Recently, actress Jennifer Lawrence — who was previously very politically outspoken — shared that she no longer saw it as useful to speak out about politics as someone constantly in the public eye.
“But as we’ve learned, election after election, celebrities do not make a difference whatsoever on who people vote for. So then what am I doing? I’m just sharing my opinion on something that’s going to add fuel to a fire that’s ripping the country apart. We are so divided,” the star told Variety.
Lawrence continued by saying that she wants to “protect [her] craft,” and that so often when celebrities speak out about their political opinions, they lose public favor and therefore can no longer continue their career, and that it “feels so wrong” to watch actresses fall from grace solely for expressing their political views. She also said that she hopes that the movies she has worked on and will continue to work on — either as a performer or through her production company Excellent Cadaver — will carry themes reflective of her political standings.
The sentiment of Lawrence’s comments is one I can almost get behind. No, celebrities don’t have an incredible amount of sway in promoting one candidate or position or another. Do I also think celebrity endorsements of candidates can oftentimes feel disingenuous? Sure. But do I think either one of these factors means that celebrities should just absolve themselves of that responsibility just because they adopt an attitude of “it doesn’t matter anyway?” Certainly not.
There is an incredible amount of privilege in being able to just remove yourself from political conversations, which I think is something that celebrities don’t always acknowledge. Being in a position where you can just say that you are no longer going to engage in political discourse because it no longer serves you in this present moment is dripping with entitlement.
The fact that Lawrence once was very politically outspoken almost makes it worse. Yes, we are intensely divided as a political culture right now, there is no denying that. But, to me, that seems like the perfect opportunity to double down and stand firm and resolute in your beliefs. People’s lives are on the line. You should be angry, and you should say that. Especially when you have unimaginable wealth and influence as an A-list celebrity. To me, it’s a no-brainer.
Choosing to no longer engage in political discourse doesn’t demonstrate that you’re trying not to contribute to polarization. It looks like only talking about politics when it’s convenient for you, and cheapens everything you’ve said in the past.
Featured photo courtesy of @UCFasimetrico, X
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