This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Amna Faheem. Find her on Instagram at @amnaf.aheem. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
Everyone who has an online presence is familiar with the ‘Nepo Baby’ phenomenon that seems to have overtaken the film and music industry. Potentially talented individuals are overlooked in favor of aspiring artists who are related to already successful and established members in that industry. North West, daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, was recently making headlines for her performance in ‘The Lion King,’ musical. The very famous Kim Kardashian was said to have paid 1 million dollars for her daughter to be appointed the lead in the musical, which erupted in significant backlash from the public. Many people stated that this role could have gone to someone more talented instead of being paid for by someone who was famous and already in the industry. This situation is not an isolated incident; This happens time and time again, leaving people disappointed in the castings and who is appointed roles in movies.
The idea of nepotism is not unique to just the music and film industry but is often met with disapproval only when it comes to members of those communities. The question ‘Is nepotism bad?’ can be asked to all aspects of life, but the answer is overwhelmingly yes in such a cutthroat industry. Breaking into the film industry is quite difficult in and of itself. There are many talented individuals who have their sights set on the big screen. Yet, many never get the chance to showcase their potential as they are often disregarded by someone whose father is a big movie star or whose mother is friends with the director. Is the film industry really based on talent now? Or is it a matter of who knows who?
What is Nepotism and how Does it Work
Nepotism is when someone with great influence uses it to give someone- undeservingly- a job or a position, usually their children. They receive greater opportunities than the average person would, regardless of whether or not they are qualified. They are able to reach higher statuses and receive more fame than someone who is not a nepotism baby. This creates a massive divide and an unfair atmosphere in the industry- people are only acknowledged and chosen because of their families. It has nothing to do with their qualifications.
While nepotism is a facet of almost every industry and line of work- children being chosen to take over family businesses, family members being hired regardless of their qualifications for positions their parents or uncles have influence over, or even politicians winning positions because of who their parents are- it is very apparent in the film and music industry.
There are many nepotism babies that are famous and well-known solely based on where they came from and who they are related to. Jaden Smith and Willow Smith, children of famed actors Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, were able to easily break through both the music and film industry wholly because of their parents. Jaden Smith had his breakout role in his father’s movie ‘The Pursuit of Happyness,’ which led to him landing more roles as he grew, like his role as the protagonist in ‘The Karate Kid.’ If his father was not Will Smith, he likely would not have been as successful as he came out to be. Willow Smith, who sings under the name WILLOW, was able to also gain fame and traction as a musician because of the resources her parents afforded her.
Leslie Mann, a very notable actress who was featured in multiple blockbuster movies like ‘This is 40,’ ’17 Again,’ and ‘The Other Woman,’ is also married to the noteworthy Judd Apatow. Leslie and her husband have been able to use their influence to open the doors for their two daughters to advance in the film industry. Their eldest daughter, Maude Apatow, also had her breakthrough role in her father’s movie, ‘This is 40,’ alongside her mother and younger sister, Iris. Maude has gone on to land roles in prominent shows, like ‘Euphoria,’ starring Zendaya and Jacob Elordi. Although Maude has showcased her significant talent as an actress, it is unlikely that such achievements would have been possible without the help of the connections her parents have.
This is not to say that all nepotism babies are bad. Many of them have the talent necessary to succeed, and some of them are not even known as nepotism babies, outshining their parents and family members. Angelina Jolie is one of the most famous actresses of her generation. Her father is also actor Jon Voigt, who was featured in ‘Holes,’ a detail many fans are not privy to. There are also some nepotism babies who have distanced themselves from their also-famous parents. Miley Cyrus’s father, Billy Ray Cyrus, is a well-known musician and also appeared with his daughter on the Disney Channel show, ‘Hannah Montana.’ Despite his stardom, Miley has separated herself significantly from her father, making her own way as a musician with a long-lasting career and a large fanbase.
The Dark Side
While the parental connections these stars have undoubtedly gave them a boost that contributed to their fame, many also have to put in the effort necessary to continue to be successful and improve their craft. Nepotism is what gets them noticed- which is half the battle- but they still have to put in the work.
Some do not. Some simply coast on the fact that their parents are famous and lack any sort of talent or ability to do well.
Lily-Rose Depp, daughter of Johnny Depp, starred in the newly-released film ‘Nosferatu.’ Many who viewed the film did not think she was up to par. O’Shea Jackson, Jr., son of the multifaceted artist Ice Cube, was also deemed unworthy of the spotlight. The nepotism is clear in his acting: audiences think that he is only able to land the roles he does because of who his father is. Any talent needed to be on the silver screen is missing.
Matty Healy, the lead singer of the band ‘The 1975,’ is the son of Tim Healy, a prominent English actor. Matt Healy, as a person, is not received with love and is believed to only have the platform he does because of his father. He is famous because of his father, and despite his questionable actions, he is still able to maintain a large following.
This is the sad truth of nepotism. It steals away the opportunities from people who have equal, if not more, brilliance like them. People who are not afforded the luxury of having a parent as a director or famed rapper. Not to say that nepotism babies are not inherently talented, but admitting to the privilege that nepotism provides is crucial. It is when they deny the advantages they have that people increasingly disapprove of them. The question ‘Is nepotism bad?’ does not have a quite clear answer, though the public usually votes yes. And while cannot help what family you are born into, acknowledging the benefits you have and the fact that you were born already in the casting room is of great importance.
Do you think nepotism is bad? Who is your favorite nepo-baby? Let us know in the comments below!
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