An Open Letter About Meryl Streep's Speech
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

An Open Letter About Meryl Streep's Speech

We are all powerful and we can all lose.

23
An Open Letter About Meryl Streep's Speech
MMAJunkie

A recent topic of discussion is that of Meryl Streep’s acceptance speech at the Golden Globe Awards. Some have said her words were inspiring. Others said she should stick to her less-controversial scripts. Unsurprisingly, this is by no means the first of such speeches made by well-known figures in opposition of certain political figures and their behaviors, actions, or statements. And, most certainly, this is not the first address to evoke equally strong though opposite responses from both ends of the spectrum. Indeed, I would say both positions may be argued to some extent. But I think everyone else has argued plenty… So, instead, I thought I might just write a few letters.

To those angered by this speech,

I get it. She called out the President-Elect. I’m guessing whoever you are, you’ve either been a pretty strong Trump supporter from the start or you’re a strong conservative…And that’s ok! In my opinion, everyone is entitled to their own opinion (ironically enough).And it’s alright to disagree. We are blessed in the United States of America to have such a freedom as speech—one that isn’t simply understood, but is actually included as an amendment to the Constitution! It’s a right that was afforded to us by much struggle. So while I understand that some of you may be outraged by Streep’s open message to Trump, I ask that you also recognize that she has a right to speak out as well on a platform that she has earned over the past several decades. And while you may disagree with her message, perhaps you might try listening to it and those similar to it. Look past the surface, look to the heart of it…I can only imagine that you would hope for the same kindness were you granted such an opportunity.

To those inspired by this speech,

Meryl Streep did a courageous thing. She stood up to the soon-to-be “leader of the free world”. As much as we may hate to see him in that light, it is fact. Rioting, protesting, and throwing temper tantrums on the internet will do nothing to change that. We have little power now over a process that has come and gone and will not return for another four years. What we do have power over is our actions, our words, and our responses to inspiration such as this speech and to acts such as the one that incited it. I invite you to use that. Take every opportunity not to say “told you so!” or “take that!”, but rather to draw wisdom from what is said. Act with kindness, speak with passion, respond with dignity. But give no one a reason or evidence to say you were just choosing the battles you could win and just playing the victim.

To everyone,

“Disrespect invites disrespect. Violence incites violence. When the powerful use their position to bully others we all lose.” –Meryl Streep

Live life showing others the measure of respect you would wish to be granted, whether or not they deserve it. Think before you speak, before you post, before you retweet. Respond to hatred with kindness, to violence with peace. We are all powerful and we can all lose.

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

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

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58741
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
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37882
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959433
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

194890
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments