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Going to have a little run at this, but please know that while I think Wright's questioning, and subsequent defensiveness are irresponsible, I don't think she acted maliciously or truly understands why she's provoked the reaction she has
Which is kinda the problem in of itself
Which is kinda the problem in of itself
It is perfectly acceptable to "ask questions" and interrogate science. However, we are once again brought back to one of my favourite subjects: power.
When you are a person of influence and profile, Peter Parker teaches us that you also carry a responsibility.
When you are a person of influence and profile, Peter Parker teaches us that you also carry a responsibility.
Your douchebag cousin railing against vaccines to his 28 Facebook friends is not the same as the centre of a Marvel franchise retweeting spurious and dubious claims about vaccinations to hundreds and thousands of people.
Vaccines are why humans are good at science. Keeping millions and millions of people alive every day.
Vaccines are why humans are good socially. It allowed us to empower the weak through community effort and, crucially, TRUST, to starve arm immune systems and starve infections.
Vaccines are why humans are good socially. It allowed us to empower the weak through community effort and, crucially, TRUST, to starve arm immune systems and starve infections.
If you have a platform, and give an extremist and non-scientific view the microphone of your platform, and that undermines trust, you are a danger to your fellow humans.
Let's not fuck about. People are dying from this disease every day.
Let's not fuck about. People are dying from this disease every day.
Because now you have lent the extremists a megaphone that they were not able to earn through the submission and analysis of evidence. You've given them a short cut. Lifted the rope.
But this is science, not freedom of speech. Standards are there for a reason
But this is science, not freedom of speech. Standards are there for a reason
The damage done from the undermining of vaccines, based in garbage and discredited research, had cost the lives of humans.
It has weakened our collective weaponry.
It has weakened our collective weaponry.
Letitia Wright may want to consider if "just asking questions" or "not conforming" is an activity she wants to do so publicly, and give do much oxygen to a fire we are desperately trying to douse.
Public trust is so fragile. Takes years to build. Minutes to kill.
Public trust is so fragile. Takes years to build. Minutes to kill.
Perhaps her standard to allow an assault on that trust should be higher than it is. I certainly believe so.
Now, I don't believe young actors should have to carry the level of responsibility their celebrity does. But carry it they do.
And Wright will not be "cancelled". She is in no danger of losing the long and varied career her astonishing talent deserves.
And Wright will not be "cancelled". She is in no danger of losing the long and varied career her astonishing talent deserves.
But challenging her is acceptable. Calling out this level of recklessness is required.
I hope she will reflect on the implications of her power in time.
I hope she will reflect on the implications of her power in time.
