Human rights are the rights that humans are entitled to, by virtue of being human. They include the rights to life, liberty, equality, and dignity of the individual. These rights are guaranteed by the Constitution of India and the International Covenants on Human Rights, and are enforceable by courts in India.
However, some celebrities seem to forget that human rights are for everyone, not just for themselves or their preferred groups. They often make insensitive or ignorant remarks that violate the human rights of others, especially those who belong to marginalized or oppressed communities. In this article, we will look at some recent examples of such celebrity blunders, and why they are harmful and unacceptable.
Salman Khan’s Controversial Statement on Farmers’ Protest
Salman Khan, one of the most popular and influential actors in Bollywood, recently made a statement on the ongoing farmers’ protest in India, which has been going on for more than a year. The farmers are protesting against three farm laws passed by the central government, which they claim are anti-farmer and pro-corporate.
Salman Khan said that he does not understand the issue, and that he has heard that the farmers are happy with the laws. He also said that he supports the government, and that the farmers should not create problems for the country.
This statement was met with a lot of criticism and backlash from the farmers and their supporters, who accused Salman Khan of being ignorant, insensitive, and biased. They said that he has no idea about the ground reality, and that he is speaking in favour of the government because of his personal interests and connections. They also said that he is disrespecting the farmers, who are fighting for their rights and livelihoods, and who have faced violence, repression, and deaths during the protest.
Salman Khan’s statement is an example of how celebrities can violate the human rights of others by making uninformed and irresponsible comments. He failed to recognize the right of the farmers to protest peacefully, to express their grievances, and to demand justice. He also failed to acknowledge the suffering and hardship of the farmers, who are facing a crisis due to the pandemic, climate change, and agrarian distress. He also failed to respect the diversity and pluralism of India, where different groups have different opinions and perspectives on various issues.
Kangana Ranaut’s Offensive Tweets on Dalits and Muslims
Kangana Ranaut, another prominent and controversial actor in Bollywood, is known for her outspoken and provocative tweets on various social and political issues. She often targets and attacks certain communities, especially Dalits and Muslims, with hateful and derogatory language.
For instance, she recently tweeted that Dalits are not Hindus, and that they should be converted to Buddhism. She also tweeted that Muslims are terrorists, and that they should be wiped out from India. She also tweeted that she is the only true Hindu in Bollywood, and that the rest are either secular or anti-national.
These tweets are not only offensive and inflammatory, but also violate the human rights of Dalits and Muslims. She denied the right of Dalits to identify themselves as Hindus, and to practice their faith and culture. She also denied the right of Muslims to live peacefully and freely in India, and to practice their religion and culture. She also denied the right of other Bollywood actors to have their own views and beliefs, and to express them without fear or intimidation.
Kangana Ranaut’s tweets are an example of how celebrities can violate the human rights of others by spreading hate and bigotry. She failed to respect the dignity and equality of Dalits and Muslims, who are often discriminated and oppressed in India. She also failed to respect the diversity and pluralism of India, where different religions and cultures coexist and enrich each other.
Why Human Rights Matter for Everyone, Even Celebrities
Human rights are not only legal or moral principles, but also the foundation of a democratic and civilized society. They ensure that every human being is treated with respect and dignity, and that every human being can enjoy their freedoms and opportunities, without discrimination or oppression.
Celebrities, as public figures and role models, have a responsibility to uphold and promote human rights, not only for themselves, but also for others. They have a powerful voice and influence, which they can use to raise awareness and inspire action on various human rights issues. They can also use their privilege and resources to support and empower the human rights defenders and activists, who are often at the forefront of the struggle for justice and equality.
However, some celebrities misuse their voice and influence, and violate the human rights of others, either intentionally or unintentionally. They make statements or tweets that are ignorant, insensitive, or hateful, and that harm or offend certain communities or groups. They also make statements or tweets that are misleading, false, or biased, and that create or fuel conflicts or divisions in the society.
Such celebrity blunders are not only harmful and unacceptable, but also counterproductive and self-defeating. They damage the reputation and credibility of the celebrities, and alienate them from their fans and audiences. They also damage the social harmony and cohesion of the society, and undermine the values and principles of democracy and human rights.
Therefore, celebrities should be careful and responsible with their words and actions, and respect the human rights of everyone, even those who disagree or differ from them. They should also educate themselves and learn from their mistakes, and apologize and correct themselves when they are wrong. They should also listen to and engage with the voices and views of others, especially those who are marginalized or oppressed, and try to understand and empathize with them.
Human rights are for everyone, even celebrities. And everyone, even celebrities, should respect and protect human rights.
