BIG NO TO CELEBRITY ACTIVISM
A simple dictionary definition of activism is the use of
vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change. If you are
indeed not outraged by the tear-gassing, beatings using clubs and even jailing
of activists by policemen in the force when activists take to the streets then,
a part of your humanity is missing.
Leave alone all that, my concern and take on this, is the
‘new in thing’ about activism, this is the celebrity activism. I highly condemn
this, even though it has some positive light on it, real activists should not
wait for celebrities to show up in their campaigns so that they can feel that
they will be heard. Celebrities only show up to take pictures and show off what
they are made of and thanks to technology, they post loads of pictures and
updates in their social pages and groups to be lauded by their followers for
the good work they are doing.
As one of the real activists, I say no to celebrities who
take credit for the success they are not worth. And I don’t just reduce
activism to giving of credit or to gain popularity, so don’t get me wrong. I am
just not for the bit of it where other people with their own greedy interests
join to fulfill their agendas. The #mydressmychoice campaign was one of the
successful drives which were started by a number of celebrities but the ‘real
actions’ were done by the real activists we know of. At freedom corner loads of
celebrities were present but after starting the walk into town, only the real
and true celebrities who know in the first place what made them join the walk
were present, the rest were nowhere to be seen, they had gone back to the
parking lots along Haile Selassie avenue and taken off and were perhaps
watching from the comfort of their homes.
Another take is the set of celebrities who wait till the
momentum of the walks has gained high media traffic then they show up to voice
and take dues where they don’t deserve, this is after the real activists on the
ground have gone through hell including running battles with the policemen and
women, tear gas canisters lobbied to them, some have been arrested etc.
So this goes to the real activists, the many whom I know of
who have gone through both physical and emotional torture to let their
grievances heard and perhaps make the international community hear the cry of
the poor Kenyans through their courageous actions. Let’s know the real
activists and shun the ‘selfie’ kings and queens who show up to take credit on
our behalf yet their main agenda is to gain popularity.
