Celebs get mixed reaction for PSA encouraging Americans to ‘take responsibility’ for racism

A slate of celebrities received an outpouring of responses on social media Thursday after releasing a new public service announcement (PSA) calling for Americans to “take responsibility” for addressing racism and injustice.
Sarah Paulson, Aaron Paul, Kesha, Julianne Moore, Kristen Bell, Debra Messing and other Hollywood stars begin the video by each saying, “I take responsibility.”
“I take responsibility for every unchecked moment, for every time it was easier to ignore than to call it out for what it was, every not so funny joke, every unfair stereotype, every blatant injustice no matter how big or small, every time I remained silent, every time I explained away police brutality or turned a blind eye,” they say in the video.
“I take responsibility. Black people are being slaughtered in the streets, killed in their own homes. These are our brothers and sisters, our friends, our family. We are done watching them die. We are no longer bystanders. We will no longer be idle. Enough it enough.”
The video comes in the wake of nationwide protests following the death of George Floyd, who died last month after a former Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for over eight minutes during an arrest.
The group of celebrities, which also includes Stanley Tucci, Bryce Dallas Howard and others, vow to “stand against hate.”
“Killer cops must be prosecuted. They are murderers. We can turn the tide. It is time to take responsibility. Call out hate. Step up and take action,” Paul tells viewers.
The PSA directs people to visit itakeresponsibility.org, which contains resources to “demand police accountability,” “mobilize voting efforts” and other initiatives. The video was released in partnership with the NAACP.
“The entire country has reached its limit and we cannot allow one more Black person to die at the hands of government….” @DerrickNAACP #WeAreDoneDying #ITakeResponsibility pic.twitter.com/AiJ8kxMhF6
— NAACP (@NAACP) June 11, 2020
The video received mixed reactions by social media users. Some lauded the celebrities for speaking out and used the hashtag #ITakeResponsibility.
However, others mocked the PSA and compared it to a video released in March amid the coronavirus pandemic of celebrities singing John Lennon’s “Imagine,” which some also called out on social media. Many urged the celebrities to make charitable donations instead of just speaking out.
Oh my gosh racism is over thank you actors pic.twitter.com/fyRytfhKWg
— TY$$ (@thatboyrik) June 11, 2020
OPEN YOUR PURSE! https://t.co/EJhqGwxeed
— rocket juju (@juliacraven) June 11, 2020
white person: i’m sorry i am racist
every POC: please just donate and sign the petitions we don’t need th-
white person: and it is time to take responsibility
— lili michelle (@lilsmichelle) June 11, 2020
But guys these celebrities are serious. The video is in black and white. Aaron Paul gets real close to the camera. They take responsibility. They mean it. Racism is over. For reals. These celebs said so. In black and white. Sarah Paulson was even on there.
— Paper Andrew (@PaperAndrew9560) June 11, 2020