“Please, let’s not go back to normal.” That’s the plea from multimillionaire celebrities and some scientists to the world in a recent open letter published in French newspaper, Le Monde.

Including such big names as Madonna, Robert de Niro, Joaquin Phoenix, Cate Blanchett, Jane Fonda, Marion Cotillard and Monica Bellucci, the letter sounded both out of touch and patronizing.

The letter reads, “The COVID-19 pandemic is a tragedy. This crisis, is however, inviting us to examine what is essential. And what we see is simple: ‘adjustments’ are not enough. The problem is systematic.”

“The ongoing ecological catastrophe is a meta-crisis: the massive extinction of life on Earth is no longer in doubt, and all indicators point to a direct existential threat. Unlike a pandemic, however severe, a global ecological collapse will have immeasurable consequences.

“We therefore solemnly call upon leaders—and all of us as citizens—to leave behind the unsustainable logic that still prevails and to undertake a profound overhaul of our goals, values, and economies.”

“The pursuit of consumerism and an obsession with productivity have led us to deny the value of life itself: that of plants, that of animals, and that of a great number of human beings. Pollution, climate change, and the destruction of our remaining natural zones has brought the world to a breaking point.”

“For these reasons, along with the urgency of renewing with a politics of social equality, we believe it is unthinkable to ‘go back to normal.’ The radical transformation we need—at all levels—demands boldness and courage. It will not take place without massive and determined commitment. We must act now. It is as much a matter of survival as of dignity and coherence.”

This letter, it could be argued, makes utterly no sense. So, these people believe that the entire world must change in order to avoid “ecological catastrophe?” How would that happen? What would it look like? Could it be done, in the extreme measures that they are implying, without tanking the global economy in the process and ruining millions, if not billions, of lives?

Besides, most of these people have made millions upon millions of dollars exploiting the consumerism industry. Any time a celebrity takes part in a film, especially a franchise, they’re making money off of the consumerism industry that they detest so much. From collectibles to costumes, toys, jewelry, theme parks and more, all those things are part of the consumerism industry. The movie industry as a whole wouldn’t exist without consumers. If they’re against the exploitation of the environment because of consumerism, giving up their jobs would likely be part of the first step.

So, instead of trying to lecture the world, perhaps some introspection would do them a bit of good.

 

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