America Ferrera: We will fight & oppose actions that threaten our communities

Instead of going to DC as I initially planned, which is a few hours from me, I joined a local protest which ended up being relatively huge for my area at about 2,500 people. It really restored my faith in living in small town Virginia. A friend went to the DC protest and although she got stuck in the metro for an hour, it wasn’t that bad for her because it was filled to the brim with other peaceful protesters keeping the faith and encouraging each other. My friend’s travel companion fainted on the subway and she was so impressed that there was a nurse there immediately to help along with a metro employee. This was despite how overcapacity it was at the time. Help was there, support was there, and it worked out. I’ve heard only positive things from people attending protests. In fact the protests around the US and the world were overwhelmingly peaceful and spoke to the power of the people. We have a lot of work to do but there are so many of us and we will work together to resist this administration.

Celebrities were out in force Saturday to give speeches and lend support to the crowd. (Go here for more of our coverage.) I’ve been watching the speeches filled with gratitude and a lot of emotion and one of my favorites is from America Ferrera, who spoke to her experience as an Hispanic woman in a country where the new leader regularly demeans immigrants, people of color and women. This was a powerful, moving speech and I wanted to talk about it. You can watch a segment of America’s speech below and there’s some text over the screen in case you can’t watch it with the sound on.

I’ve been crying looking at the images all across the world of the huge numbers of us who came out to protest, (one of my favorite videos of that is below) and this speech is making me cry. This part is my favorite:

Our safety and freedoms are on the chopping block and we are the only ones who can protect one another. If we do not stand together, march together, fight together for the next four years then we will lose together. Our opposition knows how to stick together. They are united in their agenda to hold this country back and to thwart progress. It is in their slogan, so we, too must stand unit. If we, the millions of Americans who believe in common decency, in the greater good, in justice for all. If we fall into the trap of separating ourselves into our causes and our labels then we will weaken our fight and we will lose. But, if we commit to what aligns us, if we stand together steadfast and determined then we stand a chance at saving the soul of our country.

Thank you to all of you who protested in your towns and all of you who lend your support and voice to this movement. We will resist, we will create change locally, nationally and globally and we will make our rights and issues heard. A woman’s place is in the rebellion. Also, to the people emailing us asking us not to cover “politics” – don’t let the door hit you in the ass.

Here’s America’s full speech. It’s a couple of minutes longer than the segment above. Holy sh-t it’s powerful.

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61 Responses to “America Ferrera: We will fight & oppose actions that threaten our communities”

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  1. Sixer says:

    “Also, to the people emailing us asking us not to cover “politics” – don’t let the door hit you in the ass.”

    Best sentence you ever typed, Celebitchy.

    • Tate says:

      Haha… yes! Thank you celebitchy!! 👏🏼👏🏼

    • detritus says:

      Gotta agree. Please, never stop with the politics.

      the strong feminist bent, the critical analysis of current trends and issues, these are woven through the fabric of CB and make it the excellent site it is. There are enough sites that cater to gossip other ways.

    • Cbould says:

      Hell yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • Sadezilla says:

      Piling on to say great response, CB. This is one of the places that restores my faith in humanity. Never change!

    • lightpurple says:

      The motion carries!

    • Shambles says:

      YES!!! I f*cking love you, CB. I salute you. That was the best thing I’ve read since the primaries. Thank you for the amazing work that you’re doing here. It matters so much.

    • Esmom says:

      PREACH. It’s funny that CB typed that because just yesterday, as I was over here numerous times throughout the day, I was feeling so grateful for the political coverage. Those have become my favorite posts, my port in a really scary storm. A little gossip diversion is good, to be sure, but this isn’t the same world we lived in when CB started. I’m proud of the evolution.

    • IlsaLund says:

      Thanks Celebitchy…please continue posting about politics. It’s really simple, just don’t click on political posts if you’re not interested….there’s plenty of non political celebrity posts to read here on Celebtichy.

    • SilverUnicorn says:

      I salute you Celebitchy!

      Pls never stop to cover politics 😊

      • homeslice says:

        The only reason I come here every morning is BECAUSE of the politics. It calms me reading the thoughts of like minded people!

        Plus, I just can’t get into the celeb thing lately because I’m so dammed scared of reality!

    • Jess says:

      Amen, CB! We have to stay vigilant every day – and we all have a duty to speak up every day because we can’t trust what comes out of the White House and the mainstream press is still struggling with how to handle the constant stream of #alternativefacts. And I loved America’s speech!

