Denzel Washington's Commentary on American Politics

Oscar-winning actor Denzel Washington recently delivered a thought-provoking commentary on the current state of American politics, warning individuals to recognize the manipulative strategies employed by both major political parties.

Reflections from 'Gladiator II' Interview

In an insightful interview with The Sunday Times, Washington referenced a profound line from the forthcoming Ridley Scott film Gladiator II, where he stars: "Empires fall, so do emperors." This statement resonated with Washington, highlighting the volatility of political power after recent elections. He challenged the notion of viewing American politics from a distance, stating, "You know, it’s so easy to stand outside America and say this and that. Turn around, you know? Pick a country. Any one."

The Nature of Political Deception

Washington emphasized the pervasive nature of political deception, saying, "It’s all politics. All promises unkept. And now with the information age the way it is—if anything—left, right, whatever had better learn how to use those tools to manipulate the people." He recalled a poignant line from his 1981 film Carbon Copy: "Power to the people? Yeah, they had it once—it was called the Stone Age." This cryptic remark underlines his belief that the current information landscape has created a new form of dependency.

We're All Slaves to Information

"We’re all slaves to information now," Washington asserted. "We really are. We’re all slaves. So whatever you feel about the leaders, like this guy’s crazy or the other one is sane, you’d better realize you’re being manipulated by both sides. Period." He concluded with a light-hearted nudge, suggesting that perhaps audiences should just go to the movies instead.

Looking Back at His Career

In addition to his political reflections, Washington reminisced about his career, candidly acknowledging some of his less stellar choices in the 1990s post-Malcolm X. "After Malcolm X, I made some real clunkers. Look them up—I won’t say their names," he chuckled.

Philosophy of Growth and Giving Back

He also looked back on his acclaimed roles in the 2000s, particularly in films like The Hurricane and Training Day, which secured him his second Academy Award. "You learn, earn, and then you return—as in give back," he stated, illustrating a philosophy of professional and personal growth. "So, if your life is 90 years long, up until 30 you learn and from 30 to 60 you earn."

A Call to Awareness

Washington's reflections are not just a call to awareness about political manipulation but also serve as a reminder of the pressures and responsibilities that come with success in the film industry. As he continues to captivate audiences with his performances, his insights into the socio-political fabric of contemporary society resonate deeply, urging individuals to stay vigilant and informed.