Meghan Markle made a video speech at the United Nations’ Girl Up Leadership Summit.
This speech has been criticised. The YouTube video has received more dislikes than likes.
Being the curious cat I am, I listened to the speech myself. I get why the video received backlash.
The upside
I guess it’s good that Meghan Markle has encouraged young people to think about their own impact in the world. It’s always nice to get encouragement to follow what your passionate about.
Whether what she said is reflective of people’s reality is another thing.
Speech not based on reality
The speech reminds me of me in my early 20’s. It was all about dreams. All about big ambitions, with no real insight to what was going to happen or how.
I’m sorry but phrases like “…demanding to own the conversation” and “changing the world” is only going to go so far.
If someone is struggling to pay the bills, keep a roof over their head and buy food to eat, that person is not going to be thinking about these grand goals and visions. That is probably more true now than ever.
If someone is struggling with depression or bipolar and struggling to keep their own heads above water, the last thing they’ll have the strength to do is to transform the mental health system, no matter how badly it needs it.
While I do think police brutality is an issue to discuss, I kind of get some of the criticisms against Black Lives Matter. What are they hoping to achieve by destroying (mostly black.- owned) businesses through rioting? This is during a pandemic that has already smashed economies in the West.
Speech alienates people further
Going by the like/ dislike ratio already, it looks like Meghan Markle’s speech hasn’t won many hearts. In fact, I think it’s done the opposite; making Markle look like an entitled celebrity that barely anyone can relate to.
Unfortunately, I think the speech only dampened Markle’s reputation. It made her seemed more privileged, more entitled and more unrelatable as ever.
Alice Springs Councillor, Jacinta Price has made a comment on her speech and the Black Lives Matter movement. She isn’t impressed.
She is a woman of great privilege who is completely removed from reality and circumstances on the ground. Her lending her voice to the Black Lives Matter movement is silencing the voices of those of those people who are vulnerable to black on black gang violence.
Price is an Indigenous woman who’s family has been rocked by violence. A number of her relatives have been murdered, or gone missing under suspicious circumstances. According to The Daily Telegraph, Price was visiting another relative who had been bashed.
Ultimately, this is a lesson to all progressives. Being relatable is important. Addressing issues that matter to the average person matters. No fluffy language will win hearts and minds otherwise.
What did you think of Meghan Markle’s speech? Did it resonate with you at all? Feel free to put your thoughts in the comments below.