    • lucy2 says:

      I agree!
      It’s your site, you can post about whatever you like, and if people don’t like it they can go elsewhere.
      I for one have really appreciated all the coverage, and the commentary from so many different people around the world.

    • Rachel says:

      We are now in an era of news outlets either normalizing his behavior or failing to report on it in any way whatsoever, so keep up the good work CB.

    • teacakes says:

      Can I second/third/nth this?

      Never stop, CB – people NEED to be reminded what’s at stake here, American or no.

    • Greenieweenie says:

      To be fair, it’s not that Celebitchy is covering politics per se. CB covers celebrity and it just so happens that celebrity entered politics.

      There’s a good CBC Ideas podcast on this Post Truth moment and the first guest on the podcast attributes Trump’s rise to “celebrity culture” dumbing down mainstream culture. It’s interesting. This isn’t shade at CB as if you listen to his definition of celebrity culture, I don’t think that applies to what CB does (which is more takedown of rather than buy-in to celebrity culture). Anyway, you can’t deny the conflation of celebrity with political authority. So I’m glad to see celebrity blogs covering politics critically.

    • Megan2 says:

      The political coverage here has been some of my favourite. I’ve made a decision to start supporting news organizations and publications that publish fact-based reporting. I can NOT with people pandering to the “alternative fact” crowd, and reporting what Dear Orange Leader says as fact rather the obvious blatent lies that it is. CNN’s coverage of the inauguration parade was a damn travesty. If anyone has any good suggestions, please let me know, btw… I have purchased a subscription to the New York Times (actually paid for it!), and I have messaged them to let them know that I want my support to go directly to honest, truth-based, un-biased reporting. It is hard to expect journalists and the media to report responsibly when they require revenue to do so since the clickbait alt right bullsh*t generates more clicks.

      Anyways, mostly just want to say that I love Celebitchy’s posts about Trump and will continue to read as long as they continue to post.

      • Sixer says:

        Megan – I’d really recommend The Conversation, as a site that provides articles on current events but written by academics reflecting on them via their own research interests. Not dry at all! You can sign up for a daily email round-up.

        http://theconversation.com/us

        The UK edition is also worth reading for commentary on US goings-on as well as international ones.

      • Clare says:

        @Sixer I wrote something for the conversation last week – wonder if you can identify which of the rants was mine! 😆

      • Sixer says:

        Noooooooooo! I love that newsletter. I’m going to go back through it now and see if I can identify your syntax!

    • Indiana Joanna says:

      Thank you for that statement, Celebitchy!

    • Jo says:

      Thank you for covering this. Please continue to cover these issues.

      The ban on federal funds to organisations offering abortion ADVICE today is terrifying. I am so upset by this.

    • pinetree13 says:

      I came to celebitchy several years ago because they always seemed to have the most accurate/quickest celeb updates. However, thanks to the intelligent comment section, I come here, ask questions, and I learn so much! Things completely unrelated to the superficial world of celebrity. This site is a gem in a sea of internet depravity. Never change!

  2. Runcmc says:

    Lol @ your message to people complaining about political coverage!

    I’m glad y’all are doing this. It’s important to use your voice and platform to talk about your beliefs and to oppose a repugnant president.

    Also I LOVE that there were more people at the march than at the inauguration.

  3. ida says:

    dear celebitchy. thank your for this wonderful posting and that you will continue to cover politics! thanks to you and all the wonderful commenters I am able to survive this dismal period. and the women’s march with its sister marches assured me that it is just a period. love to all of you from hamburg, germany.

  4. Hannah says:

    This movement should expand to support all women in the world, to fight not only to keep rights, but to help those who doesn’t have rights. Let’s change the world.

  5. Lahdidahbaby says:

    You rule, Celebitchy. Don’t listen to the naysaying idiots. Without this “place” to go to right now (even though I haven’t posted much over this Trumpageddon few days, I’ve been here reading), I think I would go nuts.

    On Saturday my husband got frustrated by my refusal to have the TV news on and he idiotically said, as if to do that male calming-me-down-thingy, “Who knows? — he might do a very good job!”

    At that point I accidentally called him Forrest Gump.

