A ustralian actor Cate Blanchett has drawn the internet’s attention this week. Because she’s pretty and glamorous and successful and promoting a new movie at Cannes? Yes. But also because she dared to raise a public topic people are so very uncomfortable discussing.
Am I referring to her black/white/green dress ensemble that appeared to be a nod to the Palestinian flag? No. This publication has already revealed the white hue in the gown was actually pink. Besides, for some months now Blanchett has been upfront in joining global calls for peace and a ceasefire in Gaza .
Cate Blanchett is in the news because the accomplished and well-rewarded actor mentioned social class . Aloud! Was Cate Blanchett’s Cannes dress a pro-Palestinian protest – or an optical illusion? Read more Specifically, Blanchett identified herself as “middle class” in the context of her advocacy for refugee causes. “I’m white, I’m privileged, I’m middle class, and I think, you know, one can be accused of having a bit of a white saviour complex,” she said this week during a Cannes film festival press conference.
“But to be perfectly honest, my interaction with the refugees in the field and also in resettled environments has totally changed my perspective on the world.” It’s a reflexive self-critique. But rather than being lauded for acknowledging the relative power dynamics of her advocacy, Blanchett provoked some revealing scorn.
“‘middle class’ my ass,” commented a TikTok .
