Overview

• Antiracist activist Saira Rao criticized Taylor Swift's selection as TIME's Person of the Year, claiming Swift could end the conflict in Gaza with a single Instagram post.
• Rao's comments were met with widespread ridicule and disbelief on social media, with many pointing out the unrealistic expectation of a pop star influencing international conflicts.
• Rao, known for her organization 'Race 2 Dinner', has been known for her controversial statements and actions in the past.
• Swift, who has not responded to Rao's comments, was praised by TIME's Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs for her ability to 'transcend borders and be a source of light' in a divided world.
• Community notes on the social media platform where Rao posted her comments pointed out that historically, wars and conflicts have not ended due to social media posts.