Meryl Streep denounces Trump at 74th Golden Globe Awards

At the Golden Globe Awards on January 8, 2017, Cecil B. DeMille Award recipient Meryl Streep powerfully shared a much needed token of wisdom during a five-minute speech: we must all stand together and show support and understanding in order to combat the hatred we are witnessing. Even though she has played every character from the bossy, spoiled Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada to strong, independent Maggie Thatcher in The Iron Lady, Streep’s most memorable performance will probably be at the 74th Golden Globe Awards.

Of course, I cannot sympathize with the thousands of celebrities that Streep was addressing last night, but I can identify with the desire for change and progression in our country. Growing up in an affluent suburban neighborhood for most of my life, I never realized how much hate and violence plagues our community; but as I have gotten older – and wiser – I have realized that we have a long ways to go before our world is suitable and safe for everyone.

Streep discussed Trump’s multiple attacks towards people with disabilities, immigrants, and women, declaring that a person that plans “to sit in the most respected seat in our country” should not be prompting violence and hate. She also called upon the press to “hold power to account, to call them on the carpet for every outrage.” I agree that it is not just the general public’s responsibility to accept the whole truth, but the press and journalists to report on it as well. The press making excuses for or, even worse, completely neglecting the outrageous acts that President-elect Trump has already committed is a major disservice to our nation and the people that inhabit it. I would hate to overhear a young child stating that harassing a person because of their ability, gender, race, religion, or background is completely acceptable “because President Trump does it”, but I am afraid that we already see that going on. We live in an extraordinary world, and we are extremely lucky to be alive during a time of such progression; and we cannot let a racist, misogynistic pig keep us from doing what we do best: fight for a better world.

Streep’s speech was not without its flaws, however, as she claimed that mixed martial arts and football are not “art”. Up until that moment, I agreed with everything she was stating; but attempting to depict art as only one particular style is not fair. I am not an MMA fiend nor do I tune in to every Thursday and Sunday football game; but for a former mixed martial artist or football fanatic that is their art.

Despite upsetting two entire subsections of the country, I believe that Streep’s intentions are pure and that the purpose of this speech is not to tear down any particular person or group, but to build everyone up and attempt to unify a nation. As Streep stated, “Disrespect invites disrespect, violence incites violence,” and in the same way, respect invites respect and peace invites peace.

Although we are not critically acclaimed actors and actresses, we can still elicit change in our community. As Northgate students, many of us are exposed to immense privilege and opportunity; but rather that simply acknowledging this awesome life we have, we should take action in something we believe in, and help make the world a better place. So even though we are caught in a crossroads between President-elect Trump and the promise of a progressive country, we must remain united and continue to push through these next few years.