    • Sixer says:

      Mr Sixer once asked me why I come here, given that I have little-to-no interest in celebrity gossip. And I said that there are interesting women here who talk about social, cultural and sometimes political issues in ways that women talk to each other when they are largely unencumbered by men. It’s not that it’s an exclusionary thing – it’s just a place run by women that other women gravitate towards. Sometimes it’s idle chit chat. Sometimes it’s funny. Sometimes it’s serious. But I like it.

      These days, he spends more time than he’d admit to reading over my shoulder to see what y’all are saying.

      • Lahdidahbaby says:

        Amen, Sixer. There’s nowhere else like this. Mr. Lahdidah has also become familiar with several of my favorite posters here, including the likes of you.

      • lightpurple says:

        *Waves at Mr. Sixer. Hands a piece of chocolate football shape cake across the internet*

      • Lahdidahbaby says:

        Weird you should mention chocolate, lightpurple, because it has gotten me through the two+ months since election day. It’s my drug of choice. I’ve gained five pounds since November 8.

        Pass that chocolate football around, dollink.

      • Sixer says:

        Fudge is my current comfort food and this has turned out to be a good thing because Mr Sixer doesn’t like it!

        *scoffs cake*

      • Esmom says:

        My husband doesn’t even know about CB, lol. His outlet is reading about sports. I stumbled across this blog years ago when I was freelancing from home with two babies and felt so isolated at times. The writing and the commenters immediately struck me as different, more thoughtful and insightful and respectful, from most other similar blogs and sites online. I hesitate to even say “similar” now because I don’t think there’s another blog that really compares.

      • greenmonster says:

        Same here, Sixer. Although I’m up for good celebrity gossip, I come here to listen in or participate in some of the very best discussions I’ve ever had. I learned a lot here and I’m still learning. So thanks to all of you for commenting here every day. And of course to the creators: thanks for giving us a site, that is actually mindful and not full of hate.

      • Tata says:

        Yes to the “ways in which women talk to each other when they are largely unecumbered by men”

        Celebitchy is unique in that aspect, and with the election of trump I have been taking solace in the company of women – online and irl, more than ever.

  6. Nicole says:

    Thanks CB! While I was drawn to this place to snark and gossip this community has been great on topics of race, sex, politics, etc. I am happy that we can cover both on here.

    As for America? She is amazing and I’m looking forward to seeing her fight along with many others. Her speech was great.

    • Tate says:

      Same here. I came for the snark but I am staying for the intelligent and thoughtful discussions.

  7. Aiobhan Targaryen says:

    “Also, to the people emailing us asking us not to cover “politics” – don’t let the door hit you in the ass. ”

    I wish you had bolded this comment so that it sinks into some heads, or made it a headline cause you know some people don’t read the actual articles.

  8. Megan says:

    America was the first speaker of the day and she was amazing. The crowd was electrified.

    • Lahdidahbaby says:

      She was passionate and brilliant! Every word she said NEEDED to be said. Brava, America.

  9. Shambles says:

    MARTA in Atlanta was also packed, and it took us a while to get where we were going. But it, too, was filled with other peaceful and energized protestors, and just being on the train with them was already making me feel like I was a part of something huge and meaningful.

    “Next stop, the revolution!” One exclaimed, to thunderous cheers.

    I’m so proud to have been a part of such a historic and magical day. Thank you to all my sisters who marched, my sisters who shared their support even if they could not march, and my sisters who fight the good fight every day. I love you guys!! Well done, sister suffragette!!

    • Marty says:

      I complete agree, Shambles. Growing up a WoC in the South has left me with a cynical view on this country many times over. But being with my own local March on Saturday and seeing people’s around the country, and world? It’s filled me with more hope that I’ve had in a while. It truly was a beautiful site to behold.

      • Shambles says:

        It certainly was, Marty. It was a beautiful sight to behold. There was one point when we came to a bend in the road, so we could see the bridge we were about to cross right across from us. We also got a little taste of the sheer number of people marching, and it was profound. It filled my heart.

  10. Embee says:

    This is the only place I can go right now and see so many others feel the same about politics. Commenting and reading comments is great. If someone doesn’t like to read when you write about it, then they can read something else. Please don’t stop the political coverage

    • ViXi says:

      But this is exactly how trump won the election. By giving him maximum media coverage, in your face type of publicity – HE WINS!

      I can understand why some people don’t want it published here, but at the same time I actually prefer to read about Trump on sites like Celebitchy than Newspapers. It’s nice to read a variety of comments from real people.

