It has only been a week since Donald Trump was inaugurated as US 47th president, and yet it feels as if the country has already taken a sharp turn to the worse. During his inaugural ceremony, Trump expressed worrying – but not surprisingly – feelings about deporting millions of undocumented immigrants and withdrawal of citizenship For children of undocumented immigrants.
Since Trump officially came to power we have seen Mexican Gulf actually changes within a few days to The Gulf of America. Military flights Deported Colombian migrants landed in Colombia on Sunday as part of a nationwide immigration breakdown that resulted in The arrest of at least 956 immigrants. And companies that Target has already dropped their dei -initiatives.
In the midst of the chaos, a worrying silence has fallen over them in influence, especially in Hollywood. Celebrities who were pronounced during the election – gathered behind campaigns, support candidates and encourage voter turnout – now seems to have withdrawn in the background. That was why it was so meaningful to see a very emotional response from Selena Gomez, who recently shared A tearful Instagram video about the mass deportations and effects on Mexican immigrants specifically.
“I just want to say I’m so sad,” says Gomez, who is Mexican American, while struggling to strike back tears in the video published on her Instagram story. “All my people are being attacked, the kids. I don’t understand. I’m so sorry, I wish I could do something but I can’t. I don’t know what to do. I’ll try everything, I promise.”
But after meeting the background to the video, Gomez quickly deleted the video and publishing another Instagram story that read: “Apparently it’s not ok to show empathy for people.”
Although it is unclear what exactly happened to get her to remove the video, the whole situation is extremely about – the fact that we have not seen many other celebrities or public persons who call out or even react to immigration arrests and deportations are unacceptable. Gomez was brave enough to publish his emotional truth, but the answer shows how we all have to participate in the fight and use our voices.
The silence of those who have the power is ear acting at a time when democracy itself is uncertain.
The silence of those who have the power is ear acting at a time when democracy itself is uncertain. With politics directly aimed at immigrants, people with color, women and LGBTQ+ community, now is not the time for celebrities with huge consequences to be self -satisfied. Now it is time for measures, to use platforms to reinforce truths, to keep the power to report. Unity, collective resistance and a little courage from our favorite stars are what America now needs more than ever.
Johanna Ferreira is the content director of PS Juntos. With more than ten years of experience, Johanna focuses on how intersectional identities are a central part of Latin culture. Previously, she spent close to three years as vice editor at Hiplatina, and she has freelanced for many stores including Refinery29, Oprah Magazine, Allure, Instyle and Well+Good. She has also moderated and spoken in many panels about Latin identity.
