Current location:business >>
VOX POPULI: Unlike Taylor Swift, few stars in Japan speak out about politics
business288People 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.“Global Grandstand news portal”。http://somalia.liveandunplugged.org/content-31b699964.html
Related articles
What's next for Iran after death of its president in crash?
businessJERUSALEM (AP) — The death of Iran’s president is unlikely to lead to any immediate changes in Iran’ ...
【business】
Read moreUS security alert warns Americans overseas of potential attacks on LGBTQ events
businessWASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department renewed a global security warning Friday for Americans overse ...
【business】
Read moreYoung, Wilson post double
businessLAS VEGAS (AP) — Jackie Young and A’ja Wilson both scored 22 points and finished with double-doubles ...
【business】
Read more
Popular articles
- Russian theater director and playwright go on trial over a play authorities say justifies terrorism
- EU changes pace on migration and asylum policy
- I masterminded the plot to blow up Lord Mountbatten: Ex
- Sharon Stone, 66, wants her 'acting career back' more than 20 years after suffering stroke
- Devout Christian doctor, 68, who punched dementia
- Netflix fans blast new rom
Latest articles
What's next for Iran after death of its president in crash?
Most water is now safe to drink after parasite outbreak near Devon, England
Alaves beats Getafe with both in mid
Tunisians stage anti
Liverpool confirms Arne Slot as Jurgen Klopp's replacement
Bizarre moment RADAR picks up a structure above 'UFO hotbed' during rocket experiment
LINKS
- Analysis: How Inter Milan won its 20th Serie A title and Inzaghi his first as coach
- Pictured: Wealthy estate agent, 60, with lover, 54, he is accused of murdering at luxury five
- Lowry, Connor propel Jets to 7
- Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice: Lose his arm or lose his life
- Gelof hits a 2
- No charges yet in weekend crash that killed 2 siblings at Michigan birthday party
- Olympiakos wins first European title for Greek clubs in UEFA Youth League final
- Met officer admits dispersal order 'breached by Tommy Robinson at march against anti
- Sleeping bags at the ready... MPs and peers dig in for late
- Man who attacked police after storming US Capitol with Confederate flag gets over 2 years in prison