Meryl Streep's Golden Globes Speech: Backlash And Defense
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Meryl Streep's Golden Globes Speech: Backlash And Defense

"When the powerful use their position to bully others, we all lose."

12
Meryl Streep's Golden Globes Speech: Backlash And Defense
NBC News

It has been a full week since Meryl Streep delivered her powerful speech as the recipient of the Cecil B. deMille Award at the 74th Golden Globe Awards, and the world is still retweeting, quoting, and sharing the viral video. I applaud Streep for stepping back from the glitz and glamor of the award ceremony to speak about politics and voice her reservations about the nation's President-elect.

Now, to those of you who think Meryl Streep should've kept her mouth shut and stayed out of politics because she's a celebrity, know that I don't agree with you and I'm not writing this to change your minds. However, I may make you mad, and I sincerely hope that I make you think.

First, the fact that Streep's voice was all but gone, and she still made this speech made every word out of her mouth that much more iconic. Meryl Streep did not set out to attack anyone in her speech. She addressed a room of like-minded people: "All of us in this room, really, belong to the most vilified segments of American society right now. Think about it: Hollywood, foreigners, and the press."

Who could argue with Streep's statement here?

The backlash from her speech alone can corroborate her statement when it comes to Hollywood. As for foreigners, in the last year, there have been talks of a Muslim registry (and a ban), police brutality killings against black people, and building a wall between Mexico and the U.S. There have been reports of hate crimes nationwide, and government refusal to allow Syrian refugees into the country.

And the press? Donald Trump has tweeted many a time about how he feels about the press. Often, instead of taking responsibility for things he has said or done, he blames media outlets for reporting on them.

Speaking of the press, Streep mentioned next a performance that "stunned" her. "It was that moment when a person asking to sit in the most respected seat in our country imitated a disabled reporter. Someone he outranked in privilege, power, and the capacity to fight back." This quote, I feel sums up her whole speech, and how I feel we should all approach it, perfectly.

Meryl Streep herself outranks people in privilege, power, and the capacity to fight back, and she is using it to speak out. Also, it is a hallmark example of how little President-elect Trump thinks before he speaks, and how little he cares about being offensive. Further, in the aftermath of Meryl's speech, Trump took to Twitter to defend himself (while also insulting Streep, Hillary Clinton, and the "dishonest media").

In giving this speech, Meryl was attempting to "safeguard the truth" and remind not only actors but viewers of the "privilege and the responsibility of the act of empathy." I wholeheartedly disagree that celebrities should stay out of politics. On the contrary, I feel that celebrities have a duty to voice the views they feel passionate about, even if I disagree with them. In the world we live in, we give celebrities so much power.

We buy the things they endorse, we watch their movies with unrelenting fervor, we give them accolades when they donate to children in third world countries, so why shouldn't we listen when they voice their political opinions? We put celebrities on so high a pedestal that we forget that, while they are people we envy, they are still people. Why not, as a celebrity, give your voice to a cause you believe in? Especially if you speak as eloquently as Meryl did that night.

Finally, if anything is impressed upon you from her speech or this article, let it be these words: "Disrespect invites disrespect. Violence incites violence. When the powerful use their position to bully others, we all lose."

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

99664
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments