Chronicle poll results: Boycotting celebrities who call for boycott of Israel
We asked our readers if they boycott celebrities and artists who call for a boycott of Israel. Here's what they said.
Last week, the Chronicle asked its readers in an online poll the following question: “Do you boycott celebrities and artists who call for a boycott of Israel?” Of the 260 people who responded, 64% said yes; 19% said no; and 17% said sometimes. Comments were submitted by 66 people. A few follow.
I would if I knew which ones are boycotting Israel.
I’m unclear about how much “boycotting” works unless there is a substantive bloc of people with a specifically stated goal in mind. “Not watching that movie” or “not going to that concert” or “not visiting that exhibit” does quite little in its self-affirming vacuum.
I have made a concerted effort to avoid works by Mark Ruffalo, Emma Stone and Roger Waters — even though I used to admire their talents and enjoy their productions.
I’m not going to sacrifice my own enjoyment because of these people, but at the same time I’m not going to go out of my way to see their work.
Freedom of speech. And people are allowed to express their views in whatever way they choose. This is a non-violent protest. A matter of conscience. I support them. And I also refuse to knowingly buy anything coming out of Israel and the occupied territories.
I also refuse to vote for politicians who take a stand against Israel.
While I don’t have much interest in “celebrities” one way or the other, I don’t believe it’s a healthy or reasonable practice to “boycott” art that one finds meaningful or important — be it a novel or an album or a film — based purely on the artist’s personal politics (as opposed to what the artist’s work itself “says”). Art, once made, resides within its own realm and should be treated as such.
Why waste time watching useful idiots?
Criticism of Israel is not the same as antisemitism, and BDS is a non-violent form of protest.
I also boycott businesses and products that are anti-Israel and unfriendly to Jewish causes.
I try not to judge celebrities and artists based on their political beliefs, but on their talent.
No. It’s ineffective. These celebrities have no impact on my life. It’s the art, not the artist. I have a firm rule of never knowing anything personal about the celebrities I like. Everyone is basically awful and it’s just better not to know.
Turnabout is fair play. PJC
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