“Disrespect invites disrespect. Violence incites violence.” These words, short but powerful, were spoken a week ago by the beloved actress Meryl Streep while she was receiving the Cecil B. DeMille Award for Lifetime Achievement at the 74th Golden Globes. During her speech, she spotlighted the significance of being an actor and what it means to her. As she did this, she obviously mentioned President-elect Donald Trump in a controlled manner, using his inappropriate actions during one of his campaign speeches as a transition into the protection of press. Since last Sunday, she has gotten both praise and abhorrence for the words she spoke.

Meryl Streep’s speech was a call for the understanding of acting and journalism alike. Although some may think otherwise, her example of discrimination towards the press and of the privilege of power was perfect. Trump’s impersonation of the handicapped journalist was distasteful and disrespectful to not only the journalist but to every person out there who is different. She brought light to an event that was dark and she shaped it into a way that supports the protection of journalism.

In response to her speech, Donald Trump tweets “Meryl Streep, one of the most over-rated actresses in Hollywood, doesn’t know me but attacked last night at the Golden Globes. She is a…..” but never continues his sentence. As per usual, he overdramatizes a completely innocent situation and I’m sure even illiterate people can figure out what comes after the “…”. Understandably, the inclusion of Donald Trump’s actions had nothing to do with her accepting the award but this is coming from the same people who are bashing Tom Hiddleston’s gratitude for his fans during his acceptance speech for Best Actor in a Mini-Series or TV Movie.

These people, these actors, are trying to bring awareness to what they are passionate about in a “safe” environment where it is known to practice the First Amendment right. They are being verbally abused for trying to do something that any one person on the street would fail to do due to the lack of respect for the average person. Instead of using their privilege as actors for evil and for popularity, they are using it to help those in need. How are people like Meryl Streep and Tom Hiddleston being criticized while people like Donald Trump are being idolized for speaking their minds?