Met Gala & Gaza

Ah, the Met Gala! 

The Met Gala, held annually to raise funds for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute in New York City, is typically a night of fashion and celebration.

Where the rich and famous flaunt their feathers, sequins, and avant-garde outfits that make you question if you're indeed looking at a human or a very fashionable chandelier.

Meanwhile, halfway across the globe, a different kind of drama unfolds—a far graver one involving calls for a ceasefire and accusations of genocide in Gaza. It's a jarring juxtaposition, like watching a clown juggle while the Titanic sinks in the background.

It’s not just about dodging your ex on the red carpet; it’s about navigating the minefield of international politics. Genocide, ceasefire, boycotting products, shadow banning on social media – it’s like the world’s most intense game of ‘Never Have I ever'

People around the world are vocal about wanting a ceasefire, with some going as far as labeling the situation a genocide. But their cries for peace aren't always met with open ears.

Meanwhile, social media accounts supporting a ceasefire are getting shadow-banned faster than you can say "hashtag awareness". In fact, many find their social media accounts shadow-banned for supporting the ceasefire and raising awareness. Imagine trying to tweet for peace and getting a digital gag order instead. It's like being the tree that falls in the forest with no one around to hear it—except, y'know, your tree-hugging gets you flagged by the algorithm.

Celebrities, those glittering idols of pop culture, aren't safe either. They're getting blocked left and right by fans for not using their vast platforms to speak up about the ceasefire. It's like a high-stakes game of social media dodgeball, where the balls are made of public opinion and outrage. On the flip side, some folks who do raise their voices find themselves in real-world peril.

Threats and violence against pro-ceasefire protestors have been reported worldwide. It's as if holding a "Give Peace a Chance" sign has become the new extreme sport, complete with its own set of life-threatening challenges.

Who knew silence could be so deafening?The economic impacts of these boycotts are no joke either. The ripple effect has reached international events, with people threatening and even murdering those who support the ceasefire. It's like the plot of a really bad action movie, but unfortunately, it's real life. 

Yet, adding to the grim reality, medical students studying in Kyrgyzstan have faced harassment and even sexual assault merely for discussing Gaza. It’s a tragic reminder that speaking out can come with horrific consequences, a far cry from the Met Gala’s red carpet woes of wardrobe malfunctions and fashion faux pas.

Amid all this, the younger generation has a crucial role to play. They are the digital natives, the hashtag warriors, and the meme lords who can spread awareness faster than you can say "viral." If there's anyone who can turn the tide, it's the youth with their smartphones and unyielding passion for justice. 

So, while the Met Gala continues to dazzle us with its opulence and flair, let’s not forget the pressing issues that demand our attention. After all, the world could use a bit of the young generation’s fire—not just to light up the red carpet, but to illuminate the path to peace.

Durey-