At the recent Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, legendary actress and activist Jane Fonda took to the stage to accept her award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role. However, her speech went far beyond a simple thank you. Fonda, known for her outspoken views since the Vietnam War era, seized the opportunity to deliver a powerful message about the importance of empathy and resistance in today’s society.

Fonda began by emphasizing the value of empathy, stating, “Empathy is not weak or woke.” She argued that empathy is, in fact, a crucial element in building a more just and compassionate world. By putting ourselves in others’ shoes and trying to understand their experiences, we can break down barriers and create a more inclusive and equitable society.

However, Fonda also acknowledged that empathy alone is not enough. She urged the audience to “resist successfully what is coming at us,” referring to the growing threats to democracy, equality, and social justice. Fonda emphasized the need for collective action and resistance in the face of adversity, highlighting the importance of using our voices and platforms to speak out against injustice.

Throughout her speech, Fonda drew on her own experiences as an activist and artist, highlighting the ways in which film and television can be powerful tools for social change. She encouraged her fellow actors and industry professionals to use their platforms to amplify marginalized voices and promote empathy and understanding.

Fonda’s speech was met with a standing ovation, and her message resonated with audiences far beyond the SAG Awards ceremony. Her call to action serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, resistance, and collective action in creating a more just and compassionate world. As Fonda so eloquently put it, “We must resist successfully what is coming at us, and we must do it together.”