Robinson states in her book You Cannot Touch My Hair, "So because I, like many of my friends and family, am on the receiving end of racism, and I, unlike many of my friends and family, have a platform-stand up comedy and writing-it only makes sense to use it to effect some positive change when it comes to racism" (xxiv). Robinson, in my opinion, is doing a moving and powerful thing by using her platform to spread awareness and bring to attention racism in today's world. I am aware that when you are a celebrity, writer, comedian, etc. you are almost always in the spotlight. So when these people use their platform to illustrate their beliefs and morals, I find it brave and courageous, and I think we need more people, like Robinson, doing this.
With that being said, for this blog post I would like to shine the light on a celebrity/comedian that I closely follow who also uses his platform towards positive changes in the world. Kevin Hart, who is a stand up comedian and actor, has always been very vocal with his opinions and beliefs, which is something I've always admired of him from a fan point of view. As well as his hilarious stand up comedy shows on Netflix. Hart has especially used his platform recently, regarding the tragic death of George Floyd and the injustice that took place. While he hasn't written a book about racism like Robinson, he has used his social media platform to communicate and express his feelings and condolences towards the matter.
Hart states on Twitter, "Be apart of the conversation of change....we want and need change. The system is flawed and needs to be corrected. The police need to be policed....we need laws in place that will give us the safety that we as people deserve. Stop ignoring the PROBLEM."
Hart has also posted a video on Instagram as well as Youtube discussing the situation and his feelings towards the subject.
While Kevin Hart has not taken his beliefs and feelings towards racism to the extreme by writing a book such as Robinson, he still makes it a priority to use his platform as a voice to the people that surround him. In other words, to his 92 million followers on Instagram and his 24 million followers on Twitter. Im attaching the link to the first video Kevin Hart posted regarding the passing of George Floyd. (keep in mind this was posted May 31st). He has now posted other videos following this if you would like to look them up, you can find them on Youtube!
https://youtu.be/wKPBvM198Cg
I too am a big fan of Kevin Hart! While most of the celebrities tend to preach from their million dollar mansions, I feel there are a few, like Kevin Hart, that keep it real. I do agree with you that celebrities have the platform to speak their minds and tell us their views on hot topic issues however, they offend are out of touch with the common average Joe's. They can't honestly relate to the everyday struggles that the average citizens have to deal with on a daily basis. I also feel that they are all talk and no action. Don't talk the talk if you can't walk the walk! I'm not saying all celebrities fall into this category but a lot do. I would just like to see more get involved and put their words into action.
ReplyDeleteYou make a good connection between Robinson and Hart, Cara. Nicely done. I haven't really followed him too closely, but like I said, you show how he uses his platform well.
ReplyDeleteI haven't followed Kevin Hart very closely either, but I like how you connected him to Robinson in the idea that they both use their status and spotlight in the public eye to speak out against issues of racism. Now, more than ever, it is particularly important for EVERYONE to use their privilege, their spotlight, their platform (whatever it may be) to speak out against issues of racism in the US especially but across the entire world. If you're interested in seeing another particularly moving example of this watch John Boyega's incredibly moving speech:
ReplyDeletehttps://youtu.be/GGXEB25WdyQ