Objective
Students will analyze Jane Fonda’s SAG Awards speech to explore how persuasive literary devices, historical allusions, and political commentary can inspire empathy and civic activism. Through this analysis, students will connect Fonda’s rhetoric with contemporary political issues and learn to craft their own calls to action.
Jane Fonda, the 87-year-old actress and activist, delivered a powerful acceptance speech for her Lifetime Achievement award at the 2025 SAG Awards1. Despite technical difficulties that briefly interrupted her address, Fonda’s message of hope, unity, and empathy resonated with the audience. Her speech touched on the importance of actors creating empathy, made a subtle reference to Donald Trump, and emphasized the need for collective action in the face of challenging times.
Introduction
- Context & Engagement:
Introduce Jane Fonda by discussing her legacy as an activist and film star, and explain the significance of her receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. - Multimedia Spark:
Play a short clip from the speech to capture interest and illustrate Fonda’s dynamic delivery. - Discussion Prompt:
Ask students: “What does it mean to ‘give a damn about other people’ in today’s political climate?” Encourage them to share initial reactions to her challenge against the stigma of being ‘woke.’
“Make no mistake: empathy is not weak or “woke.” And by the way, “woke” just means you give a damn about others.
Our job is to understand another human being so profoundly that we can touch their soul—to know why they do what they do.
I’m sure many of you have played bullies, misogynists, and other challenging roles. You actors know that sometimes these characters come from a place of deep hurt—perhaps a father who bullied and demeaned men he felt were weak, calling them losers. Or, as one actress illustrated, consider Sebastian Stan’s portrayal of Donald Trump as an example.
While you may despise the behavior of your character, you must strive to understand and empathize with the traumatized person you are portraying. Think of Sebastian Stan in “The Apprentice Fondo,” who compared the times we’re living in to significant historical social movements.
Have any of you ever watched a documentary about one of the great social movements—be it apartheid, the civil rights movement, or Stonewall—and asked yourself, “Would I have been brave enough to walk that bridge? Could I have handled the hoses, the batons, and the dogs?” We don’t have to wonder anymore, because we are living in our documentary moment.” Jane Fonda
Analyzing Literary Devices and Persuasive Techniques
In cooperative groups, students will investigate key rhetorical devices used by Fonda, using concrete examples from the speech.
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Metaphor: The “Documentary Moment”
- Example from the Speech:
“...we are in our documentary moment. Would you have been brave enough to walk the bridge?” - Discussion Points:
• How does comparing our era to a documentary moment invoke historical struggles and current political challenges?
• In what ways does this metaphor encourage listeners to reflect on their own willingness to act in the face of adversity? - Fonda describes actors as creators of empathy, stating, “What we create is empathy. Our job is to understand another human so profoundly that we can touch their souls.”1
- Example from the Speech:
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Rhetorical Questions:
- Example from the Speech:
“Would you have been brave enough to walk the bridge?” - Discussion Points:
• How do rhetorical questions challenge the audience to evaluate their personal values?
• How might such questions be used to critique political leadership or inaction?
- Example from the Speech:
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Repetition as a Rallying Cry:
- Example from the Speech:
“We must stay in community, we must help the vulnerable, we must find ways to project an inspiring vision of the future.” - Discussion Points:
• How does the repetition of “We must” serve to unite the audience and emphasize collective responsibility?
• In what ways does this repetition mirror the urgency found in political activism and historical social movements?
- Example from the Speech:
Historical and Political References
Students will collaborate to connect Fonda’s allusions to past social movements with today’s political debates.
- Fonda makes a veiled reference to Donald Trump through Sebastian Stan’s portrayal in “The Apprentice”1.
- She alludes to current political tensions by mentioning “what is coming our way” and the need to “resist successfully”1.
- In 2016, President Obama designated the area as Stonewall National Monument, the first national monument dedicated to LGBTQ+ rights National monument
Exploring Calls for Action and Empathy
Focusing on the emotional core of the speech, students will discuss and analyze Fonda’s explicit calls to unite and act.
Fonda urges her audience to:
- Stay in community
- Help the vulnerable
- Use empathy to understand others, even those of different political persuasions
- Project an inspiring vision of the future Indipendent.co.uk
Key Statements to Analyze:
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- “Make no mistake, empathy is not weak or ‘woke’ — and by the way, ‘woke’ just means you give a damn about other people.”
- “We must not isolate; we must stay in community; we must help the vulnerable; we must find ways to project an inspiring vision of the future.”
Discussion Questions:
• How do these statements challenge common political narratives that dismiss empathy as a weakness?
• In what ways can these calls for action be applied to contemporary issues such as political polarization, social justice, or community support?
Conclusion and Reflection
- Class Discussion:
Recap the persuasive techniques and historical-political connections explored in the lesson. Ask students to reflect on how Fonda’s approach can inspire real-world activism and empathy. - Reflective Questions:
• How can we apply these persuasive strategies to address our own community’s challenges?
• What role does empathy play in bridging political divides?
Homework Assignment
Write a one-page reflection on the importance of empathy in addressing social and political issues. In your reflection, incorporate at least one example from Jane Fonda’s speech (e.g., her “documentary moment” metaphor or her redefinition of “woke”) and connect it to a current event or movement. Consider how the use of historical references can empower contemporary calls for action.
On June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a common occurrence at gay bars at the time13. However, this raid was different:
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Patrons and onlookers fought back against police harassment
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The confrontation escalated into days-long protests and clashes with riot police
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Approximately 400 people participated in the initial riot
The Stonewall uprising had far-reaching consequences:
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It galvanized the LGBTQ+ community to unite behind a common cause1
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Within months, activists took to the streets demanding gay liberation1
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The first gay pride march, called Christopher Street Liberation Day, was held in 1970 to commemorate the uprising’s anniversary1
Stonewall has become a symbol of resistance and a catalyst for change:
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It sparked the formation of numerous gay rights organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign and GLAAD4
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The site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 19994
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In 2016, President Obama designated the area as Stonewall National Monument, the first national monument dedicated to LGBTQ+ rights8
The Stonewall uprising continues to inspire LGBTQ+ activism:
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It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and motivates continued efforts for justice and inclusivity7
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The site remains a gathering place for protests, celebrations, and vigils8
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The anniversary is celebrated annually, fostering solidarity among LGBTQ+ individuals and allies7
The Stonewall uprising represents a turning point in LGBTQ+ history, marking the transition from passive acceptance of discrimination to active resistance and demand for equal rights.