Jennifer Lawrence pens powerful response to Donald Trump’s victory
From Miley Cyrus’ tears to Lady Gaga’s protest, Donald Trump’s election has elicited a variety of responses from Hollywood’s elite.
However, at this early stage, few stars have surmised America’s current political situation as eloquently as The Hunger Games’ Jennifer Lawrence.
In an open letter for Vice’s Broadly, the 26-year-old Kentucky native has encouraged US citizens to transform their current state of anger and fear into a form of hopeful resolution.
Surmising the feelings of those left marginalised by Trump’s rise to power, the Oscar-winner wrote: “Is this the stark reality?…This country was founded on immigration and today the only people that feel safe, that their rights are recognized and respected are white men.”
“I want to be positive; I want to support our democracy, but what can we take away from this? It’s a genuine question that we all need to ask ourselves.”
As an outspoken opponent of the President-elect, Jennifer continued by offering seemingly modest solutions to the anxieties of her peers.
“If you’re worried about racial violence love your neighbour more than you’ve ever tried to before – no matter what they believe or who they voted for.”
“If you're afraid of a wall putting us all into another recession then organize and stand against it.”
“If you’re a woman and you’re worried that no matter how hard you work or how much you learn, there will always be a glass ceiling, then I don’t really know what to say. I don’t know what I would tell my daughter if I were you. Except to have hope. To work for the future.”
The actress’ powerful letter finished by recognising that the current mood is apt, but suggested that those left disappointed by the election’s result must continue to strive for progress.
“We’re all allowed to be sad that the present isn’t what we thought it was. But we mustn’t be defeated. We will keep educating ourselves and working twice as hard as the man next to us because we know now that it is not fair. It is not fair in the workplace, so you make it impossible to fail. And like Hillary, it might not work.”
“But like Hillary, you can still be an inspiration and get important things done. Do not let this defeat you – let this enrage you! Let it motivate you! Let this be the fire you didn't have before. If you are an immigrant, if you are a person of colour, if you are LGBTQ+, if you are a woman – don't be afraid, be loud!”
Images: Shutterstock
