OPINION: Resistance and Style

While no single individual controls the government, collective voices have the power to shape public opinion and mobilize voters. When celebrities with massive followings choose silence over action, they become complicit in sustaining the systems that allow political violence and other injustices. 

A recent example that comes to mind is Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)’s powerful and far-reaching presence in the United States. I believe that influential figures must use their platforms to speak out.   

On January 11th, artists from across the nation gathered in Beverly Hills for the annual Golden Globe Awards. This year, however, the night extended beyond glamour and fashion. According to “VOGUE,” many celebrities used the red carpet as a platform for protest by wearing small pins reading “ICE OUT” as part of the #BeGood campaign, largely organized by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). 

Stars such as Ariana Grande, Mark Ruffalo and Natasha Lyonne were among those who wore the pins. The message continued at other award events, as Billie Eilish and her brother FINNEAS appeared with such pins at the Grammys (“VOGUE”). 

“ELLE” reported that these pins underscored the role of celebrity advocacy, particularly in the aftermath of the deaths of Renee Good and Keith Porter, Jr. While it is tragic that such violence and protest were necessary to draw widespread attention to their deaths, the response still mattered.

This example of celebrity activism should serve as a model for public figures. With enormous fan bases, celebrities possess the unique ability to raise large-scale awareness on important issues. This awareness remains a critical step toward accountability.