This morning, many of us awoke to – in the Daily Mail’s words – ‘SHOCKING’ news Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik had been captured on video smoking a joint. It was plastered as the main headline on the Mail Online website and many ‘comedic’ trends appeared on Twitter thereafter. As a lover of the entertainment industry, I thought I’d take the time to blog about it and my opinions. If I am honest, I see this situation from both perspectives and I will explain why below.
Marijuana is a massively popular drug. It’s been referred to as the most commonly used drug in the world, particularly in America. Compared to most drugs, marijuana often sparks some debate over the use of it. Many-a-time has there been calls to make it legal and it very much appears to be a drug that is more socially acceptable than others.
The entertainment industry is no different with their attitudes towards marijuana. Countless celebrities have smoked/continue to smoke marijuana and we can guarantee there are many others who haven’t been caught or haven’t admitted to doing so. My point here is that Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik are just two people out of many, many famous people who take the drug. They are young men, excessively rich and as sickly as it sounds, they are on a journey to finding themselves as we all are at that age. The difference is, they are doing it in the public eye where there are certain expectations. It’s funny really. For many members of bands, drug usage is almost the norm. From members of The Beatles to Matt Healy from The 1975, members of The Rolling Stones to Tom Chalin from Keane – drug usage has almost been considered ‘okay’ because they’re all rock/alternative/indie bands. There’s no fuss caused over them doing drugs yet as Louis and Zayn are in a boyband, it’s forbidden.
On the other hand I do see why it is an issue. I am not completely defending them at all. Personally, I am against drugs. I have never taken them in any form and I don’t ever plan to. Life has it’s ups and downs but I don’t feel the need to turn to them. Having said that, I have friends who will turn to marijuana occasionally and whilst that’s not a decision I agree with, I respect their decision because it’s not my life. We are all entitled to make our own choices in life.
Zayn & Louis are role models. There are millions of young Directioners all over the world – many Primary School-aged or in their early teens. They are expected to be role models to these millions of young fans and I guess in such a profession, that is part of the job. There’s no negotiation, it’s an unwritten rule. In the 21st century, the pressures on them to be positive influences is even more important. A Twitter & Tumblr culture means there are many, many young people who seem to get led astray far too easily. They go to extreme, often concerning lengths to protect and defend their idols. The issue this event will cause is that now many young people will think that it’s ‘okay’ and ‘cool’ to do drugs and they will defend their heroes. As I said, it’s people’s own decision if they wish to do drugs. But that doesn’t mean that drug usage should be advertised as acceptable and cool to young people by those in the public eye. If these boys are to smoke marijuana, do it in private! Don’t get caught and don’t become a walking advertisement. We don’t want future generations to think that this is the way forward for them or we will create a culture in which drug usage will increase, as will illness and dependency on the health service. We don’t want future generations to be even more damaged than our current one.
Do I think this will blow over? Yes. The boys will more than likely release a statement apologising for their actions, admitting how ‘foolish’ they’ve been and we know damn well they won’t regret their actions in the slightest. They’ll just regret getting caught. They are foolish, I think most of us will agree but this will all be left in the past sooner or later.
Let’s face it, these boys aren’t the first and they certainly won’t be the last band members to be caught or accused of such events. Robbie Williams is a noteworthy example in addition to Brian Harvey from East 17 who declared “It’s cool to take drugs”. We have always had and always will have boyband members ‘tarnishing their squeaky clean image’. The important thing now is for the boys to apologise, get a slap on the wrists from their management and not get caught again. They’re human. Let them make their mistakes and move on.
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