The newest season of Stranger Things hit Netflix on November 3, and while most people have been blowing up social media about positive things associated with the show, some of the younger stars have recently been under attack due to the huge media surrounding the show. The cast has been doing a lot of publicity for the show recently and some fans are not happy about how the kids respond to their newly acquired fame. Most of this drama was sparked after one fan tweeted to Finn Wolfhard, calling him "heartless" amongst other nasty things after refusing to stop and say hi to a group of fans waiting for him outside his hotel.
Where the story really gets interesting is how quickly fellow cast mate, Shannon Purser, who plays Barb in the series as well as other former child actor stars, such as Sophie Turner, from the hit series Game of Thones, came to Wolfhard's defense. Shannon Purser took to twitter to share her feeling about the issue at hand. Tweeting, "Ok no. No actor is under any obligation to stop for anyone. Finn is an incredible kind human. But he is human and needs a break too." Sophie also tweeted out saying, “Damn… seeing fully grown adults wait outside the ‘Stranger Things’ kids’ hotels etc , and then abuse them when they don’t stop for them…Is super weird,” she began. “A. What adult in their right mind waits for a CHILD outside their hotel and B is then is offended when the CHILD doesn’t stop.” She then goes on to explain that she had encountered similar situation growing up as a Game on Thrones star. Her main point being these are children and regardless of the industry you need to be respectful of how you treat them. 
At the end of the day these "stars" are real people and they don't owe their "fans" anything. These actors in our favorite shows have become so involved in our lives that we often forget they are more than just an actor on a screen. These are real people just trying to live their life and we need to be respectful of them. Especially if they are children still trying to get adjust to the lifestyle of being famous. Finn eventually took to twitter saying, "Hey everybody! I don't wanna ex-communicate anyone from this fandom, but if you are for real you will not harass my friends, or co-workers. Ya'll know who you are," he tweeted. "Why I even have to tweet that, I don't know. Anyone who calls themselves a "fan" and actively goes after someone for literally acting and doing their job is ridiculous. Think b4 ya type boiiii." At the end of the day the situation just really shows how much class the children have and how they are honestly more mature than a lot of full grown adults these days. 
Sophie Turner is only 21 and looks like the mature one in this particular situation. People need to figure out the fact that "child stars" are children first and stars second. No child should be subject to take pictures with anyone other than who they choose to. Yes Finn Wolfhard did sign up to take pictures with fans occasionally, but it's not his full time job. His job is to be an actor, and then hype up whatever product he is in. He has already accomplished both of those things, so he is done with his job.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a great, and well-written article! That is absolutely ridiculous that these adults are getting upset at kids, and talking so much hate about and to a kid. I understand as a fan, you want to be able to see and get an autograph of your favorite star to cherish, or sell, or just show off that you're special and better. Whatever the reason may be, nothing gives you the right to get mad at a newly famous child that has a personal life that is now going to be completely different and not have what a childhood like the rest of us had.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree that the social pressures forced on these famous children has gotten out of control. It is interesting to compare the experiences that these child stars face to the traumatizing experiences felt by child stars from decades past. It's no secret that such immense fame at a young age has serious effects on mental health (re: Brittany spears, Drew Barrymore, etc.). I think in this age of social media, we need to be extra cautious of how we view/treat these young stars.
ReplyDeleteI think that it is so great that people can turn to social media to bring attention to these issues. People tend to think of celebrities in a different way, but they are just normal people and they do not owe people anything. Of course it is nice when they do stop for fans, but they cannot be expected to anytime. The fact that social media can bring this to light and have other actors support it is awesome! great post!
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