Social media users are on the rise: Kick start boycott of celebrities who are said to remain silent on the Gaza war
The latest movement, known as the celebrity block list, has gained traction online, with the hashtag #Blockout2024 trending.
Users are sharing videos compiling lists of celebrities and influencers to block en masse as a response to their perceived inadequate reactions, or lack thereof, to the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Sudan.
The conflict has drawn international condemnation for its apparent violations of international humanitarian law.
What is ‘Operation Blockout’?
Online critics argue that events like the annual Met Gala, where elite figures from the fashion world showcase their extravagant and avant-garde styles, highlight the disconnect between such opulence and pressing social issues.
As attendees dazzled in dramatic attire embellished with crystals and florals, protests in support of Palestine were underway just blocks away in New York City.
This juxtaposition sparked the inception of what became known as ‘Operation Blockout’.
Tiktok users such as @blockout2024, who is credited with founding the celebrity blocking campaign, have called out several of the world’s biggest names who are deemed as complicit.
From Kim Kardashian, Taylor Swift to Justin Bieber- users did not hold back on who is alleged to be blamed.
In one video Blockout2024 posted on TikTok, which has since accumulated over a million views, he said that followers have “full control of celebrities’ money and lives”.
“When we hate on them, they make money. When we praise them, they make money. But when we block their social media accounts and completely forget their names, they lose it all,” Tiktoker Blockout2024 said.
“The amount of attention we give them and the amount of engagement we give them is their direct currency. Take it from them.”
Celebrities will be unable to earn ad revenue by significantly reducing their followers. According to users, who say will pressure celebrities into highlighting Palestine and Sudan.
Jenny, a Tiktok user from Vietnam. She told The New Arab that “the genocide going on in Palestine” prompted her to take part in the campaign.
“The algorithm of Tiktok allows anyone, disregard of age, sex or societal status, to be able to go viral. As long as their content aligns with the interest of other users.
“I’ve never been able to comprehend the power of social media. Not until I saw a whole movement to support Palestine, Congo and Sudan started off from TikTok.
The 22-year-old Tiktoker reiterated that with power comes responsibility. Moreover adding that celebrities’ silence has cost the miseducation of humanitarian crises taking place worldwide.
“The Met Gala 2024 was an event that depicts the imbalance of power & resource distribution in our society.”
