A small little tweet by Rihanna over #FarmersProtests has become a matter of public debate in India

A small little tweet by an American pop star has become a matter of public debate in India.

It seems to be a graver threat than anything on our borders. Lo and behold! India is defending itself against an attack from Rihanna! Hope we’ve banned her Fenty beauty products already. 

Rihanna’s tweet, bringing global attention to ongoing farmers’ protests in India, has been followed up by similar copycat expressions of concerns by various other global celebrities. 

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has urged these global celebrities to inform themselves better about the ongoing protests. They’re all missing the woods for the trees. Rihanna’s tweet was less about farmers and more about internet shutdown in the area around Delhi’s borders where the protesting farmers have decided to stay put. 

“India cuts internet around New Delhi as protesting farmers clash with police,” read a CNN headline, posted by Rihanna with the comment, “Why aren’t we talking about this? #FarmersProtest”. 

The CNN story, like its headline, is a full explainer on the farmers’ protests but chooses to lead with the internet shutdown. 

And the idea of a mass internet shutdown seems to have caused great concern for the pop singer.

why aren’t we talking about this?! #FarmersProtest https://t.co/obmIlXhK9S

— Rihanna (@rihanna) February 2, 2021