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.
The memory of oppressed people is one thing that cannot be taken away, and for such people, with such memories, revolt is always an inch below the surface.
A great part of courage is the courage of having done the thing before.
I'm an athlete, yes, but I'm also a woman. I'm someone who kind of, in a way, lost touch with that part of myself after I lost my legs, because there are certain feminine traits you lose when you have prosthetic legs.
I went to Boston fully expecting to be arrested - arrested by a polizia created by a government that my ancestors rebelled to establish.
I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible and die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his honour and that of his country, Victory or death.
It's very hard to turn your back once you're aware of what's going on, and you're aware of the injustices, and you're aware of the civilian casualties. It's much easier if you have no idea and you've never seen it.
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