Is it justifiable to spend $20 on a smoothie? What about a smoothie associated with a famous, pampered celebrity? What if that celebrity is the son or daughter of another celebrity — a so-called nepo baby?
Some may be utterly outraged by the suggestion of buying such a ridiculously priced drink, viewing it as nothing more than the manifestation of over-the-top conspicuous consumption. Others say the high price is quite valid for such a carefully crafted treat, as the artisan who dedicated such deliberation into its production made sure it would be worth every penny.
This controversial beverage, called the Hailey Bieber’s Strawberry Glaze Skin Smoothie, sells at $20 at popular upscale supermarket Erewhon.
Discussion of the drink’s cost sparked major debate asking the question of how deserving so-called nepo babies like Bieber are of their innate claim to fame and corresponding wealth, as the 28-year-old is the daughter of director Stephen Baldwin and now the wife of singer Justin Bieber.
The term nepo baby itself doesn’t necessarily testify to the stardom of celebs like Beiber, but rather a classification of individuals whose fortunes are believed to be due to their influential or wealthy families.
A nepo baby’s exemption from the toil it takes an ordinary person to accomplish such feats often negatively affects the public’s opinion of how authentic their achievements are. However, in unique cases, some deserve praise for their establishment of their own individuality and self-earned advancements.
This raises the question: Why is it that all nepo babies are given relatively equal opportunities and advantages, yet some are commended for achievements and others degraded?
Perhaps the most criticized example of the type is Chet Hanks, the 35-year-old son of actor Tom Hanks who in early 2021 coined the term “white boy summer” as a title to one of his biggest hits as a singer.
Originally an initiative that was, ironically, intended to jokingly spread inclusivity, the song instead tied him racist sentiments.
Chet Hanks is, of course, the textbook definition of a nepo baby. The label catalyzed the media to condemn him for his racially insensitive slogan. Consequently, he was never able to fully recover his career path.
A nepo baby who poses as a juxtaposition to Chet’s situation is Gracie Abrams. The singer, 26, is famous for her introspective and intimate pop music. She openly acknowledges that she is the daughter of the famous filmmaker J.J. Abrams, but manifests a humble attitude that doesn’t turn off fans.
She also displays an exemplary work ethic when it comes to consistently producing music and one senses that she is much more than just the daughter of a famous person.
Bieber herself is another example of this type of person; many fans think she deserves to be recognized by her personal merits and her utilization of her advantages to underscore her aptitude as a successful businesswoman.
Sure, nepo babies are given an unfair upper hand over people lacking preordained privilege; however, it comes down to how well they utilize that advantage.
The media and internet observers should be able to look past their own subjectivity and focus more on each person’s behavior: Chet Hanks abused his privilege to spread negativity and earned his infamy, while Gracie Abrams and Hailey Bieber have established triumphant careers through their own talent and effort.