In a day and age where politics seems to be the most controversial and fought-over topic, it is important to reflect on the impact it has, not only in the news but in pop culture and day-to-day normalities. It is foolish to say that the only political conversations we view are in the media and on the news. They follow us everywhere: in podcasts, songs, celebrities, TV shows and even animated kids’ movies.
Ricky Gervais, a comedian who hosted the 2020 Golden Globes and urged actors to leave politics out of their acceptance speeches, commented on the number of winners of the 2026 Grammys who brought up politics in their speeches, saying “They’re still not listening,” followed by a crying face emoji, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Gervais had made it clear that even though celebrities have their influence over their fans, they should not use it to express their political beliefs and instead keep an event like the Grammys, one where it is about the expression of art instead of a debate room.
It doesn’t end with celebrities; one of many kids’ favorite movies, “Zootopia,” even has political ideals and messages. According to The Argus, the focus of the movie “demonstrates that a society should not exclude individuals simply because they are different,” a common political message in recent years. Many would not think a movie targeted at kids who love animals may include a higher meaning, but it does. Political messages don’t have to include talk of Republicans or Democrats in order to symbolize politics. An example is one of my favorite movies, one I would have never considered a potential political message, “The Dark Knight provides serious reflections upon the political issues of the day and embraces an essentially conservative political ideology, and comments on the impact of terrorism, one of the U.S. biggest threats at the time, according to History News Network. As we watch movies and television, politics and ideals are carefully woven in without directly stating personal opinions, we subconsciously either agree or disagree as we are captivated by the film.
Politics in pop culture is not reserved for the 21st century, nor is it something new in our society. Bob Dylan’s song “The Times They Are A-Changin’” was released in 1964 during the midst of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States and was written purposefully to be an anthem of change and equality, according to Word Press. It was a moment for captivation and his personal opinion through song. Dylan used his influence through pop culture to share an important message at a dire time.
Pop culture is what influences trends, the media and is also a place where people share their opinions on controversial matters. Is this bad or is this good? There isn’t one answer, but we can see both sides: it is important and healthy for a country that is very divided to hold true to their values and make sure we are standing up for what we believe in. Or, politics have gotten out of control and people are drawing in on the constant war between the two parties, growing the tensions and divisions between the American people.Politics attaches itself to pop culture in one way or another and many may not agree with what is being said or produced in a message, but we live in a country where free speech is supposed to be a norm and not something that can be taken away. We do, however, always have the right to disagree or agree with what is being said and we must not let it divide us further.