      • Embee says:

        I read and comment on newspaper sites everyday. Usually when I give my opinion, I’m called a snowflake and a libtard and told how great Trump will be. Coming here makes me see I’m not the only nervous one, and not have to smh at peoples not getting why Trump was a bad choice

  11. JoJo says:

    I am always amazed at the commenters who complain (often rudely and viciously) about the words written on an opinion-based blog. I completely agree with you about “don’t let the door hit you in the ass.” They have their own hateful blogs to comment on. I have always enjoyed your posts and basically agree with you about everything. I am thankful for your political posts – it helps me realize that people like me (those who are scared and appalled right now) are not alone!

  12. IlsaLund says:

    I loved watching all the marches and unity around the world. I felt hope again and believe this is an awakening. That us ordinary folks are finally “woke” to the threats that face us. Sadly, it took an orange clown to get us to this point, but hopefully this movement is beginning.

    Remember this date November 6, 2018. That’s the date on which 33 Senate seats, all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, and 14 governorship’s will be up for re-election. Put it on your calendar now and be prepared to be an informed voter. If you are worried, concerned, angry, disappointed about the direction the government is going this is the most effective way to make a change, stop complaining and start planning. Remember the president is only one cog in the government machine, and you can make effective change through voting for your local and state representatives, this is the check that can balance this situation. Pass it on.

  13. Nanea says:

    Just chiming in to say I’m here come rain, shine, or politics!

    I don’t often have time to participate, but I try to make this a regular stop in my schedule of touring blogs, and while I also spend time on political sites like Daily Kos, it’s this mix of lighthearted gossip and thoughtful and enlightening posts that I appreciate so much. I really don’t get how people think it’s their right to criticize a site owner’s mix of offerings, or the opinions of its team of writers.

    I marched with my 16 year old twins (girl, boy) in my hometown – Hamburg/Germany – and had until then no idea there is a thing called Democrats Abroad, who organized the event.

  14. Marty says:

    I probably spent a good two hours watching some of the speeches from yesterday. America’s was definitely one of my favorites.

    And Celebitchy is the ONLY place I felt like I can talk about politics on the internet.

  15. Katherine says:

    I know this is not an email, but – thank you for covering politics

  16. JesB says:

    I’ve read this blog for years and never commented. I love the blog because it’s “smart” celebrity gossip, at this point politics, celebrity gossip are one in the same. The president is a reality tv personality! Thank you for covering life.

  17. Abbess Tansy says:

    I appreciate the celebrity, social and the political coverage. Please keep up the great work!

  18. Kitten says:

    I’ve been commenting here for six years or so. Love this site so much and while the celeb posts can occasionally be entertaining, I’m here for the more topical/social/political coverage. I’ve learned so much from fellow commenters and for that, I am eternal grateful.

    Thanks C/B, Kaiser, and crew for providing us with a sanctuary from all the ignorance and hate.

    • Sullivan says:

      Yes, Celebitchy is a sanctuary!

    • detritus says:

      Sanctuary is right. Its sometimes hard to be surrounded with so much hate for women, minorities and the ‘different’.
      Coming here is a breath of fresh air, and the women posting here are exceptional in wit, intelligence and courage. It’s inspiring in a world where we don’t always get to see smart, thoughtful and motivated women. Keep on being bad bitches ladies.

    • Lahdidahbaby says:

      Amen, Kitten. Sanctuary is the right word.

  19. i stumbled on this blog years ago and im mostly a lurker but i will say this blog has been insightful,educative, informative and exciting with prominent commenter with strong opinion, snarky and fun words on race issues, sexual orientation, feminism, such as original belluna who i dont know maybe she had a name change, eve,tiffany,shambles, nicole, original kitten, tate,megan,marty,embee,sixer,lahdidababy and a host of others. its really an eye opener. Please keep up the good work celebitchy

  20. Stephanie says:

    A guy got shot Friday night in Seattle when people protested the appearance/speech by Milo Yiannopoulos at UW. I’m not sure if it affected how many showed up in Seattle

  21. anniefannie says:

    Please never change celebitchy!! I love,love love the video showing all the cities here and around the world showing our solidarity, it’s a bonus that that’s the kind of coverage that drives the gnarly orange clown INSANE!!
    Also want to give another shout out to posters to purchase a newspaper/magazine subscription to support investigative journalism. I purchased NY Times and Washington Post and in the comment section made it clear why. IF journalists have the funds to dig deep into Trumps activities for the next 4 years I believe an impeachment would be unavoidable…