Importance Score: 63 / 100 🔴
Public Criticism Follows Celebrity Space Flight Aboard Blue Origin
Recent space tourism endeavors, such as Blue Origin’s eleven-minute suborbital flight carrying a predominantly female crew and celebrity passenger Katy Perry, have sparked considerable public discourse. Perry’s dramatic ground-kissing upon return, likened to a hostage release, quickly became a talking point. However, subsequent news overshadowed the orchestrated event, which featured perfectly styled participants in custom, body-hugging flight suits designed by Monse.
Ongoing Backlash Highlights Shift in Public Sentiment
Despite attempts to divert attention, public disapproval of the perceived “tone-deaf” mission persists, indicating a potential decline in the once-enthusiastic American fascination with self-important celebrity culture. This reaction underscores a changing perception of such high-profile endeavors in the context of broader societal concerns.
Wendy’s Tweet Fuels the Fire
Adding to the controversy, fast-food chain Wendy’s ignited further debate by tweeting “Can we send her back?” in response to news of Perry’s return from space. This comment seemingly targeted Perry, prompting reactions regarding corporate social media conduct. A source close to Perry reportedly voiced displeasure, stating, “This was a billion-dollar brand using its public platform to publicly demean a woman.”
Egos and Expectations in Orbit
While space tourism aimed to transcend earthly concerns, the flight appears to have amplified pre-existing perceptions of ego and self-importance. Perry and Gayle King’s post-flight pronouncements, particularly regarding the mission’s significance, met with skepticism and ridicule.
Choreographed Spectacle or Genuine Inspiration?
Critics have characterized the entire space venture as highly staged, akin to a meticulously produced music video. Perry’s actions, such as displaying a setlist for her upcoming tour while in the New Shepard spacecraft, contributed to this perception of commercial opportunism.
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Prior to the flight, Perry reportedly stated the women would be “putting the ‘ass’ in astronaut,” a remark that some found to be flippant and undermining of the event’s purported aims.
In-Flight Serenade and Spectator Reactions
King recounted Perry serenading her fellow passengers with “What a Wonderful World,” after initially declining requests for her more popular songs “Roar” and “Firework.” King presented this as Perry wanting to focus on a broader message, but some observers found the in-flight performance and its justification strained.
The mission prompted strong reactions, with some suggesting the spectacle was so overly dramatic it induced metaphorical “barf bags” among those watching from afar.
“Faux-Feminist” Critique and Mockery
The all-female crew faced widespread mockery, even from within their own social circles, as King acknowledged. Commentators labeled the endeavor “faux-feminist” and criticized its perceived disconnect from real-world issues.
Celebrity Condemnation Adds to Criticism
Public figures joined the chorus of disapproval. Emily Ratajkowski described the event as “beyond parody.” Ratajkowski criticized the group’s environmental messaging, highlighting the contradiction of promoting Earth’s well-being while utilizing resources from a company contributing to environmental concerns.
Olivia Munn termed the flight “gluttonous,” and Olivia Wilde shared an image of Perry kissing the ground, sarcastically captioning it, “Billion dollars bought some good memes I guess.”
Comedian Amy Schumer satirized the celebrity space travelers in a video, while singer Lily Allen deemed the entire event “so out of touch,” further amplifying the negative reception amongst prominent personalities.
King Defends Mission’s Significance
In response to critics, King posed the rhetorical question, “Have you been? Have you been?”, defending the experience as transformative. She also objected to the term “ride,” insisting on “flight” or “journey” to emphasize the gravity and historical parallels to Alan Shepard’s mission. King expressed disappointment that the perceived broader significance, particularly regarding inspiration for women and girls, was overlooked.
King asserted the flight’s purpose was to “inspire other women and young girls,” positioning it as a landmark achievement in female progress, implicitly invoking comparisons to figures like Sally Ride.
Focus on Self-Importance, Not Space Travel
Critiques largely avoided condemning the act of billionaires funding space travel itself, acknowledging individual financial freedom. Instead, the primary objection centered on the perceived “staggering self-importance” displayed by King and Perry.
Critics argue that King and Perry anticipated a hero’s welcome, expecting universal acclaim as pioneering female space explorers, akin to a modern-day iteration of girl power icons. The perceived lack of widespread adulation reportedly led to confusion and defensive reactions, further fueling the existing backlash.
Claims of Unity and Peace Amidst Disdain
Perry stated the mission aimed to “model unity” for global audiences, hoping Earthlings would “replicate that.” However, public reaction suggests a different form of unity: widespread disapproval of perceived “neediness and narcissism” associated with the celebrity space flight and its participants.