Why Jane Fonda is the Blueprint for True Allyship

Jane Fonda Receives Lifetime Achievement Award at the Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Jane Fonda shook the table with her Lifetime Achievement Award speech, reminding everyone that "empathy is not weak or woke" at this year's Screen Actors Guild Awards. "And by the way, woke just means you give a damn about other people," she said while receiving a standing ovation.

What is refreshing about the two-time Academy Award-winning actress is her commitment to simply being on the right side of history. With a career that has lasted more than six decades, activism has always been essential and at the forefront of who she is.

Her advocacy work spans multiple social and political issues, including opposition to war, environmental activism, and support for civil rights and women's rights. Her journey as an activist has been both controversial and impactful, making her one of the most recognized figures in American political activism. Fonda is controversial to those who can't imagine actively fighting for the rights of others. Yet she's inspirational for those who want to but need to see how it's done.

Fonda's activism became widely known during the Vietnam War in the 1970s when she took a firm stance against U.S. military involvement. She traveled to North Vietnam in 1972, which sparked intense controversy and led to her being nicknamed "Hanoi Jane." Her visit included radio broadcasts denouncing the war and photographs of her sitting on a North Vietnamese anti-aircraft gun, which fueled accusations of betrayal. Despite the backlash, Fonda remained steadfast in her opposition to the war, later apologizing for the photo but maintaining her stance against the conflict.

Beyond her anti-war activism, Fonda also became an advocate for civil rights and feminist movements. She actively supported the Black Panthers and worked alongside Native American activists in their struggle for sovereignty and fair treatment. During the 1970s and 1980s, she used her platform to promote gender equality, speaking out on issues such as pay equity, workplace discrimination, and reproductive rights. She also co-founded the Women's Media Center to amplify women's voices in media and politics.

In the 21st century, Fonda has focused heavily on climate activism. She launched "Fire Drill Fridays," a series of protests in Washington, D.C., aimed at demanding urgent government action on climate change. Inspired by Greta Thunberg, she was arrested multiple times during these protests, demonstrating her commitment to civil disobedience as a means of pushing for policy changes. Her environmental activism extends beyond protests, as she continues to advocate for an end to fossil fuel dependency and greater investment in renewable energy sources.

Fonda's activism has evolved over the decades, but her dedication to social justice has remained constant. What has been consistently true about the actress is her commitment to giving a damn about other people isn't an act. Whether advocating for race and gender equality or climate action, she has proven to be an influential and fearless voice in political activism. Allyship has been a lifelong calling for her, proving that you can do a lot with or without celebrity status if you just remember to care. Others who feel moved to do the same have a lot they can learn from Jane Fonda.