As if the nation’s collective shock wasn’t enough with Whoopi Goldberg announcing her intentions to leave America’s shores, The View co-host Joy Behar also got in on the act. “I don’t get no respect either,” Behar commented during a recent episode, suggesting she’s considering joining her fellow soccer superstar in her quest for a more understanding homeland.
Each of these women had her share of success—and not always for universally adored reasons.
Whoopi Goldberg, known for her blunt manner and no-nonsense approach on The View, has had her share of tongue-in-cheek moments. While her candor has won her legions of fans, her “loud mouth,” as some critics call it, has also gotten her into trouble more times than she’d like.
And now, Joy Behar. Often seen as the comic relief, her observations aren’t always well-received by audiences across the political spectrum. She’s been the subject of countless memes, talk show discussions, and even heated debates at family dinners.
In light of the recent announcements, Behar’s feelings of marginalization have come to the fore. “If Whoopi and Megan feel like they’re not respected here, why should I feel any different?” she mused during a recent interview. Her rhetorical question paints a portrait of America that many public figures, especially women, might quietly agree with.
While most people threaten to leave their home country after a disappointing election or sports defeat, it’s rare for celebrities to vocalize such desires, let alone act on them. But this trio seems determined to make a statement. Their collective grievance underscores a growing trend in the world of fame: increased scrutiny, judgment and the challenges of living under a microscope in the digital age.
The big question now is — where will they go? Canada, often the default promise of many who proclaim “I’m leaving America!”, may seem too close to home. Europe? Maybe. Or perhaps a more remote and exotic locale, where talk shows and penalty kicks are not a concern for the locals.
There’s no doubt that this collective movement — or the threat of it — is making waves. It’s spawned op-eds, late-night show monologues, and heartfelt discussions about how we treat our celebrities. Do we hold them to impossible standards? Are we too quick to judge, criticize, and cancel?
Conversations about respect, especially for women in the spotlight, are being reignited. Is it realistic to expect them to be flawless, to never miss a penalty, to always say the right thing? Or even fair?
While there’s a humorous side to the idea of celebrities banding together to leave their homeland because they feel undervalued, there’s a kernel of truth behind the satire. The “Great American Exodus,” as it’s being called, offers a mirror to society. It invites us to reflect on how we perceive, treat and react to those in the spotlight. After all, they may be celebrities, but they’re human first. And like all humans, a little respect goes a long way.
