Matthew McConaughey appeared in a Time 100 video to talk about his thoughts on the responsibility of citizens and their roles in creating change. McConaughey is an actor known for many films and TV shows including Dallas Buyers Club, Interstellar, andHow to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. He also recently published a memoir called Greenlights.
McConaughey made statements about how often people put in the work to get their desired candidate into office, but then just sit back. In his talk he also spoke a lot on unifying, trying to reduce polarization, and turning to the people to create the change they want to see:
We have to understand that our leaders can't do it for us . . . It starts with you and me in the damn mirror . . . we each have to do [the work].
In a seeming attempt to remain non-partisan, McConaughey's message was nondescript and has received backlash and mixed responses.
While some agreed and commended his message:
@TIME @McConaughey Refreshing to see someone talk absolute sense!!!! So true!👍🙏— Caroline McGuire (Deadman) (@Caroline McGuire (Deadman)) 1607063337
@TIME @McConaughey I've always believed we hve to be self lead. Politicians are to be of service. The one thing pol… https://t.co/xedsGlRc3s— Mr.T (@Mr.T) 1607362593
Many were unimpressed and disappointed by his ignorance and lack of awareness of his own privilege:
@TIME @McConaughey You know how you achieve unity? Ensure justice for everyone. Otherwise you're just ordering peop… https://t.co/oTADdGD5hj— Luqman Nation Media (@Luqman Nation Media) 1607021600
@TIME @McConaughey Mr. @McConaughey, with respect & gratitude for your efforts to do good in the world: The GOP has… https://t.co/924fCR6yQq— Emily L. Hauser אלה אסתר 🟣 (@Emily L. Hauser אלה אסתר 🟣) 1607363951
@TIME @McConaughey They arent meant to be our leaders. They're meant to do the work of the people. We are meant to… https://t.co/iSFVKtSkNo— Faerie Dogmother (@Faerie Dogmother) 1607295428
@TIME @McConaughey I'm assuming he's talking about White people here because Black folks ain't never stopped doing… https://t.co/L9XpS2Q43R— Lashanda Walker (@Lashanda Walker) 1607358020
Watch McConaughey's full talk below.
