So, I did not want to watch the Oscars last night. None of the movies appealed to me and I couldn’t have cared less as to who won what. The only thing I was interested in was Chris Rock’s opening monologue and how he would address the #OscarsSoWhite issue.
Chris Rock did not disappoint. He went head on to address the issue and made excellent points with his comedy and humor. I couldn’t stop laughing. He had so many great lines that I had to start live tweeting about it. And then— I was compelled to watch the rest of the Oscars for his commentary. It was insane! There were mostly boring moments. But there were some definitely highlights: Chris’s opening speech, Lady Gaga’s performance, gallant speech by VP Joe Biden, Sam Smith’s dedication to the LGBT community, and Leo finally winning his first Oscar.
What was surprising was how fired up I was despite the overly long awards. All minorities want the same opportunities as white actors. It’s not just black actors. I’m not one to twiddle my thumbs waiting for Hollywood to wake up, so my immediate reaction was: F*** this! I’m going to MAKE opportunities for myself and my fellow minority men and women! The fire that used to burn deep in my soul was fully re-ignited with a strong sense of purpose. I have to make my own films. Because despite all odds, you can still make a difference. You can still win an Oscar. You can still create change and bring awareness.
Here are the 3 most powerful lessons I learned from this year’s Oscars:
- Make your own opportunities. Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, the producer who won best short documentary said, “This is what happens when determined women get together.” ENOUGH SAID. Dream big, have determination, turn that dream into a reality. If it’s something you believe in fully, you’ll always find a way.
- Tell your story. Gaga’s performance was powerful and emotional and seeing all the sexual assault survivors on stage was incredibly moving. Tell your story. Speak for those who don’t have a voice. We all have our own story: pain, struggle, defeat. Others will identify.
- Always remember: you are not alone. There are others out there who share your dream. Work together. Write. Create. Make. Whatever oppression or suppression you are experiencing, turn it into art. Make a film, write that story, let your heart bleed out onto the pages of your incredible story and share it with the world.
You can make a difference. You can travel the world. Your voice has a chance to be heard. Go for it. Hey— it took almost 3 decades for Leo to win his first Oscar. You can do it too! Never stop believing.
All Love,
Alicia
Yes to the Ying 