Oscar performance slams Trump, praises activists and Dreamers
"It all means nothing if you don't stand up for something…" @common and @andradaymusic bring us together with "Stand Up For Something" from Marshall. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/lb7AN2bcaA
— Channel 9 (@Channel9) March 5, 2018
An Oscar performance hit a political note as hip-hop artist Common took on President Trump and the “Dreamers” debate, and praised the residents of Parkland, Fla., following the deadly school shooting that occurred there.
The power anthem “Stand Up for Something” from the movie “Marshall” features Andra Day and Common, and is nominated for Best Original Song. However, the artists reworked some of the lyrics for their Oscars performance in light of recent events.
“On Oscar night, this is the dream we tell. A land where Dreamers live and freedom dwells. Immigrants get the benefits, we put up monuments to the feminists. Tell the NRA (National Rifle Association) they ain’t God’s way. And to the people of Parkland, we say Ase,” Common said.
Ase is a West African philosophy that celebrates making things happen and producing change, a potential nod to the students who have become outspoken activists following the deadly shooting at their high school.
“A president that trolls with hate. He don’t control our fate because God is great,” Common said in spoken word. “When they go low, we stay in the heights. I stand for peace, love, and women’s rights.”
“We stand up for the Dreamers, we stand up for immigrants, we stand up against gun violence, anybody in this room if you’ve got something you believe in, we want you to stand up right now.”
The performers also took a knee in solidarity with the NFL footfall players protesting racial injustice during the national anthem, something President Trump has vocally denounced.
They were joined on stage by activists for a variety of causes including Standing Rock, the Syrian refugee crisis, Sandy Hook Promise, Black Lives Matter and “Me Too.”
Departing Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards was also on stage.
This year’s Hollywood ceremony was especially political, including an entire segment dedicated to the anti-sexual harassment “Time’s Up” and “Me Too” initiatives.
Daniela Vega became the first openly transgender person to present an award and Kobe Bryant took a hit at Fox News commentator Laura Ingraham who told him to just “shut up and dribble” after he criticized Trump.