LATELY, several celebrities have been sharing their pictures of holidaying at various locations. This clearly shows that these celebrities either have no compassion and are numb to people’s sufferings or are totally out of touch with the reality.

These celebrities have a social responsibility that primarily includes promoting the importance of following the standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to Covid-19 and not brazenly flouting them which gives out this wrong impression that observing SOPs is optional.

Besides, they also need to show compassion in the face of a global pandemic when millions have died or lost their loved ones. Thousands have not seen their families in months, and so many are losing jobs and going through economic hardships.

Sharing such pictures of expensive vacations is plain distasteful and insensitive. These celebrities can be termed our local Marie Antoinettes and might respond by saying ‘Let them eat cake’ or the more customised ‘let them have a holiday where coronavirus won’t chase them’.

They need to show greater social awareness and empathy.

Amatuz Zahra Rizvi
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, January 15th, 2021