A: Why have so many celebrities joined the protests in the wake of George Floyd’s death? B: Because it’s a common belief that celebrities who have a platform should speak out against social injustice. Note: The original meaning of the word “platform” is “the raised part of the floor in a large room, from which you make a speech or give a musical performance,” and the word is used as a metaphor for “an opportunity to make one’s ideas or beliefs known publicly.” Therefore, “to have a platform” means “to have the opportunity to make their voices heard and their ideas known publicly.” If someone is denied a platform, it means they are not given the opportunity to speak out. |