The Social Obligation Paradox

Social media platforms have become significant arenas for political discourse, with movements like #BlockOut amplifying the public's demand for celebrities to address pressing global issues. This chapter examines the discursive construction of the #BlockOut movement on TikTok within the context of the Israel-Hamas war. The movement calls for boycotting celebrities who remain silent on social issues, reflecting evolving expectations for public figures to engage in social advocacy. This chapter analyzes the comment sections of TikTok videos showcasing “Block Lists,” curated rosters of celebrities deemed complicit through their silence or perceived support for Israel. It aims to uncover the motivations behind the demand for celebrity activism, the risks faced by public figures who engage in or abstain from it, and the ethical dilemmas in this dynamic. By examining the ideological constructions of celebrity silence as complicity, this chapter highlights how social media platforms amplify public pressure and reshape norms of accountability.