Empathy, Activism, and the Power of "Woke": Jane Fonda’s Powerful SAG Awards Speech
Jane Fonda, a Hollywood icon and lifelong advocate for social justice, delivered a bold and impassioned speech at the 2023 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, where she was honored with the Life Achievement Award. While much of the world seems to be moving away from the concept of "woke," Fonda embraced the term, redefining it as a simple yet profound act of caring for others. Her speech was a call to action, urging her fellow actors and the broader Hollywood community to embrace empathy, stand up for unions, and resist oppressive forces.
The Definition of "Woke" and the Power of Empathy
Fonda began her speech by emphasizing the importance of empathy, the cornerstone of an actor’s craft. "What we, actors, create is empathy," she stated. "Our job is to understand another human being so profoundly that we can touch their souls." She rejected the notion that empathy is weak or that being "woke" is a negative trait. Instead, she framed "woke" as a fundamental human quality: "Woke just means you give a damn about other people." This definition cuts to the heart of what it means to be socially conscious and active in today’s world.
A Call to Action: Unions, Community, and Resistance
Fonda also used her platform to celebrate the power of unions, which she described as a vital force for community and strength in the face of adversity. "I’m a big believer in unions," she said. "They have our backs. They bring us into community, and they give us power. Community means power, and this is really important right now when workers’ power has been attacked and community is being weakened." Her words were a clear reference to the broader struggles of workers and the erosion of collective bargaining rights in recent years.
Lessons from History: Resisting Oppression and Fighting for Justice
Drawing on her own experiences, Fonda reflected on her early days in Hollywood during the McCarthy era, a time when fear and repression dominated the political landscape. She recalled how Hollywood resisted McCarthyism, even as careers were destroyed and lives ruined. Fonda urged her audience to remember this history as they face new challenges today. "Have any of you ever watched a documentary of one of the great social movements — of apartheid or civil rights or Stonewall — and asked yourself, would you have been brave enough to walk the bridge?" she challenged. "Would you have been able to take the hoses and the batons and the dogs? We don’t have to wonder anymore, because we are in our documentary moments. This is it, and it’s not a rehearsal!"
The Urgency of the Moment
Fonda’s speech was not just a nostalgic look back at past struggles but a urgent call to action in the present. She acknowledged the gravity of the current moment, warning that "a whole lot of people are going to be really hurt by what is happening." She emphasized the need for solidarity and compassion, even in the face of political division. "Even if they’re of a different political persuasion, we need to not judge but listen from our hearts," she said. This message of unity and empathy was at the heart of her address.
A Vision for the Future: Sticking Together and Fighting for Change
In closing, Fonda exhorted her fellow actors and activists to remain brave, united, and committed to creating a better future. "We mustn’t, for a moment, kid ourselves about what is happening," she declared. "This is big time serious, folks. Let’s be brave. We must not isolate. We must stay in community. We must help the vulnerable. We must find ways to project an inspiring vision of the future." Her words were a powerful reminder of the role that artists and activists can play in shaping a more just and compassionate world. As Fonda accepted her award, she reminded everyone in the room — and beyond — that the struggle for justice and equality is far from over. By embracing empathy, community, and resistance, we can all play a part in writing the next chapter of history.