North Texas Daily

Australia has been hit with terrible wildfires that have left 28 people dead and more than 2,000 homes destroyed. The fires have been burning since the start of fire season in June 2019 and are still burning. Tragically, Australia’s entire ecosystem continues to be destroyed by the fires. 

In early December, news got out on social media about the fires happening and the destruction it is causing to Australia’s ecosystem and wildlife. Celebrities used their platforms and activism to urge people to give back to Australia. 

However, some of these same celebrities that are encouraging everyone to dip into their pockets and give back are the ones that seem to not pull out their (bigger) checkbooks to help. This begs the question if these celebrities are doing this sincerely or just trying to use this very real issue as an elaborate PR stunt.

 For example, the Kardashians are a billion dollar family and have more than enough funds to give back, but are seemingly not doing much for the cause besides tweeting emojis. 

A user took to Twitter and tweeted, “Nothing gets me more heated than to see the Kardashians/Jenners talk about climate change/wildfires & not donate even a penny.” The tweet has since been deleted. Kim Kardashian clapped back and responded with, “Nothing gets me more heated than to see people think they know what we donated to and to think we have to publicize everything.”

Kim posted on her Instagram story about the teeth whitening company that she promotes giving back $100,000 to the cause, but did not publicize whether her own family gave back or not.

Khloe Kardashian took to Twitter as well in defense of her family stating, “We often bring attention to the causes and ways you can donate. It’s our job to bring awareness to situations so we all can help as a human race. We frequently post/speak about organizations/websites where we can all help save our planet.” She also followed with, “Good deeds should be done with intention and not for attention. We are all blessed to be able to bless others even if it is in the slightest way. But we do not need to be boastful about that. Be boastful in regards to teaching others how they may be able to help as well.”

Although both Kim and Khloe make valid points in their tweets as far as it being none of our concern what they choose to do with their money, I do feel, in a way, it becomes our concern when they are urging middle class and lower class citizens to donate and they aren’t. It becomes a form of hypocrisy and thus becomes our business when they decide to make it our business. 

These are celebrities that are in the public eye 24/7 that have major influence on things, whether they like to admit it or not. There are people that worship the Kardashians and other big name celebrities as well, that can be easily influenced by anything they say. Celebrities know this and some use it to their advantage, which is not okay. 

It just doesn’t make sense to encourage people to be the change when you’re not practicing what you preach. 

However, there are a handful of celebrities that have decided to be the change and give back. Some of these celebrities include Selena Gomez who donated $1 million, Kylie Jenner who also donated $1 million, and rising pop star Lizzo who donated funds to Australia’s food bank to help surrounding communities.

Celebrities should start focusing their attention on using their platforms for good and inciting change.

 If you don’t have the funds to donate monetarily, use your social media as your platform to encourage and educate your peers on the Australian fires. There’s always something that could and needs to be done.

If you are interested in donating to help the Australian wildfires, you can find out more information at redcross.org.

Featured Illustration: Kylie Phillips