Why Viola Davis’ Trump Speech Was Even MORE Powerful Than Meryl Streep’s
When we look back at 2017’s awards show cycle, Meryl Streep’s powerful Golden Globes speech will go down in history as one of the most memorable of all time. Streep used her position of power to urge us to speak up and out against injustice and support each other, and her words as an ally should not be taken lightly but be used as a call-to-action for us to do more in our daily lives. However, it’s what her co-star and friend Viola Davis said in the press room after receiving her best actress in a supporting role award that is even more powerful in its simplicity and urgency. Viola’s words are even more poignant than Meryl’s because she urges us all to do better in the wake of President-Elect Trump’s vision for America.
.@ViolaDavis was just asked about Donald Trump's presidency backstage. Watch her response #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/Yrj9Rv8So0
— Variety (@Variety) January 9, 2017
In her response to a reporter’s question about how to achieve the American dream in 2017, Davis said, “I will remove Trump from the equation because I feel that it is bigger than him.” She talks about how the true meaning of what it means to pursue the American dream is to be positive, but she also cautioned that the “affirmation” of this dream has fallen short regularly, including our electing of Trump for president.
She continues, saying, “There is no way that we can have anyone in office that is not an extension of our own belief system. So then, what does that say about us? That, if you answer that question, it says it all.” Basically, we need to stop focusing on what others are doing that we think is so bad, and figure out how we’re part of the problem. Only then will we be able to truly fix the deep divide it appears has happened in recent years in both politics and our country as a whole.
This simple message resonates so much, and we’re grateful that women like Viola Davis aren’t afraid to speak up and out on important matters.
Do you agree with Viola Davis’ assessment of our political climate? Tell us @BritandCo!
(Photo via David Livingston/Getty)