I’m a big fan of both the Bollywood and Pakistan entertainment industry. Recently, in both countries of the subcontinent, actors have said some really stupid things. Things that affect not only people but mindsets as well.
A few days ago, sisters Mawra and Urwa Hocane appeared on a morning television show to promote their joint clothing venture. During a segment of the show, the elder sister Urwa said that the only reason behind depression is unhealthy eating. Mawra immediately agreed with her sister. Naturally, social media reacted. Clearly, most people were dumbfounded by their ignorance on the issues of mental health. Surely, unhealthy eating is not the only reason for depression. In fact, depression can be triggered by so many varying factors that no one can generalize why depression actually occurs.
Yesterday, I saw a video of Priyanka Chopra being confronted by a young, Pakistani girl Ayesha Malik. Ayesha called Priyanka a hypocrite for encouraging nuclear war against Pakistan while serving as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. You can read more about the context of the incident here.
Priyanka Chopra was dismissive, rude, and apathetic. Surely, this should disqualify her from being a UNICEF ambassador — a role that requires one to be an ambassador of peace and unity. Her failed patriotism not only promotes warfare but directly encourages added tension between India and Pakistan.
While I’m writing this post, I wonder if celebrities have a social responsibility? With the enormous amount of public platforms they are given, would it not make sense to promote unity, education, awareness? Especially if you are a UNICEF ambassador?
There’s a lot of celebrities who have taken the wrong side. From Kanye West supporting the ideals of Donald Trump to Argentina’s President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner mocking the Chinese accent. It seems that across the globe, some celebrities or people of power continue to misuse the platforms they are given by promoting what is morally wrong.
Thankfully we still have informed, educated people who use their social media platforms to voice what’s wrong and criticize when needed.
