Advocating for Social Justice...One Instagram at a Time
When we think of the term “influencer,” we typically think of a fashion blogger promoting the newest Prada monolith boots to their following of young, medium-income, impressionable shoppers who will take a loan out or skip rent to get in on a new trend. However, influencing has recently gone further than advertising the newest anti-aging products. Celebrities like Emily Ratajkowski, Colin Kapernick, Jane Fonda, and Kim Kardashian have been making major waves in political and social movements by utilizing their large followings. More and more famous celebrities are taking a public stand for what they believe in, and the results show.
Emily Ratajkowski INSTAGRAMMING AT A PROTEST.
Actress, model, and political activist Emily Ratajkowski has been vocal about her opinions on our current society and government. She has publicly endorsed Bernie Sanders, called out Harvey Weinstein on the red carpet, and even got arrested at a protest meant to draw attention towards sexual assault allegations against government officials. However, with over 25 million followers on Instagram alone… is she on to something? Ratajkowski uses her massive online presence to demand change on a myriad of topics, whether it is #MeToo or #NoJusticeNoPeace.
via Instagram @realdonaldtrump
Not only can we loyally follow Emily Ratajkowski to view the eighth wonder of the world—her abs at the MET Gala in 2019—but also to stay educated, involved, and aware of our current political environment. Emily isn’t the only one calling attention to these issues, as other major personalities like Kim Kardashian West show up in the media. Kardashian West decided to make use of her ability to sway the majority of America into agreeance with her (sometimes, for no apparent reason) by making major changes for the wrongfully incarcerated.
She decided to take a stand for what she is passionate about, and whilst juggling her family and career, started on the path to become a lawyer. Say what you want about the Kardashian’s, but I sure as hell cannot keep up. She’s able to not only infiltrate the hearts and minds of impressionable Americans with her good looks and killer smize, but the White House as well. She met with Donald Trump in the oval office in 2018, and shortly after was able to free 17 first-time, nonviolent drug users in 90 days.
While Kardashian West is mainly thought of to be a figure in the entertainment industry (and I mean figure; check out her new shapewear line SKIMS she released in the midst of all this), she has helped repair so many lives and families in just the 3 years she has been studying law. There are many up-and-coming, dedicated, brilliant lawyers right now, but Kardashian West’s ability to utilize her enormous platform for good is what really set her apart from other celebrities. This move on her behalf got the American people talking about the injustices in the judicial system, and aware of the constant work to be done keeping the checks and balances in our government.
Young people have more power than ever, and we will only continue to be taken seriously as long as we do not stop being vocal and educated. I implore you to use your voice, whether it is on a podium in front of a crowd or condensed into 280 characters on Twitter. The current political climate is hot and with the election coming up, now is as good a time as ever! Allow yourself to be influenced to vote now, so we can save the influencing to buy expensive wrinkle cream later. However, Emily Ratajkowski would probably tell you if you vote, you’ll never get wrinkles.