Hi-Tech Influencer wasn’t designed as a political newsletter; however, occasionally, world politics infiltrate the subjects I explore, such as social media and technology. This latest update is particularly compelling as it has ignited a digital movement unlike any I’ve previously observed. A perfect storm of political activism, pop culture references, and mass organization has emerged on TikTok and spread to other platforms.
Currently, Israel's military actions in the Gaza Strip—which it justifies as necessary against the militant group Hamas, labeled as terrorists—stem from a 70-year conflict marked by disputed territories and significant civilian casualties, which has influenced global perceptions of the protagonists. College campuses across America are now sites of protest against these actions, with students calling for ceasefires and divestment from Israel.
Recently, U.S. Congress moved to ban TikTok, a decision heavily influenced by AIPAC, a pro-Israel lobbying group. Officially, the ban was justified by concerns over foreign influence—a paradox considering the alleged use of foreign lobbyists to sway this decision.
On May 6th, 2024, the Met Gala occurred, themed 'Garden of Time,' drawing the social elite and celebrities who paid between $75,000 and $375,000 to attend. The event’s opulence drew comparisons online to the Hunger Games’ extravagance. A viral clip from the gala featured Haley Kalil in a Marie Antoinette-esque dress, uttering “let them eat cake”—a phrase famously misattributed to the queen during the French Revolution, sparking widespread online backlash.
The TikToker @blockout2024 has sparked a new trend, blocking celebrities. This quickly gained traction, leading to extensive lists of celebrities and companies silent on the Gaza situation being circulated for boycotts. Ironically, the initiator of this campaign has faced backlash and blocks after revelations that this was a tactic to boost his own TikTok presence, with deleted videos previously focused on monetizing TikTok and aspirations to purchase a yacht.
The fallout has seen celebrities experiencing a mass exodus of followers, forcing many to confront and comment on the Israel-Gaza conflict. While some responses have been dismissed as too little, too late, figures like The Weeknd, Bambi Thug, Mark Ruffalo, and Macklemore have been commended for their genuine advocacy.
Celebrity culture has increasingly been criticized as a distraction from important issues faced by younger generations and significant global events. The rise of the 'Digitine', a digital guillotine, symbolizes a broader rejection of those who monopolize attention for personal gain. This movement, marking a significant shift in public engagement and activism, has rapidly expanded, reflecting a growing demand for authenticity and relevance in digital spaces."
If you would like to contribute to the cause I recommend Operation Olive Branch. An amazing group looking to help Palestinian families caught in this unfortunate situation.
