While American Celebs Slam Trump, Our ‘Stars’ Need to Speak Up Too

I would want to see more steam in Indian celebs like what I see in the US, writes Harish Iyer.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump holds a campaign rally in Green Bay, Wisconsin, U.S. (Photo: Reuters)

We live in a country where an American award winning popstar becomes the most downloaded artist on many Indians’ iTunes. Where a burger, if even unhygienic and lukewarm, from the USA becomes the meal of choice of several Indians. Guilty as charged! So, naturally, something as important as the presidential campaign of the USA becomes a topic of profound interest to us Indians. Especially, since there is a man contesting in it who is a joke to best put it.

Sexist, racist, narcissistic, xenophobic, what not can be said about Donal J Trump? A lot of it, in fact, has been said already and is being said in the now. By me, by my friends, by ordinary citizens of the USA but mostly, by its admirable celebrities – mostly film stars. It is a joy to be able to see such participation in that country when it comes to public discussion. And it hurts me to see this void in my own country. Not that discussion is absent altogether, but its not sufficient and, certainly, void of celeb participation.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump lights a diya before delivering remarks to the Republican Hindu Coalition. (Photo:AP)

Celebrities have the power to influence opinions of the multitude. One might argue, why should they want to do that at all? Well, in some cases, the do need to! In cases such as this – where the future of the global super power will be in jeopardy in the hands of a destructive man! Such men can misguide the people and in such circumstances celebrities hold the power to come to their rescue. I wonder. . . when will such celebrities be present in my own country.

Post the second USA Presidential debate, a tape of Donald Trump, in what he termed “locker-room talk,” was leaked wherein he disrespected women. Post this (not that before it people regarded him any highly) a myriad public figures came out in sharp scrutiny of the Senator. Of these, Tom Hanks called the chat in the tape as not just locker-room talk and expressed his disappointment by claiming that he was “offended as a man.”

Equally celebrated actor, Robert de Niro reprimanded Donald Trump in a powerful video and claimed that he’d “like to punch Trump in the face.”

As a powerful message to the Republican candidate, USA TV series, Orange Is The New Black cast and crew, recently sported shirts reading “Vaginas Against Trump.”

What a powerful message! This TV series very positively depicts alternate sexualities and female empowerment and a message from its members is worthy of paying serious heed. Kudos to the girls! Especially since their message is against a candidate who thought it appropriate in a “locker-room talk” to mention he could grab any woman he found attractive by her genitals. Utter shame!

Talking of sexuality, one of the aforementioned TV series’ actor, Laverne Cox, who is an out and proud trans woman declared in a moving video her support for Hillary Clinton, suggesting the candidate was the only one who could be trusted to fight for minority rights.

And I am in complete agreement with Laverne! Also recently, in a highly educating video, pop-singer Kesha spoke in support of voting for equality with respect to LGBT rights.

She said, “Equality is everything. In this election, especially, you’re choosing between someone who’s promising to build walls and someone who’s hopeful. If those are my two options, I definitely want to go with hope.” What a thing to say! I go for hope too.

Here is a video of hers in a much lighter vein.

We need to acknowledge that in America, you could have Jennifer Lawrence saying “Hey Trump, Fuck You!”, one really cannot imagine the same happening in India. We will have some sena breaking property, some party blackening faces, and messages like “if you do not support Indians, go to Pakistan”. Though I am not a Salman Khan fan, I agree with the views of my colleague – Suresh Mathew here, about the way an issue is blown out of proportion whenever a celebrity in India speaks up.

But , let’s speak about people who are our supporters and in powerful positions and in close proximity with the government today. Whose voice, I guess, the government would listen to. Let me share about people I know for sure have their heart in the right place when it comes to issues like sexuality.

People like Anupam Kher, Kirron Kher have time and again stood up with the LGBTIQ community, but we were invisible when they were fighting for a seat of power in the government. Our protests are limited to tweets and Facebook updates, event sponsorships. Or better, quotes in leading newspapers.

While, I don’t think confrontation, but collaboration and dialogue is the solution. I would want to see more steam in Indian celebs like what I see in the US.

Let’s begin with our Queer-friendly celebrity MLAs and MPs. What say?

(Harish Iyer is an equal rights activist working for the rights of the LGBT community, women, children and animals. ‘Rainbow Man’ is Harish’s regular blog for The Quint)