most celebrities suck

Met Gala 2026. Sponsored by Jeff and Lauren Sanchez Bezos. Ick. A search on Google Trends shows some interest in queries related to "met gala 2026 controversy" in the past month, but this does not exceed the amount of hits for other terms such as "emma chamberlain outfit met gala" or "met gala outfits 2026." Figures.

What is the 'controversy of the met gala 2026?'

A couple of things. For me, it's that big tech and Silicon Valley have made a standout gesture at buying their way into popular culture disguised as 'celebrating art' and 'fundraising for a good cause.' It's that by engaging with the masses through this type of channel and medium, they think we will humanize them, identify with them, and perhaps forget about the horrible cruelties and suffering caused by the way in which they have amassed their fortunes. Which is extraction of our environment, exploitation of workers, manipulating our brain chemistries, and, yes, funding outright crimes against humanity. Not to mention these people cannot dress 😂

There are a few other factors that play into the protests and overall dissent regarding the event this year, which you can read more about in this Los Angeles Times article.

But for the purpose of my rant and rage, I need to unpack my anger and am hoping we can do it together.

I'm not mad about funding for the costume institute. I'm not mad about the new Conde M. Nast galleries showcasing centuries of fashion history which has before now been hidden in the basements of the Met. I can't be mad at the organizers of the Met Gala and whatever moral dissonance they had to endure to accept the sponsorship funds. I don't know them. Maybe they're bad people? Maybe they're not. Maybe they're just trying to do their jobs well and gain funding for preserving a piece of fashion history that they are deeply passionate about.

Here's what I'm mad about:

I'm mad at us❗ Why are we still idolizing celebrity culture in general ❗ Why do these so-called morals and values that people are so adept to promoting on their socials become compromised when it comes to questioning the pedestal that we put celebrities on, or compromised when it comes to our own convenience and consumer pleasures.

I'm mad about the way in which celebrities have shown us that so long as 'us commoners' can identify with them, have sympathy for them, and justify/idolize their lifestyles, they can be withheld from collective accountability.

... and that they can continue to SELL US ANYTHING !

Justin Bieber. Coachella! Omg! Don't get me started. Yeah, I was a Belieber. I cried at the movie theaters when I saw "Never Say Never." I was also, like, twelve years old. 'We grew up with him.' 'He's been through so much.' and yea Diddy and Usher prob F*cked him. OK, but he still owns ELEVEN LUXURY VEHICLES. He still flys worldwide in a PRIVATE JET that I'm sure is FULLY STOCKED with PLASTIC BEVERAGES and FCKN INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED Q-TIPS !!! (I told y'all I'm angry)

A 2022 study done by Yard, a data collection & analytics platform, says the following:

This study is four years old and I'm sure the numbers have climbed since then. And it's only one facet of a carbon footprint not including other factors like energy&utility consumption, apparel, general waste and much more. So can we please, please stop giving celebrities unconditional attention which continues to fund their exorbitant lifestyles and contribute to their inflated egos.

On the same note, can we check out own inflated egos? Because main character energy needs to stop.

‘More and more, the act of consuming was seen as inseparable from the process of emotional growth and self-discovery’

Impulse Society

I'm all for people gaining confidence, courage, and bravery. Yay to personal growth! Boo to personal growth in direct relationship with buying a new wardrobe from Shein, booking 3+ vacations a year, and walking around with your eyes glued to your phone not being aware of your surroundings or even better with your arm extended overhead broadcasting your every move and reaction.

I know at times my opinions may seem exaggerated or paradoxical. Trust me, I've felt conflicted as well and that's why I've withheld them for such time. But after witnessing the direction in which our households, societies, governments and institutions have been leaning, I'm done speaking gently or carefully.

We need a new social contract. We need to fundamentally change the aim of our personal and collective pursuits. We are in a time of a rugged individualistic, self-interested, narcissistic culture which is still dependent on institutions which do not serve the common good. People cannot grow their own food. People do not know their rights. People do not have control over their own attention spans or desires. And this is exactly how the ones in power want it to be.

‘MASS MEDIA, WITH THEIR CULT OF CELEBRITY AND THEIR ATTEMPT TO SURROUND IT WITH GLAMOUR AND EXCITEMENT, HAVE MADE AMERICANS A NATION OF FANS.. THIS GIVES SUBSTANCE & INTENSIFIES NARCISSISTIC DREAMS OF FAME AND GLORY, ENCOURAGE THE COMMON TO IDENTIFY WITH THE STARS AND TO HATE THE ‘herd’ - MAKING IT MORE AND MORE DIFFICULT TO ACCEPT BANALITY OF EVERY DAY EXISTENCE’

Culture of Narcissism

We can make collective change but it starts within. It's where the hard work begins. But it's imperative and unavoidable at this point. We all have a part to play. Find your inner voice. Use your natural skills and talents. Contribute in the ways you know you're meant to.

Love Builds.