The 2018 Golden Globes were a myriad of revolutionary moments. All of the stars came sporting their best black attire in order to support the Time’s Up Movement. This movement is in support of the sudden explosion in Hollywood sexual assault accusations. Some of which include House of Card’s own Kevin Spacey and Film producer, Harvey Weinstein. However, one Hollywood outfit had people saying, "wait, what?”
Connie Britton, famous for her role of Tami Taylor on "Friday Night Lights," rolled up to the Golden Globes in a curious sweater. She wore an embroidered black that read “Poverty is sexist.” At first, I thought, what a cute hipster T-shirt to wear to the Golden Globes, LOVE. But then realizing what it read, I personally had no idea what her statement meant. “Poverty is sexist?” What a bizarre thing to sew onto a shirt. People took to Twitter to announce their own confusion.
"2 things this Woman needs to know. 1. Poverty isn't an actual living being that has emotions and train of thought. 2. Is she trying to imply that only Women live in poverty?" @RyanLUFC92
"I don't know who this is, but can anyone help explain to me what "Poverty is sexist" is all about?" @davidmweissman:
"How can it be sexist when it doesn't arbitrarily pick women?" @mrs_pinky85:
Now, what in the world is a statement like that supposed to mean. I was with Twitter. Was she really trying to say that only women live in poverty? Does poverty suddenly take sides? Like the rest of us confused fans, I just had to find out.
Taking to Connie’s own Twitter, I found that her banner picture was of her posing with African children. I then started to connect my own dots. Britton supports a campaign called One Campaign. One Campaign is an initiative supporting extreme poverty and disease in Africa. This campaign is partnered with the AIDS organization RED to influence governments to take more initiative for poverty and disease control.
Britton’s shirt “Poverty is Sexist” is a hashtag created by the One campaign. The real meaning of this shirt is that sexism is an issue not only in America but Africa too. You can find out more about this initiative by going to one.org and click on the tab “TAKE ACTION.” There, you can donate, send messages, become and member, and join the global conversation.
“Nowhere on earth do women have as many opportunities as men. Nowhere. But for girls and women in the poorest countries, that inequality is amplified," One Campaign.
Later, Connie Britton posted her own message on Instagram explaining her shirt which dulled some of the confusion.
"My sweater says, "poverty is sexist," and we dressed in black to acknowledge that is a time for all of us, men and women, to empower ourselves with equality. My hope is that this movement will now reach the grassroots, the small towns, the villages near and far, where women have been silenced, without resources, in the face of gender disparity," Connie Britton
So it makes sense! Connie is ingeniously making us question her shirt in order to do our own research, thus creating awareness. Can you think of a better use of fame? Britton touches on an important subject that is more prevalent than ever. Let's not forget that Natalie Portman and Connie Britton shared a similar sexism lesson when she pulled a Kanye Sunday night. When chosen to announce the nominations of best directors, Natalie added, “And here are all the male nominees.” YIKES
This is just another way that the Golden Globes called out sexism this year. This gives me hope that maybe something will change. Whether it’s closing the gap between wages here in the United States, or allowing the same rights for women in Africa. The Golden Globes was truly a spectacle of women with powerful messages.
