you for summarizing all this so nicely

[@monieai]

I saw a video today of a woman ..little girl and little boy stuck up in destroyed building and screaming for their little brother mohammed who appears to be stuck in fire .. from what i saw i think he burned alive … i wanna cry they were screaming and yet no one is helping or stopping it

[@ryumitsurugi2088]

Thank you for being a platform for sharing the truths in our society

[@FNFNFN99KKK]

Bella Hadid isn't as loud as she used be regarding Palestine meanwhile her sister Alana lost all her Jewish friends but she has been posting since October 7th.

[@delshahid8971]

Perfectly put, something to think about deeply ! with ❤

[@lobsterbalelegesse9919]

I literally thought you were Commander Farah Karim in Call of Duty. I believe you said you was a small time actor.

[@piqueny8872]

Celebs know their paycheques will be comprised of they speak the truth plus that industry they’ll sold themselves so they have no saying. Ppl expect DJ Khaled to speak out lol he’s went to pilgrimage and didn’t know how to even pray?! What he’s going to say

[@Balgees24]

People don't have the same energy for people on the office who did they vote to do that.

[@FlowerChild65]

I don't know, I think it's good for celebs to lend their power and influences to causes, when it can be useful. Princess Diana is a good example of someone who did this well, though she wasn't just a celebrity. However, I think sometimes we expect too much of them. They are only actors/singers/etc and to expect them to be knowledgeable about all kinds of subjects is a little ridiculous. We wouldn't expect a heart surgeon or a mechanic to have all kinds of knowledge outside of their field. Also, they are all insanely rich, so they really do live in another universe where, for the most part, taking a stance on any issue costs them nothing. Even if they lose work for a time, they have enough money and it won't affect them. I think at a certain point, it's just meaningless virtue signaling.

[@beleivernew7149]

I think at least Belle and Jiji hadid have at least an obligation to talk about their fathers country

[@33rdgrandinspectorgeneral18]

Should celeberties speak out? Why would they? They sold their souls.

[@randuhhh]

7:34 cue “DO THE ROAR” 😭🤣

[@hsvr]

Celebrities can change their outlook on a dime depending on their own self interests. Muslims need to stop changing and demanding these people have opinions on certain things

[@ampersignia]

Celebrities can alter the status quo, creating desire for different lifestyles or normalizing a mindset. I think it’s unfair to expect responses about war from them as though they’re journalists/political scientists, that is absurd. If they have a personal connection like the Hadids, that would make more sense even if they posted a poor take. If the celeb posted about something like healthcare being over complicated for entertainment union members or something, and then that lifted the public’s awareness of healthcare laws in general, then that would make sense as a positive influence on society with something that they genuinely experienced.

[@tahura6017]

6:44 thats what was i thinking watching world cup yesterday

[@mooktakim]

That spit hurt

[@TheFaro2011]

I agree with everything you say. However DJ Khaled, bad taste.

[@sylviane9041]

But the thing they help with is making people aware of what is happening yes they're not saviors they won't save us but it does spread awareness to the people unaware of what's happening

[@Hadef_11]

Yeah you kinda missed in this take..media is a softpower and has huge affects on public interests, if their voices didn’t matter why people in power made us scared to speak in support of Palestine? As in blacklisting them from movies and Opportunities or when Israel doxed gigi hadid on Instagram! It matters and the least celebrities can do when a gen0cide is happening is to speak about it, I don’t want them to give me a history lesson but just to say ”gen0cide=bad, ceasefire now”

[@yeahx32p69]

Millennial take

[@mitsurismp3926]

Why is this only a conversation now though? It is a bit convenient to call out decades of celebrity worship now. Like I am sorry most of you are not Palestinian so you don’t know how invaluable these pathetic celebrities and their influence is.

[@SatansRoerhat]

💕🌈🔮

[@Hundura]

It’s definitely important to not listen to celebrities pushing for a cause, especially when they endlessly push propaganda like we see with pro-Palestine celebs. It also defeats the cause for pro-Palestinian movements when the most uneducated celebrities support it. Hamas is also the worst thing to happen to Palestine.

[@ariellekaplan707]

Pro-Israel celebs are utter morons. The most uneducated people support Israel.

[@mukhlisaf3712]

Is it really? Like maybe, just maybe, there's something worse?

[@aamnahere6250]

How is pushing for Palestinian liberation 'propaganda'? Just say you have a problem with pro Palestine celebrities. And let me remind you that Bella and Gigi Hadid have a Palestinian father who went through this trauma so what you so callously and in my opinion, pathetically described as 'propaganda' is often times their own history. People like you want everyone including celebrities to extol Israel's virtues even when it commits the crime of genocide but the moment Palestinians or those celebrities who have a heart call out their brutality, you people label them as pushing 'pro Palestinian propaganda.' It's not Palestinians spending billions of dollars on hasbara. It's Israel. And Israel is the worst thing to happen to Palestinians because Hamas didn't exist in 1948 and not for another three decades. Just because a few celebrities including Palestinian celebrities celebrate their Palestinian heritage (that has been effectively erased in the western world) does not mean they're spreading 'propaganda.' It's shameful that this kind of racist nonsense is still spread about Palestinians even in 2023.

[@mitsurismp3926]

@@mukhlisaf3712look at the amount of people killed in the past month as well as the Nakba. This is why Westerners should either never speak because they end co-opting it under the guise of concern. These people make me sick.

[@IVEaLOVE]

I get what you are trying to say, but respectfully, i disagree. Celebrities are always complaining how they are so much more than a product. They have feelings, their mental health, and that, hell, they have documentaries with tears down their cheeks and tissues in hand. They "come out" to support certain things just to get attention so yeah people will expect this. Does it sound bit like parasocial it absolutely is and celebrities and their PR teams build those relationships for monetary gain. As another commenter pointed out that i don't want my money to support currently a genocide or in general a certain thing that i morally consider unacceptable. Whether we like or not celebrities have an unimaginable power over peoples opinion, so it becomes important for them to speak up. P.S: people are not "bullying" selena gomez she made a fucking genocide about herself, and people are understandably mad. Like what you taking a break from social media will do for those innocent children being slaughtered.

[@feefs2139]

Ww should focus on our community (the ummah). The reason why Andrew Tate is such a hot topic is because he actually reverted. So alhamdullilah because of his large platform, that is a benefit for Muslims if used appropriately. Regardless of other celebritiesm's blind influence, Allah has the biggest influence. We need to stay focused on that.

[@Theinquisitiveeye]

But when people like Andrew tate converts to islam it does no benefit but tarnishes the image of Islam

[@yoohootube]

Not a benefit. Only a disgrace

[@sarahjabr4760]

I didn't watch the video I just came to say yeah they obviously won't save us but they will educate their people then these educated people will pressure their governments to at least leave us alone to save ourselves. Then here you come after it became cool to talk about the issue find something negative to say and spit it directly in our faces I was so disappointed in you when didn't talk about it back in 2014 but now I honestly wish you just kept your silence.

[@sandrasasi1538]

I never expected for celebs to be political but they all suddenly became activists and political when trump was in office. I don’t care about trump himself but the way celebs tried to change our minds to not vote for him was crazy and they succeeded. So why not now speaking up?