In the wake of the recent scandals surrounding the royal family, it is important for everyone to uphold standards set for them. The royals are people too, people who need to be held accountable for their actions.
Having married Prince Harry, Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle is the first person of color to be added to the royal family, making their son Archie the first person of color to be born into the royal family.
Recently, the couple has disclosed in an interview with American journalist Oprah Winfrey that there were discussions amongst the royals, leading up the birth of Archie, regarding his complexion and whether or not he’d be granted the same protection as the rest of the family.
While none of these rumors have yet to be confirmed or denied, there is no doubt that they are extremely concerning.
Over the past few months, the world has seen quite a few celebrities in hot water over similar rumors and scandals. Whether its rude comments, cultural appropriation, etc, we’ve all seen our fair share of celebrities take heat for their racist actions.
How has the world, specifically the internet, handled these celebrities? They get cancelled or criticized to the point of no return.
How have people been handling the accusations regarding the royal family? Their actions get excused away and attributed to a long line of racist views and an upbringing that doomed them from the start.
Pretty lame, if you ask me.
Let’s face it, most Americans are obsessed with the royal family; at the very least, most of us are intrigued by them. While they are celebrities and will inevitably have a fan basis, it’s also important to remember that they are just that: celebrities, not Gods.
In the era of the Black Lives Matter movement and fight for racial equality, the argument of “that’s how they were raised” just isn’t cutting it anymore.
These stories are still rumors and accusations, not fact. However, if they are true, this type of behavior is inexcusable. We need to start holding the royal family accountable for their actions and for the status symbol that they are.
At the end of the day, people are looking up to this family, idolizing them, even. With millions of people watching, they need to give them something positive to admire.
It’s time that the world starts doing better, and it starts with the top. Give the people something classy and respectable to emulate.