Let Katy Perry Kiss the Ground: A Defense of Wonder in an Angry World

Katy Perry to space Barbie doll

On April 14, 2025, pop icon Katy Perry touched back down on Earth after an 11-minute spaceflight with Blue Origin. Overwhelmed, she stepped out of the spacecraft, dropped to her knees, and kissed the ground. It was a moment full of wonder, awe, and raw emotion.

And then—like clockwork—the backlash began.

From social media jabs to sarcastic news coverage, people criticized her for being tone-deaf, out of touch, even selfish. Brands mocked her. Celebrities shaded her. She was painted as the poster child for excess at a time when the world is facing climate catastrophe, economic collapse, and global suffering.

But here’s the question nobody seems to ask:

Why are we so angry at someone for living a dream?

When Wonder Gets Weaponized

Yes, Katy Perry went to space. Yes, she promoted her music while doing it. Yes, she kissed the ground when she came back. And no, none of that is a crime.

We live in a world that often rewards cynicism over sincerity. When someone dares to express genuine joy, especially someone in the spotlight, it’s as if we instinctively reach for a stone to throw. Her tears were too much. Her gratitude was performative. Her excitement? Cringe. Why? Because we’ve grown uncomfortable with seeing someone—especially a woman—feel things in public.

But there’s something deeply human about that moment. A pop star touched space, then touched the Earth, overwhelmed by its meaning. That’s not arrogance. That’s humility.

The Wrong Target

Let’s be clear: the world is in trouble. Climate change is real. Inequality is rising. The systems we live under are flawed and, in many cases, failing. But Katy Perry is not the villain in that story.

She didn’t start the fires. She didn’t build the rockets. She didn’t lobby against environmental regulations or hoard resources. She accepted an invitation, took a chance to live something extraordinary, and brought her music—and her human emotion—along for the ride.

We can’t expect one individual, especially a public figure, to carry the burden of global crises. And we certainly shouldn’t crucify someone for experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime moment simply because we’re frustrated with the world.

Rétrospection: A Mirror We Need to Face

Before we point fingers at someone living a dream, maybe we should pause and ask ourselves: what are we doing to change the situation? Because climate change, inequality, and injustice—these are not celebrity problems. They’re human problems. They don’t disappear by shaming one person; they shift only when we each take responsibility. Are we reducing our footprint? Are we voting for better policies? Are we supporting real change, or just scrolling through headlines, waiting for the next person to tear down? It’s easier to mock a pop star than to face our own inaction—but that doesn’t make it right.

What We Actually Need More Of

In a time so heavy with despair, maybe we need more people looking up. Maybe we need to protect those rare moments of awe and beauty, even if they come wrapped in celebrity and glitter. Katy Perry's spaceflight didn’t harm the world—it reminded us that there are still dreams left to chase.

Let her kiss the ground. Let her promote her art. Let her feel joy.

Because if we keep dragging down those who dare to look up, who’s going to show us the stars?