When I visited the United States on business years ago, I turned the TV on in my hotel room to find popular actor George Clooney on the screen.

I vividly remember him saying to the effect, “According to the education we’ve received, criticizing the government is something like a duty of American citizens.”

It was a talk show in which celebrities answered questions from viewers.

Regarding film stars engaging in political activism, Clooney noted with complete equanimity, “Why not?”

His reaction made me feel the robustness of democracy in America.

But making political statements is obviously never a simple matter for anyone who is famous.

In fact, pop singer Taylor Swift, whose recent comments about this year’s presidential election have attracted considerable attention, has admitted in her own documentary film and elsewhere that she had agonized over whether to speak out or not.

Ever since she debuted at age 16, Swift said, she was constantly warned about “talking politics and inconveniencing other people.”

But six years ago, she’d finally had enough and publicly criticized a Republican presidential candidate.

This exposed her to ruthless online slander and bashing, but it also freed her, she recalled, as if a muzzle had come off.

It is pointed out that when an influential superstar publicly voices support for a specific politician, this creates a tricky--or even dangerous--situation.

Big-name celebrities are invariably super rich and some people worry that their political endorsements will benefit only the wealthy.

But surely that shouldn’t mean all A-listers must remain silent.

In contrast, how few prominent stars there are in Japan who openly discuss politics.

Swift said to the effect that she will continue to act, having realized it is her responsibility to take advantage of her power of influence and challenge disgustingly cheap policy pledges that are nothing but lip service.

I am bedazzled by her words.

--The Asahi Shimbun, Feb. 19

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Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.