From Empathy to Polarization: The Misguided Activism of Whoopi Goldberg

In a recent appearance on The View, Oscar-winning actress Whoopi Goldberg made a controversial statement that has sparked outrage and criticism from many corners of the internet. Goldberg claimed that for black people, living in the United States is as bad as living in Iran. This statement, made during a topical panel show, has raised questions about the boundaries of activism and the role of celebrities in social and political discourse. It is understandable that Goldberg, a vocal advocate for social justice, may feel passionate about her cause. However, her latest pronouncement is not only misguided but also dangerous. She appeared enraged when her co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin pointed out that "it's very different to live in the United States in 2025 than it is to live in Iran." Goldberg's response was to shout down Griffin, claiming that the prevailing culture in the democratic US is in lockstep with the systematic oppression imposed by the Iranian theocracy. This is a false equivalence that is both ugly and ignorant. While it is true that there are issues of race and inequality in the US, it is not comparable to the systematic oppression and human rights violations in Iran. The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently reported that Iran was executing people at an alarming rate, with at least 975 people receiving capital punishment in 2024. This is an increase on the estimated 834 in 2023 and the highest rate of executions since 2015. Flogging, torture, and amputation are accepted forms of punishment in a country where the security forces act with impunity and women are "disappeared" for refusing to wear the "correct" veil. Goldberg's empathy does not appear to extend beyond her home turf or beyond color. She has a myopic worldview in which her opinions are the only opinions and if you're not with her, you're against her. This is a dangerous mindset that can lead to further division and polarization in society. In 2022, Goldberg was suspended from The View for "wrong and hurtful comments" after she asserted that the annihilation of six million Jews in the Holocaust wasn't about race because "these are two white groups of people." This shows a lack of understanding and respect for the victims of the Holocaust and their struggle for survival. The truth is that now Hollywood no longer comes calling, Goldberg is plying her trade as a TV loudmouth. She doesn't need the money, but she clearly craves the attention – a deluded egotistical actress clinging to the excruciating belief that she's still the star of the show. It's time for Goldberg to broaden her horizons and understand that activism and entertainment are two very different skill sets. She needs to learn to listen to other perspectives and to be more respectful of those who have suffered at the hands of oppression and injustice.