DEW Magazine #36 Stellar Issue Spring 2020. In the midst of crisis, the rich and the famous went to great lengths to prove that they’re just like us. Therefore, this issue was inspired by the impact and implications of their actions during self-isolation.
We all know if in difficult time like this, being popular does not just mean living a rich, lavish lifestyle anymore; but being some of the world’s largest advocates for our society today. Wherever you go, you will constantly hear about popular culture and what is new with whom. These people have a tremendous influence on our world’s society more than you could imagine.
A wise man from a very famous superhero movie once said, “with great power comes great responsibility.” And it is in times of crisis such as this, you get to see a person’s (or an institution’s) true colour, you get to see how they well enact their social responsibility. What we have, be it in the form of financial and technical assistance, or skills and expertise, we must share. So if all we have is our social presence, we need to use it to the best of our knowledge. That, my friend, is what being socially responsible really means.
The illusion that celebrities are just like us is especially intoxicating now that so many of us are grounded in our homes, stymied by a virus that doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor, famous or obscure. And just like us, celebrities are flawed and often oblivious to the impact — and implications — of their own actions. The difference is that a lot more people are paying attention to what they say and do. At their best, celebrities can actually use their massive platforms to champion the messaging from public health officials, amplify charities doing good work, and spur personal action. But at their worst, they highlight the deeply entrenched inequalities in our country. The kind of trite, feel-good sing-along videos that might have seemed like harmless silliness a month ago suddenly feel like adding insult to injury. And right now, we’re all just trying to get better.
CREDITS
Cover story Saila Kunikida in Fauvirame
Photography Toshiaki Kitaoka
Styling Maki Maruko
Hair Satomi Suzuki
Make-up Shino Ariizumi