“The 360” offers a variety of viewpoints on the day’s major stories and debates. As Israel’s assault on Gaza persists, celebrities have become involved in the conversation, with some expressing support for Israel and others calling for a ceasefire in order to end the violence. Politically charged posts on social media have led to both support and criticism of celebrities like Amy Schumer, Gigi Hadid, and Selena Gomez.
The question is raised as to why stars feel the need to speak out on contentious topics when their views may alienate portions of their fanbase. Some argue that celebrities should be seen as regular citizens, and that their opinions are no more valid than anybody else’s. Others believe that celebrities can use their platforms to ignite political change, such as impacting voter turnout or raising awareness for global crises.
Many people view celebrities as friends and expect them to share their views. There is also societal pressure for everyone, not just celebrities, to publicly express their opinions in moments of political turmoil. However, some believe that some celebrities may miss the mark with their statements, potentially causing more harm than good.
Some argue that it’s hard for anyone, including celebrities, to stay silent on such heartbreaking events, and that doing so may be seen as condoning bad behavior. Others, however, suggest that silence can sometimes be more powerful than a rush response.
