Priyanka Chopra Jonas, multiple-Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Usher, and ‘Dancing with the Stars’ star Julianne Hough facing criticism online after being selected as a judge on a new reality show called ‘The Activist’. What is the dispute about?
What is ‘The Activist’, of which Priyanka Chopra Jonas is a part?
‘The Activist’ is a reality show in which six contestants, divided into three teams of two each, will fight for their chosen ’cause’. Each team will be assisted by one of the famous hosts of the show.
Active teams will compete in tasks and challenges and promote their chosen ’causes’. The reward for realizing the ’cause’ will be measured by online engagement, social metrics, and input from hosts.
Whose idea was this?
The concept of the show is from Global Citizen, the website that brought Coldplay to Mumbai in 2016.
They call themselves “a movement of concerned citizens who are using their collective voice to end extreme poverty by 2030. On our platform, global citizens learn about the systemic causes of extreme poverty, the issues that lead to Take action, and earn rewards for your actions – as part of a global community committed to sustainable change.”
Global citizens have got the support of stars like rihanna, Beyoncé, Jay Z, and Chris Martin in the past.
Why are people angry?
Ever since the news about ‘The Activist’ broke out, social media has been flooded with criticism from the show’s concept and the three judges. As well as the brutal takedown, there are some real questions about the show’s premise, and what it seeks to achieve.
The show has received criticism for its “elite”, “capitalist” and “business-minded” approach, and some have called it “dystopian” and “removed from reality”.
The good news is that none of the actual workers on the show will be caught dead. https://t.co/V2iW8AKQMm
— Fatima Bhutto (@fbhutto) September 9, 2021
Pakistani writer Fatima Bhutto wrote on Twitter: “The good news is that none of the actual activists on the show will be caught dead”. British actor Jameela Jameel tweeted: “Couldn’t they have paid this incredibly expensive talent to pay and directly activate this show? Turning activism into a game and then a fraction of the much needed money’ Prize…?’ Instead of giving in, people are dying.”
Couldn’t they afford to pay this incredibly expensive talent and show this show directly to the activist cause? Turning the activation into a game and then “Rewards…?” Instead of giving a fraction of the much needed money, people are dying. https://t.co/GLCUZcGgfb
— Jameela Jameel (@jameelajamil) September 10, 2021
Georgia Democratic politician Nabilah Islam said: “It’s hard enough fighting for the issues without a bunch of millionaires dancing and singing while they decide who deserves their pieces. Who ever thought it was a good idea Yes, he should back down.”
It’s hard enough for a bunch of millionaires to fight for issues without dancing and singing while they decide who deserves their pieces. Anyone who ever thought this was a good idea should take a fucking seat. https://t.co/y5e05uuCb0
— Nabilah Islam (@NabilahforGA07) September 10, 2021
so what happens now?
nothing so far. Despite the outrage and criticism, there are no reports that the makers of the show are reconsidering.
The show will air over five weeks starting October. The names of the six contestants are not yet known.
News bulletin | Click to get the best interpreters of the day delivered to your inbox
.