Jane Fonda Launches Call for Empathy and Resistance at SAG Awards

Jane Fonda Launches Call for Empathy and Resistance at SAG Awards

Actress and climate activist Jane Fonda used her platform at the 31st annual Screen Actors Guild Awards to deliver a powerful message directed at President Donald Trump and the political challenges facing Hollywood. In a heartfelt and politically charged address, Fonda urged her colleagues in the entertainment industry to stand firm and advocate for compassion in an increasingly divisive era.

During the ceremony, where she was honored with the SAG Life Achievement Award, Fonda emphasized the importance of understanding and empathizing with individuals who might not share the same perspectives, particularly in today’s polarized political climate.

Fonda reminded attendees, “What we [actors] create is empathy. Our job is to understand another human being so profoundly that we can touch their souls.” Her words resonated deeply, highlighting the significant role of storytellers in fostering connection and compassion across societal divides.

The actress pointed out that portraying various characters, even those who embody negative traits—such as bullies and misogynists—demands not just talent but a willingness to engage deeply with different human experiences. This point underscores how empathy, rather than weakness, is a powerful tool in advocacy.

Fonda passionately claimed, “Make no mistake, empathy is not weak or woke. By the way, woke just means you give a damn about other people.” This statement encapsulated her belief that social awareness and activism are fundamental responsibilities of those in creative fields.

The veteran actress urged her peers to have compassion for those who might be adversely affected by the new administration’s policies, even if their political beliefs differ. Fonda stated, “We need to call upon our empathy and not judge but listen from our hearts, and welcome them into our tent. Because we are going to need a big tent to resist successfully what’s coming at us.”

At 87, Fonda reflected on Hollywood’s historical role in challenging authority, drawing parallels between the current political atmosphere and previous eras of resistance. She recounted her first film experience in 1958, a time overshadowed by McCarthyism, when the careers of many were undermined by political paranoia.

She noted, “Today, it’s helpful to remember that Hollywood resisted.” This observation echoes a broader narrative about how the entertainment industry has often stood against governmental and societal pressures throughout history.

Fonda’s rallying cry to her fellow actors included a poignant challenge: “Have any of you ever watched a documentary of one of the great social movements — like Apartheid or our Civil Rights movement or Stonewall — and ask yourself, would you have been brave enough to walk the bridge?” This question invites self-reflection among her peers and provokes thought about current societal issues.

With urgency, she asserted, “We don’t have to wonder anymore because we are in our documentary moment. This is it, and it’s not a rehearsal!” This statement encapsulates her belief that the time for action is now, and the stakes could not be higher.

Fonda urged Hollywood to remain united and proactive in protecting the vulnerable, stating, “We mustn’t for a moment kid ourselves about what’s happening. This is big time serious, folks. So let’s be brave.”

In summation, Fonda’s speech was not merely a personal declaration; it was a call to arms for the entertainment industry to engage in active resistance against policies and ideologies that threaten to divide society. She concluded her address by advocating for a community that nurtures and supports an inspiring vision for the future—one that is inclusive and welcoming to all.