Movements like "Blockout 2024" shed light on the ignorance of celebs

There's a good chance you've heard about the conflicts that are happening in Israel and Palestine. You might have heard of the horrendous war crimes committed against innocent civilians, killing thousands. No matter where in the world you're reading this from, that sentence alone should raise concern.

With everything happening across the globe, it's easy to feel disconnected and useless from the point of view of an average citizen. That's why it's important to grant people who're in the spotlight -- actors, singers, authors, and well-known artists -- a chance to respond to or raise awareness of the situation. It's possible their contribution of just a mere a post could provide thousands of dollars in relief fund money to those whose lives are damaged by the war.

However, that's not usually the case. Throughout June and July of this year, many dedicated fans of certain artists like Taylor Swift or Billie Eilish were upset with their lack of support for the countries affected by the tragedies. On the flip side, several content creators banded together to create a fundraiser labeled "Creators For Palestine." Collecting funds to donate to those in need who've suffered immense loss because of the disputes in Gaza.

Still, those creators can only pull so much weight. Their platforms can only extend so far. Which begs the question, why don't these celebrities want to help? Innocent people are being bombed every day, and they decide to look the other way.

It's truly disappointing that someone would choose to use their fame to only increase their fortune. The MET Gala, an oversaturated display of grandiose fashion and wealth, occurs once a year, typically in early May. The tickets to attend this gala cost roughly $75,000. A chunk of money like that could pay, approximately, 5 undergraduate students' tuition at UI.

Understandably so, this frustration grew as on the day of the Gala a horrific bombing took place as Israel declined a ceasefire. This culmination of events leads to the public spread of the social media movement "Blockout 2024."

"Blockout 2024," was a social media movement led by those fans who were irritated and hoping for more from their beloved idols. The purpose of it being: if you can give someone fame, you can certainly take it away. Or at least raise panic in their PR managers, force them to make a statement, and bring awareness to the status of those overseas.

Despite the effort, not much meaningful change was made, and most notable celebrities continued to fly under the radar, never using their platforms for this cause.

When the results weren't satisfactory, people started to become increasingly more aggravated. Some accounts were asking "Why don't they care about us?" Others began questioning the integrity of these famed people. All concluding with the largest mind-boggler of them all, what could be accomplished if they helped?

Living such privileged lives, it's appalling to see this elite class choose blissful ignorance over being proactive. In another light, it's important to consider famous personalities and their place in politics. Where do they fit? Should they be swaying votes? Sitting in on United Nations board meetings?

In this situation, reality outweighs fantasy and the TV shows where we watch these high profiles. There's conflict and destruction across the globe, and it's up to each individual to feel compulsion to help. If it's a matter of reputation, that's a poor excuse for helpless lives that are on the line, trapped under buildings, being gas bombed in the streets and fleeing their homes.

Find it in your heart, somewhere in your conscience to consider these words carefully. What service are they providing if not a distraction from the issues in your life and their own? Everyone has a part in creating a peaceful world, and celebrities acting like nothing is happening isn't conducive to enacting that peace.