now is a symbol for change. The spirit of this bridge transcends
race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and social status...
This bridge was built on hope, welded with compassion, and
elevated by love for all human beings." - Common
Last night the 87th Annual Academy Awards aired on ABC in the United States. It is a night much anticipated by many, including myself. As an actor, an entertainer, and an artist - this is my Superbowl. I can't get enough of it. All the dresses, all the smiles, all the screw ups, all the tears, all the laughter - I love it.
Every year, films are carefully deliberated over, nominated, analyzed, and by the time the night is over, we learn who the Academy deems exceptional in their category. The truth, in my opinion, is that the nomination alone is a mark of exceptional work. Every year we hear speeches from brilliant, incredibly, and (sometimes) crazy artistic geniuses. There are words about life, art, beauty. And then there are words like last night.
Words like
SUICIDE.
Words like
WAGE EQUALITY.
Words like
SELMA IS NOW.
They are not new words. They are not particularly unique sentiments. And they were even underscored by some of the night's less than compassionate moments (ahem, Neil Patrick Harris and Sean Penn).
But, make no mistake, they are important.
Here's why:
1. Where they were said. These words were said on a public platform. They were said on a national broadcast over a network station. They were said in a spot where many great, talented, wonderful, passionate people have stood but refused to take risks because they were afraid. Personally, I might very well do the same. I have no way of fathoming what it would be like to stand on that stage with that big of an audience, with a career in the balance, and with a limited number seconds before I get played off and try to speak something worthwhile. I would like to believe that I would do it, but perhaps that is just my sense of pride.
2. What happened when they were said. When Dana Perry started to talk about her son's suicide, the music playing her out stopped. When Patricia Arquette began her frazzled, frantic, impassioned plea for wage equality between genders, people clapped. They cheered. They stood up. When Graham Moore opened up about his suicide attempt and dedicated his Oscar to every growing child who feels out of place, he received the same support. When John Legend and Common performed, people stood. People cried. And when they accepted the award, people were silent. They listened. They hushed and actually heard the call to action. They sat in the uncomfortableness of the call that meant they were now put in a state of expectation. And then they applauded. These brave voices received support and encouragement.
3. People heard them. I know it because social media was abuzz. I know it because, if no one else, I heard them. Not that I am any great person of import in this grand and vast world, but I am someone who has wrestled with darkness. I have walked my pathways filled with despair, with manifestations of sexism and racism. I heard them.
A long time ago, when I was in a really dark spot, this story came into my life. In it, To Write Love On Her Arms founder Jamie Tworkowski ponders the thought that we are called to "move for things that matter." It has become a fundamental part of my personal philosophy. It goes on to say this:
"We are only asked to love, to offer hope to the many
hopeless. We don't get to choose all the endings, but
we are asked to play the rescuers. We won't solve all
the mysteries and our hearts will certainly break in such
a vulnerable life, but it is the best way. We were made
to be lovers, bold in broken places, pouring ourselves out
again and again until we're called home."
That's why last night mattered to me. It was a call. It was a moment when people refused to be silent about the brokenness in the world. THANK GOD. We can't fix the brokenness if we refuse to see it, refuse to talk about.
So often we look back at how far we have come. That's fine. We need reminders of progress. But progress was never achieved by folks who looked around and refused to talk about the problems.
So, in case you missed last night, I have included links to most of the moments I have discussed. Where we stand is important. The bridges we build and what build them on is important. Allow yourself to be called to action. Find your bridge.
"We should talk about suicide out loud." - Dana Perry
No comments:
Post a Comment