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Power of The Platform Natalie Ales
Our world has become one of many idols. We look at the actors in films with reverence because they make us feel emotions we didn’t know we could feel. We worship the models who showcase the latest exquisite collections on their perfectly tanned, toned bodies delicately placed beneath their flawlessly smooth skin and perfectly sculpted hair. We strive to be like the author or musician who is able to say everything we’ve ever wanted to say with a simple melody or phrase. We, as an audience, have the utmost respect for these artists and yet, for some reason, there is a stigma
their two cents in. While that does make sense in the respect that they do live in a very different America, that doesn’t mean that these people shouldn’t be using their fame for good. Art is a form of expression. It’s using creativity to express ideas. It is sharing opinions in the best way that artist knows. It’s using the skills these people have to make a difference just like people in government positions use their talents to try and do the same. On one hand, like everything else, there is a time and place where these commentaries are appropriate. Making a statement during a specific speech or song or
as a whole have taken on a whole new role other than swimsuit model and television host. Much like almost every award show this award season, New York Fashion week was absolutely filled with political commentary. Designers such as Christian Siriano and Ashish Gupta used their clothing to make blatant statements, while those such as Diane von Furstenberg and Calvin Klein made efforts more symbolic, like apin or bandana, rather than obvious. Whether the designers were speaking out themselves in interviews or bringing their views to life visually through clothing, Fashon Week was about more
that they cannot and should not use their platforms to make a commentary on political or social issues. As if because these people’s careers aren’t government funded or their names aren’t followed by a series of letter abbreviations, their opinions and beliefs aren’t valid.
performance is one thing, however, turning an entire awards show into a political rally is another. On the other hand, who is to tell these artists that they cannot do and say just how they feel or what they see fit?
than simply fashion and that’s a good thing.
The idea of artists using their platform to make a statement is a controversial one. After starring in the highly political and highly patriotic film “Patriots Day,” Mark Wahlberg made a statement to Task and Purpose Magazine, a magazine geared toward United States veterans, about how Hollywood should stay out of politics. Stating that because they live in this Hollywood “bubble” so to speak, they are out of touch with the common public. They have a completely different understanding of politics and what it’s like in average America and therefore they should not be putting
These people are exactly that: people. Just like everyone else has opinions and beliefs,so do these famous people. Take celebrities like Chrissy Teigan, for example. She is a model, a television show host, a wife, and a mother. But on top of all of that, Chrissy is known for her hilariously open and honest 120 character posts where she uses her platform to unabashedly and unapologetically share her thoughts and opinions on virtually every topic. With millennials getting the majority of their information from media outlets like Twitter and Facebook, people like Chrissy who are sharing these raw statements about politics and society
There is no reason that the merging of art and culture with political and social matters should be bad or intimidating or something that should evoke fear. Art should be all about asking questions and starting conversations. If millennials are not going to listen to the people with the degrees on these topics or those who have dedicated their lives to political and social commentaries such as these, why would the people they do look up to be shamed and told to be silent for helping to inform them? The best thing that could possibly happen in America right now is conversation. What the world needs most right now is art. Why would we silence the people who are giving that to us? Art is creativity. Art is expression. Art is a statement.