Current location:opinions >>
VOX POPULI: Unlike Taylor Swift, few stars in Japan speak out about politics
opinions39People 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.“World Wrap news portal”。http://zambia.allesfuersjagen.com/news-97c099902.html
Related articles
Inside seven of Britain's best secret beaches
opinionsAs the weather warms up, many Britons will be beginning to plan their staycations - looking for the ...
【opinions】
Read moreFrance to FINE patients who miss GP appointments £4.30 in bid to free up millions of slots
opinionsFrance has vowed to fine patients who miss doctors' appointments in an attempt to free up millions o ...
【opinions】
Read moreMore than 200 US chemical plants must reduce toxic emissions under new EPA rule
opinionsMore than 200 chemical plants in the US will be required to cut emissions of toxic chemicals that ha ...
【opinions】
Read more
Popular articles
- China to unveil major sci
- The headphones that could ease tinnitus with a radical new treatment
- Why cat urine smells so bad: Scientists reveal what causes the unique stench
- How Lulu still looks fabulous at 75, from her skincare 'golden rule' to refusing to take lifts
- California Disney characters are unionizing decades after Florida peers
- More than 200 US chemical plants must reduce toxic emissions under new EPA rule
Latest articles
LINKS
- Boeing 737 found to have missing panel after landing
- Climate strike expected to attract thousands
- Russia arrests suspected attackers after mass shooting kills 93 at concert
- Boy, 6, reported missing in south Auckland found safe
- Boy, 6, reported missing in south Auckland found safe
- Centre that 'put Whangārei on the map' faces financial shortfall
- What the long
- Christopher Luxon, Winston Peters and David Seymour to finally meet
- RNZ's pips are changing
- Commentary: Overcapacity, a protectionist rhetoric