Veganism reaches Hollywood

It is undeniable that celebrities are glamorized in the media and capture the attention of people around the world. While there are countless downfalls to these lifestyles, there is a possibility to utilize their status for good. Whether they truly deserve it or not, celebrities are influencers and they have a platform in which they can openly promote their beliefs.

This can easily become a dangerous situation when there are impressionable viewers and outspoken stars. There can be poisonous messages in the media and overwhelming numbers of opinions that are accessible at record speed. However, when discussing the topic of veganism, the influence can have positive results. Large groups can be reached when famous people talk or post about what they’re passionate about, creating a potential for others to expand their knowledge on certain topics.  

Similar to coming out of the theater after watching a movie and feeling like a huge life lesson has just been realized, listening to other people speak out on topics can act as a motivator to learn more.

An example of this would be Natalie Portman making a speech on veganism to thousands of student activists. She encouraged them to ‘eat how [they] believe’, and could have provoked them to critically think about veganism in a way they hadn’t before. Sometimes it is a matter of not having the information presented in the day-to-day interactions, not ignorance, so when celebrities talk on these issues it might have a bigger impact. 

Within the growing circle of vegan entertainment personalities, Joaquin Phoenix gave a speech at the Oscars on animal rights. In his speech Phoenix said, “[He] thinks when we use love and compassion as our guiding principles, we can create and develop and implement systems of change that are beneficial to all sentient beings and the environment.”. This message is one that most vegans want to live by and it is an encouragement that would be beneficial to express to an audience about the goals of veganism.

When a celebrity endorses products or television shows, there is a general gravitation or curiosity towards it. The same is consistent with veganism and the support from big entertainment icons only boosts the interest.