Before the pandemic, celebrity culture was reaching an oversaturated peak. The high-volume and seemingly nonstop perpetuity of celebrities, along with influencers somehow, was often inescapable- Even on a worldwide scale.
The invisible glass bubble surrounding celebrities’ lavish lives is cracking, and celebrity worship culture is crumbling. It all began as the world faces a pandemic called COVID-19. Stateside we’re dealing with isolating/quarantine and everything involved in a pathetically prepared epidemic. As a result, celebrities thought this moment called for unity amongst the people in a Gal Gadot led celebrity-filled video project. Which was a bunch of rich stars singing John Lennon’s Imagine in their well-stocked Parasitic style secluded homes.
In an ironic twist, the Imagine video did bring us together; however, not how celebs expected it. The Imagine initiative comes across as another We Are the World level of pandering.
Not long afterward, wackier news from the world of celebrity.
Madonna made headlines expressing how coronavirus’ “the great equalizer” while soaking in a white marble bathtub with candles and flower petals. Not one to be left out, Elon Musk expressed these gems on Twitter. Similarly, with a tasteless opinion, Ellen DeGeneres compares self-isolating in her luxurious mansion to a “jail.” Lastly, there’s Vannessa Hudgens. Hudgens indicated THIS to her almost forty million followers via her Instagram Live (aptly followed by a blanket apology via the iPhone Notes app).
Although sites like People and Us Weekly are still holding onto their stars are just like me concept and updating their celebrity “news.” Yet as Hollywood’s elite personas host at-home based activities and quarantine concerts are now the new normal, a defiant new ripple is into effect; celebrities aren’t in command any longer.
Rightfully so, since the people on the front lines are essential workers helping us all while putting themselves in harm’s way with a lack of protection or fair wages.
Consequently, this may explain why celebs think this milieu calls for unity. Except how uniting is it to see them in their luxurious homes with all the latest amenities? Indeed a rudimental difference between the one percent and us. Even more annoying is the wealthy elite that asks for donations, honestly the nerve.
Alternatively, along with the bad, there’s some good. Nevertheless, perhaps looking to celebrities for responses isn’t the greatest. On the other hand, politicians aren’t doing their actual job to protect citizens and instead treat us like we’re expendable.
This concealed blurred line dissolves the more we realize the wealth inequality, which’s difficult to deny with every passing day. Celebrities, and somehow influencers, can get tested for COVID-19. Yet working-class and lower-income families that can’t afford, or find, testing are suffering silently. Or worse, they don’t get help until it’s too late. Now more than ever, these disparities are hard to ignore – especially in Black and Latinx communities.
Despite celebrities maintaining the facade of life before COVID-19, it’s evident with their boredom-induced Livestreams (and overall antics) are both bringing some relief (often comical/musical) but also mainly attention back to them. After all, that’s how thirsty influencers/Hollywood elite (and everyone else in between) that prosper on paparazzi “candids” flourish. The attention.
As we’re currently living through extraordinary and tricky circumstances, the rippling and deadly consequences of the Coronavirus continue. More and more people are losing their jobs every day, yet the audacity of these one-percenters continues as they ask the US to reach into OUR bag for donations or purchases.
For instance, reality tv star and endless entrepreneur Mrs. Kardashian West took to Twitter to declare that her shapewear brand pledges to donate one million to families in need. At first glance, this seems helpful, but look again, you’ll see this is another promotion for sales. Just like she’s doing now on her social media. Another day, another promotion except kind words and promos can only do so much. Conversely, the helpfulness fades once you look at Mrs. Kardashian West’s net worth. According to Google, it’s roughly about three hundred and fifty million dollars.
Intriguingly enough, some celebs are detached from actual reality or rely on being famous as their only personality trait to continue their guise and product-peddling.
Whereas others recognize that humanity’s in need and actually donate as opposed to pledges.
More than ever, regular folks should challenge this status quo since we see just how crucial every day people are. So a neverending thank you to every medical professional, sanitation worker, farmer, postal worker, warehouse/factory worker, truck driver, restaurant employee, and more. You all are the real-life celebrities and heroes we deserve.
