In today’s society, discussions around "privilege" are increasingly common and essential. These conversations demand attentive listening and sincere dialogue.

Privilege can manifest in various aspects of life, including race, gender, age, and more. It's crucial for us as global citizens to reflect on our unearned advantages and recognize when we are affected by systemic inequalities.

However, the good intentions behind these discussions can sometimes derail into problematic territory. A significant factor contributing to this is the concept of “iconism”, or “celebrity privilege.”

Ellen Pompeo, renowned for her role in the ABC series Grey's Anatomy, exemplifies this issue.

Recently, Pompeo interviewed her former co-star Patrick Dempsey on her podcast, Tell Me, where she recounted an incident from five years ago involving Denzel Washington directing an episode during Season 12.

Pompeo shared a story about how she confronted another actor during a scene, only for Washington, the director, to intervene and reprimand her. She recounted her response to Washington, stating:

Listen, motherfucker, this is my show. This is my set. Who are you telling [what to do]? Like, you barely know where the bathroom is!

Later that day, Pompeo reportedly expressed her grievances about Washington’s behavior to his wife, Pauletta Pearson.

While she claimed to hold “utmost respect” for Washington and framed the incident as a positive experience, many listeners found her attitude to be entitled and exploitative. Critics labeled her a “Karen,” accusing her of displaying white privilege and being a toxic colleague.

Such critiques are valid, yet they scratch only the surface of a deeper issue.

Editor Nia Tipton from YourTango highlights the troubling power dynamics at play: Pompeo, a White woman in a position of privilege, attempted to undermine Washington, a Black man, who was fulfilling his role as director. Following this, she leveraged her celebrity status to cast herself as a victim while trivializing the situation.

Ironically, Pompeo frequently positions herself as an ally to BIPOC individuals, presenting herself as a role model for other White individuals on how to combat racism.

Before the February Golden Globes, she penned an open letter addressing the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and the lack of BIPOC representation in the industry.

Although her call for greater representation was valid, she failed to provide concrete strategies for achieving true inclusion. Her vague advice for White individuals to utilize their “enormous privilege” and “do the work” fell short of actionable steps.

On Twitter, I attempted to articulate that Pompeo’s virtue-signaling often lacks substance, reflecting a broader pattern where self-identified “allies” use guilt to elevate their moral standing without offering substantial solutions to systemic issues.

This isn’t the first instance of Pompeo displaying performative allyship. During a 2018 Porter Magazine roundtable, she emphasized the responsibility of White people to advocate for diversity in Hollywood.

As Caucasian people, it’s our job. It’s our task, it’s our responsibility to make sure we speak up in every single room we walk into, that this is not okay and that we all can do better. It’s our job, because we’ve created the problem.

Despite receiving praise from some, others, including The Root’s Monique Judge, pointed out that such minimal efforts should not warrant accolades.

Critics have noted inconsistencies between Pompeo’s statements and her actions. For instance, she has previously come under fire for her response to a Black teenager questioning the appropriateness of White individuals using Black emojis on social media, leading to an onslaught of attacks from her fans.

My concerns regarding Pompeo’s stance are twofold. Firstly, it is disingenuous for her to lecture others on allyship when her own efforts seem superficial at best.

Additionally, I question the notion that all White individuals must take collective responsibility for systemic racism. In many situations, individuals may lack the influence to effect meaningful change, and without a consensus on specific actions, interventions could be misinterpreted or counterproductive.

While advocating for action is crucial, it is essential that we support BIPOC leaders and initiatives rather than impose our narratives onto them. True allyship can occur without self-congratulatory displays or public self-criticism.

Pompeo’s understanding of constructive dialogue appears limited. For example, in August, she attempted to hold a fan accountable for the oppression of women in Afghanistan, which backfired when fans criticized her for being self-righteous.

It's essential to remember that celebrity status does not exempt anyone from scrutiny. Public figures should not receive blind admiration based on their fame alone.

Not even notable figures like Meryl Streep, Dwayne Johnson, or Ellen Pompeo should be placed on a pedestal unconditionally.

Regrettably, ABC seems hesitant to address Pompeo’s behavior, likely due to the financial success of Grey's Anatomy. The show remains a cash cow for the network, especially after creator Shonda Rhimes moved to Netflix.

Pompeo herself has not shown willingness to acknowledge her shortcomings. Following the controversy, she spent a segment on Jimmy Kimmel Live! discussing her homemade tomato sauce without mentioning the backlash she faced.

It appears the corporate environment surrounding Pompeo allows for continued problematic behavior without accountability. Showrunner Krista Vernoff of Grey's Anatomy recently admitted to benefiting from white privilege during her youth, receiving praise for her candor while simultaneously creating characters that reinforce racial stereotypes.

I do not suggest we ignore the realities of white privilege or systemic racism. However, engaging in performative allyship—constantly critiquing White individuals without offering substantial solutions—does not advance the cause.

As a wealthy individual contemplating her future post-Grey's Anatomy, perhaps Pompeo could channel her resources into initiatives that genuinely empower marginalized communities, such as supporting agri-sustainability projects that enhance food security.

If she truly wishes to make a difference, she should consider meaningful contributions rather than merely lecturing others on how to behave.

Who knows, she might even find a way to promote her homemade tomato sauce while doing so.