A new movement called “Blockout 2024” has sprung up on social media in response to public figures’ views (or lack thereof) on Palestine.
This is why countless people are blocking Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Priyanka Chopra and other celebrities on social media as part of the Blockout 2024 movement.
“Blockout 2024”
Blockout 2024 (also known as #Blockout2024, Operation Blockout, or Celebrity Block Party) is an online social media movement targeting celebrities and organizations.
#Blockout2024 advocates believe celebrities have a responsibility to leverage their massive platforms for social good. By remaining silent on the Gaza conflict, they argue, celebrities are turning a blind eye to human suffering.
The movement encourages users to “block out” these celebrities, essentially removing them from their online feeds.
This action aims to not only express personal disapproval but also to collectively pressure celebrities to address the conflict.
What caused this movement?
The origins of this movement can be traced back to early May 2024. The extravagant Met Gala, a high-profile fashion event known for its exorbitant ticket prices, took place on May 6th. The situation, combined with the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, sparked anger among social media users.
A now-viral TikTok video by influencer Haleyy Baylee (@haleyybaylee) captures this sentiment, with Khalil paying homage to the Met Gala’s perceived distancing from global issues. , sarcastically quoting Marie Antoinette’s infamous “Let them eat cake” line.
No one spoke about Israel-Palestine Conflict
The glitz and glamour of this year’s Met Gala couldn’t mask the deafening outrage over its perceived tone-deafness. While celebrities paraded extravagant outfits and exorbitant price tags dominated headlines, a world away, bombs and ammunition tore through the night sky in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
The juxtaposition was stark – a night of frivolous indulgence set against the backdrop of a devastating humanitarian crisis.
Gaza, a region already teetering on the brink, now faces the brunt of Israeli airstrikes. The human cost is staggering, with innocent civilians, especially children, bearing the brunt of the conflict.
As the fighting intensifies in Rafah, a town in southern Gaza, fears are mounting that the death toll will only spiral further.
The situation in Gaza is undeniably one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, and the outrage stems from a feeling that the Met Gala, an event celebrating excessive wealth, offered a stark contrast to the very real suffering unfolding just out of sight.
Netizens: The Socially conscious users
This group forms the core of the movement. They are frustrated by the perceived disconnect between the luxurious lives of celebrities and the suffering taking place in Gaza.
The now-viral TikTok video that criticizes this very contradiction is a great example of how social media users are driving this movement forward.
Not all participants in a movement expect celebrities to support a particular camp. Some may argue that celebrities should simply acknowledge the conflict and use their platforms to promote peace efforts.
They believe that celebrities turn a blind eye to human suffering by completely ignoring the issue.
The scope of #Blockout2024 extends beyond established interest groups.
This is a grassroots movement driven by ordinary people who believe social media stars have a responsibility to use their influence for positive change.
Beyond Silence
The movement is basically based on silence on Gaza attack and no celebrities spoke in the issue. Some iterations have targeted public figures who have expressed views perceived as pro-Israel.
Supporters of #Blockout2024 believe a more nuanced stance is needed, and have called on public figures to either advocate for peaceful solutions or criticize measures they see as problematic.
The ultimate impact of #Blockout2024 remains to be seen. But it has undoubtedly sparked discussion and debate about the role of public figures in social activism and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
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