Press "Enter" to skip to content

Hip to be hypocritical in Hollywood

Do as I say, not as I do.

This must be an unspoken rule in Hollywood, because celebrities are absolutely notorious for preaching one thing and doing the complete opposite. Several prime examples occurred last Sunday at the Oscars, but fans quickly dismissed these contradictions, while haters pointed them out.

Leonardo DiCaprio won his first Oscar, and many critics were quick to praise him on his ability to use the special moment to promote social awareness about a cause close to his heart: environmental concerns.

But those of us who aren’t under the spell of America’s sweetheart were on standby with a montage of pictures showcasing DiCaprio partaking in the exact activities he just publically stated he opposes.

He spoke of the harmful effects of man-made global warming and greed with urgency, yet he comfortably vacations in the French Riviera or Caribbean on luxurious yachts, which are powered by twin diesel motors.

Even the Oscar host took part in the hypocrisy. Chris Rock said he was understanding of the
#OscarsSoWhite controversy and boycott, yet his jokes throughout the night undermined his seemingly supportive stance. It’s difficult to sprinkle serious matters amongst a joke-filled monologue, but the head-on method served a greater purpose in realizing the extent of the issue at hand.

Whether or not Rock was ridiculing racism or dismissing it, the stunned silences and gasps from the crowd were far more powerful than his confusing attitude toward diversity in Hollywood.

And Mark Ruffalo isn’t going to get off easily, either. The actor said he was in support of the Oscar boycott, but ultimately attended the Oscars and eagerly took the stage when his movie “Spotlight” won Best Film. If he felt that passionately about the injustices of white privilege, he wouldn’t have attended.

The same can be said about the whole slew of celebrities who vote Democratic and urge income equality, but their net worths are obscene. Why do you hate the system that made you rich in the first place? The majority of the Democratic party include the likes of the über rich or über poor because the rich can afford to only concern themselves with idealistic social plans, and the poor will benefit off them.

Michael Moore is one of those people who publicly condemns capitalism but is in fact a capitalist himself. With nine homes, a private plane and net worth of $50 million, it’s hard to assert yourself as a common man and get away with it. The same can be said about Bruce Springsteen, who advocates a division of wealth but also claims his acreage near his New Jersey estate is a farm, so he doesn’t have to pay enormous taxes.

Some of my personal favorites are from the likes of those celebrities who aren’t even trying to be hypocritical; they’re just plain stupid.

Miley Cyrus famously announced, “drugs are for idiots, and I’m never going to be that person,” but, she is now the poster child for marijuana. Megan Fox complains about being viewed as a sex symbol because it makes her feel “powerless” and “devalued,” but continually poses in lingerie during photo shoots and willingly chooses films where her only role is to be sexy. And then we have Paris Hilton, who was a part of a campaign called ‘Vote or Die’ to encourage young people to vote, but she was never a registered voter, and ultimately failed to do so.

We have hypocrites about marriage (Dr. Phil, Jennifer Aniston), gun control (Matt Damon, Rosie O’Donnell, Toby Keith, Jamie Foxx) and PETA supporters who wear animal furs (Pink, Justin Bieber).

I know this isn’t saying much, but celebrities should be as socially responsible as politicians. They have powerful platforms, and it is their duty as prominent figures in society to speak genuinely and truthfully.

Lance Armstrong shouldn’t be preaching a “Livestrong” lifestyle while ‘roiding up. Caitlyn Jenner should not be the face of the transgender community when she isn’t in support of gay marriage.

If politicians aren’t going to be honest and neither are the celebrities, who can we confidently look to for guidance in creating and sustaining a better society?

Copyright © 2023, The Scout, Bradley University. All rights reserved.
The Scout is published by members of the student body of Bradley University. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the University.