Abigail Chai
By Abigail Chai, Center Spread Editor
For many, making the incredible trip to space is a far-fetched dream that only a handful can ever experience. However, iconic pop star Katy Perry is now one of the few who could proclaim to go on such a journey to the stars. Hosted by Blue Origin, a private space company founded by Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos. Perry, along with five other prominent female figures, embarked on a short, nonetheless unforgettable 11-minute voyage into space; an experience which Perry described as “second to being a mom.”
While the entirely female crew’s trip was meant to mark a historic milestone, it was instead met with backlash the second the team landed back on Earth. Social media users criticized the star-studded trip to space, with even some celebrities and brands joining in on the conversation as well. For instance, American fast-food chain Wendy’s left a snide comment towards Perry on their X account, asking, “Can we send her back?”
Many shared a similar sentiment to the fast-food chain, as the trip was largely seen as ridiculous. There was one main question being asked, why? Despite its seeming intentions to symbolize a groundbreaking and empowering occasion for women around the world, it was ultimately perceived as everything but that. As illustrated by senior Matthew Situ, rather than finding the Blue Origin trip inspirational, he instead saw it as pointless. “I think it’s a big waste of money and resources,” he stated, “I think she (Perry) just wanted the clout”.
While it is a harsh opinion on the trip, it is an opinion that seemingly resonates with most on the internet. Because while the women onboard marketed their journey as an experience that anyone can, and should embark on. They also conveniently left out the jaw-dropping price of $150,000; the price just to reserve a seat on a Blue Origin spacecraft. Out of touch and tone-deaf, their experience left the internet not just confused, but also angry.
This is not mentioning the six-member crew’s 11-minute outing into space may have left more than just a bitter taste on the internet, but on the environment as well. Despite Blue Origin’s claims of zero carbon emissions from their excursions, the large amount of water vapor released from each journey can contribute to global warming at such high altitudes.
Nonetheless, Perry, alongside her cabinmates, has defended the flight, asserting that the impact of their trip extends beyond just personal memories. Broadcast journalist Gayle King, who was another crew member aboard the shuttle, argued, “What it’s doing to inspire other women and girls – don’t forget that”.
Madyson Tang
Jada Pan
