Celebrity activism and government’s response to it

Synopsis:  The MEA’s response to celebrity activism is fair. But its global reach has to go beyond majoritarian representation.

Introduction 

The tweets by international pop singer Rihanna and climate activist Greta Thunberg on farmers’ protest created a huge stir.   

• In response, The Minister for External Affairs tweeted about motivated campaigns targeting India. It also said that India has the self-confidence today to hold its own. However, MEA’s reaction has come under criticism, inside and outside Parliament. 
• On the one hand, The hashtag activism was welcomed by the protesting farmers’ associations. However, some Indian film and sports stars tweeted that policy matters are internal to the nation. 

How is celebrity and Twitter activism used globally?

Celebrity activism over human rights is now an established tradition the world over. Twitter diplomacy is a fairly new phenomenon in India, but it is for the MEA to decide how foreign policy is best conducted. 

1. Firstly, the world of celebrities is firmly rooted in international relations. It has helped in the growth of global civil society opinion and action. Many Indian film celebrities such as Rajinikanth and Kamal Hasan have engaged in such activism. 
2. Secondly, many celebrities become a member of Rajya Sabha or receive national honors. It is because political parties also seek to convey their messages to the masses through their chosen celebrities. 
3. Thirdly, the United Nations makes celebrities its goodwill ambassadors. Many celebrities are used as brand ambassadors for corporates. For example, the Gates Foundation has engaged in supporting AIDS sufferers in India, and elsewhere.
4. Lastly, there is a growing public trust in the image of the celebrity as a rescuer of victims.

However, celebrity activism has its downside as well. Sometimes they promote ill-informed solutions and glamourizes populist policies, which results in misinformation among the public.

What should India do?

• The MEA should extend its reach beyond majoritarian representation to the minority. It has a different opinion from the masses. 
• The government should create a wider constitutional trust among the Public. It requires a focus beyond governance and development.
• All citizens have a fundamental constitutional duty to reject violence and develop respect for India’s diverse culture.
• These duties apply equally to the protesters, citizens, government or Opposition, the media, or state and party actors, etc. 

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