What I have wanted to do is take roles that are unexpected for people who look like me. Roles that the establishment would say, 'Oh, she couldn't possibly be that.'
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes challenging stereotypes and expectations based on appearance.
Ruth Negga expresses her desire to take on roles that defy conventional expectations tied to her identity. By seeking unexpected roles, she aims to challenge and disrupt the perceived limitations imposed by society, showcasing the importance of diversity in representation and the power of breaking molds.
In practice
In a keynote speech about breaking stereotypes in the film industry.
When I was a kid in Ireland, there were not very many black people. I was very much like the strange brown thing, intriguing and cute. I didn't experience racism there. The first time I did was in London. It was that moment that you realize you're black. A kind of lifting of the veil.
I don't know why women aren't allowed to have the same sort of breadth and scope and flaws of men.
When you connect to someone on a human level, and you get to know about them, you can begin to love the things that make them different. That's when fear dissipates, and that's when we can live the life that we're all supposed to be living.
I don't like the term 'colour-blind' - because I don't want people to be blind to my colour.
A warrior accepts defeat. He does not treat it as a matter of indifference nor does he try to make a victory of it.
I am probably an outsider because I challenge conventional narratives about who should have a seat at the table.
There are nine million people who see me in the ring and hate my guts. Most of them are white. That's okay. Just spell my name right.
The work of anti-racism can only take place inside each individual soul, where we all try to grow into better people. There is no national tonic or instant cure.
The bravest sight in the world is to see a great man struggling against adversity.
Every time we witness an injustice and do not act, we train our character to be passive in its presence and thereby eventually lose all ability to defend ourselves and those we love.
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