"I feel what I learned through this whole experience . . . we are women and nurturers . . . we have our children, and our husbands if we are lucky enough, our partners, whoever. But we have to find personal fulfillment. We have to follow our dreams." - Glenn Close
Glenn Close's Golden Globe award acceptance speech was a strong reminder of the importance of recognizing where we have been, where we are, and where we, one day, may be. It wasn't angry, it wasn't aggressive, but it was also not accommodating or aloof. She spoke of her mother, and they way she had spent much of her life sublimated to her father.
It is difficult to either be eclipsed or to allow one's self to be eclipsed by the work or reputation of a partner. During my wife's mayoral campaign, I was often the spouse on the sidelines, and frequently asked to place a phone call, send an email, look up a statistic, all to help support the work she was doing as a candidate. It was wonderfully humbling to be on the sidelines helping to support her endeavor. But it was always my own choice. In Close's mother's situation, and in many situations, such as that of the character Close played in The Wife, for which she won her award, the individual is not given the public recognition for the work they do.
If our work is an outward manifestation or evidence of our creative productivity, it is essential that it receives affirmation. The affirmation and recognition is more than a pat on the back or a round of applause; it affirms our gifts and our industry. We own our dreams and desires, and we are proud that they take form in our work, and we deserve to have that work appreciated, if not lauded.
It is equally important that we recognize that for years, great minds and great leaders have often eclipsed the extraordinary support work that have given them visibility and voice. Unsung heroes, supernumeraries in the wings, special teams on the sidelines - all have contributed to the success of others. Sometimes we play those roles ourselves, forming a solid stage on which another individual can share their talents.
Ms. Close's comments were powerfully moving - they affirmed that for centuries, gender has not always had equitable recognition. Still, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, if bestowing this award on her for this role, is saying something specific about the value of those in the shadows of others. It also brings to center stage the importance of appreciation for all of those who work tirelessly on behalf of others.
Glenn Close's Golden Globe award acceptance speech was a strong reminder of the importance of recognizing where we have been, where we are, and where we, one day, may be. It wasn't angry, it wasn't aggressive, but it was also not accommodating or aloof. She spoke of her mother, and they way she had spent much of her life sublimated to her father.
It is difficult to either be eclipsed or to allow one's self to be eclipsed by the work or reputation of a partner. During my wife's mayoral campaign, I was often the spouse on the sidelines, and frequently asked to place a phone call, send an email, look up a statistic, all to help support the work she was doing as a candidate. It was wonderfully humbling to be on the sidelines helping to support her endeavor. But it was always my own choice. In Close's mother's situation, and in many situations, such as that of the character Close played in The Wife, for which she won her award, the individual is not given the public recognition for the work they do.
If our work is an outward manifestation or evidence of our creative productivity, it is essential that it receives affirmation. The affirmation and recognition is more than a pat on the back or a round of applause; it affirms our gifts and our industry. We own our dreams and desires, and we are proud that they take form in our work, and we deserve to have that work appreciated, if not lauded.
It is equally important that we recognize that for years, great minds and great leaders have often eclipsed the extraordinary support work that have given them visibility and voice. Unsung heroes, supernumeraries in the wings, special teams on the sidelines - all have contributed to the success of others. Sometimes we play those roles ourselves, forming a solid stage on which another individual can share their talents.
Ms. Close's comments were powerfully moving - they affirmed that for centuries, gender has not always had equitable recognition. Still, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, if bestowing this award on her for this role, is saying something specific about the value of those in the shadows of others. It also brings to center stage the importance of appreciation for all of those who work tirelessly on behalf of others.
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