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.
Many people use the words 'death defying' or 'death wishing' when they talk about wire-walking. Many people have asked me: 'So do you have a death wish?' After doing a beautiful walk, I feel like punching them in the nose. It's indecent. I have a life wish.
I have a very different fear if I'm all alone in the summit area of Mount Everest and if I know that there is nothing below me, no Sherpa, no tent, no rope.
I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence. I would rather have India resort to arms in order to defend her honour than that she should, in a cowardly manner, become or remain a helpless witness to her own dishonour. But I believe that nonviolence is infinitely superior to violence, forgiveness is more manly than punishment.
There are people who are willing to suffer and swallow their tears at leisure, and God will no doubt reward them in heaven for their resignation; but those who have the will to struggle strike back at fate in retaliation for the blows they receive.
I've always hated the danger part of climbing, and it's great to come down again because it's safe.
Your fear is the most boring thing about you.
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