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NEW YORK: As the coronavirus pandemic has forced populations around the world indoors, many celebrities have tapped into their star power to try to create spirits online, calling the disease a great unifier.
But expressions of solidarity have sounded for some social media users weary of content that may be well-intentioned but is the backdrop for hot tubs, fireplaces, or backyard pools.
The most recent eyes came after the announcement that some 200 celebrities and politicians, including billionaire Oprah, actress superstar Julia Roberts, and former United States President George W. Bush, would be participating in a broadcast event in live 24-hour “Call to Unite” set to begin this Friday to encourage donation to COVID-19 relief efforts.
“If only they knew people with money,” journalist Astead Herndon tweeted about the ad.
And yet, we note: More than 270 million people worldwide tuned in to a recent special star-studded marathon meant to celebrate essential workers that featured lead artists The Rolling Stones and Taylor Swift performing from their homes.
Even for those who love hate, live streaming chants and live Instagram soliloquies keep the internet captivated, perhaps temporarily alleviating the boredom of indoor living.
Whether the messages from the rich and famous fascinate or leave a bad taste, that attention remains “says more about our culture than these real celebrities,” according to Professor Cheryl Thompson of Ryerson University in Toronto.
“We may not want to admit it to ourselves,” Thompson told AFP, but “we feel that in some way they are our indicator of what we should think and feel.”
‘Out of touch’
The creative industries scholar pointed to Tom Hanks’ announcement in mid-March that he had contracted the coronavirus, saying the news convinced many people that the infection was serious.
In fact, Jenna Anderson said that the realities of the coronavirus hit her for the first time once Hanks, whom she called a “kind of national treasure,” went public with her illness.
The 30-year-old who previously lived in Australia, where Hanks was quarantined, is now isolating herself with her family in Houston.
But Anderson said that while some content has been helpful, such as descriptions of the symptoms of the stars, for example, “most of what I can think of are negative experiences in which celebrities seem to be a little out of touch.” .
The internet crashed the talk show personality Ellen DeGeneres when she joked about quarantine in her glassy California mansion, it was like “being in jail.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger blasted those who came out of the spring from his hot tub, cigar in hand, while a clique of stars led by Gal Gadot became a laughingstock after dropping an awkward cover from John Lennon’s “Imagine”, including Zoe Kravitz perched by her fireplace as others appeared. wandering around their properties.
Many stars “seem to really try to stay ahead of people’s minds in a way that seems unnecessary to me, based on my guess about how much money they have and how successful they are,” Anderson said.
Still, Thompson said, “We’ve always had the feeling that celebrities come and take us away from difficult times.”
During World War II, for example, the United States government called Hollywood stars to visit troops or promote the sale of war bonds.
Many celebrities today have deployed their wealth, including entertainment tycoon Rihanna’s donation of medical equipment to New York State and $ 5 million to various aid organizations, or Beyonce’s $ 6 million donation to non-profit organizations. .
Meanwhile, country icon Dolly Parton is funding Vanderbilt University’s research efforts for a vaccine.
Beyond cash, entertainment can calm, and Thompson predicted that the trauma of the moment could fuel a more intriguing art for years to come.
“The fight has always brought amazing creative results,” he said.
Until then, there’s a lot of celebrity content that relies less on platitudes and more on entertaining the masses by leaning towards the absurd.
Britney Spears has been offering startling comic relief including an abrupt story from the time she “burned her gym,” no one was hurt, while “Mad Men” star Jan Jones took on the role of eccentric and quarantine. a recipe for a “human stew” detox bath.
And “Jurassic Park” actor Sam Neill has been posting funny, if slightly deranged, videos, including a bit where he voices a garden gnome teaching listeners to isolate themselves.
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