Meryl Streep's Golden Globe Speech: How Should We Respond?

[Megan Piotrowski]

On Sunday night thousands tuned in to the Golden Globes, one of the film industries biggest nights for congratulating the best of their best. However, one of the acclaimed actresses decided to use this night for a different reason: to bash our country's newest president elect, Donald Trump. While many would say that we as Americans have freedom of speech and can say whatever we want whenever we want, many were outraged by Streep using her congratulatory speech television time to undermine our new president, but did so without saying names. Personally, I believe that while we have the freedom of speech, I do not agree with Streep using her big moment to voice her beliefs and feelings towards Trump and the election. According to an article from Fox News, Streep, "every right to speak out, of course, but to do it before a mass audience tuning in for an awards show feels a little bit like hijacking the event," and I can't help but agree.

With that being said, the public has gone viral with Streep's speech, wondering if the next four years "will consist with most of the entertainment community—and part of the media—will entrench themselves in an anti-Trump opposition camp?" (Fox News Article). Personally, I believe we should give our new president a chance. He has just won a very competitive election, and has every right to showcase his abilities as our new leader. In addition, the speech from Streep should also remind us to keep a weary eye out for mistakes in our government leaders. While our leaders are just like us imperfect people, we also need to hold them to their high moral standard that comes when they take on the responsibilities of leading our nation. However, if we see something being done wrong in our government, we must report it through proper channels, preferably not awards shows.

Lastly, being a Christ follower and viewing Mrs. Streep's speech deeply saddened my heart. Why? Hebrews 13:17 "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you" (ESV). As Christ followers we are to honor, obey, and submit to them, unless they are asking us to do something not biblical. With that, 1 Timothy 2:1-4 states that "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (ESV). I believe this verse gives us another perspective on our government: how can we minister to our country, its leaders, and its citizens if we spend all of our time bashing them, calling them names, using foul language when we speak of them or post about them on social media? The answer: you can't because that doesn't showcase love, the love that Christ has so freely given us. 

So to you Meryl Streep while I applaud you for your bravery to bash our new president on live television, I hope that next time you attend an awards ceremony that you use your air time to showecase love rather than showcase hate. Because love will always go farther than hate.

Article: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/01/10/meryl-streep-performance...