In a world where politics and technology intersect more than ever, legendary actor Denzel Washington is urging people to open their eyes. The two-time Oscar winner has shared his thoughts on manipulation in modern politics, calling out both sides for using tools of the information age to sway public opinion.
During an interview with The Sunday Times, Washington discussed the state of American politics and how it resonates globally. When the interviewer quoted a line from his upcoming film Gladiator II — “Empires fall, so do emperors” — Washington offered a candid response: “It’s so easy to stand outside America and say this and that. Turn around, you know? Pick a country. Any one.”
He didn’t mince words when it came to the role of technology in politics. “It’s all politics. All promises unkept. And now with the information age the way it is — if anything — left, right, whatever had better learn how to use those tools to manipulate the people,” he explained. Drawing from his early career, he referenced a line from his 1981 film Carbon Copy: “‘Power to the people? Yeah, they had it once — it was called the Stone Age.’”
Washington emphasized his point further: “We’re all slaves to information now. We really are. We’re all slaves. So whatever you feel about the leaders, like this guy’s crazy or the other one is sane, you’d better realize you’re being manipulated by both sides. Period.”
The 68-year-old actor concluded his remarks on the subject with a bit of humor. “Yeah. So go to the movies.”
Reflecting on a Storied Career
In the same interview, Washington opened up about his decades-long career in Hollywood, which has seen its fair share of highs and lows. Known for his commanding presence on-screen, he revealed that his journey wasn’t always smooth.
“After [1992’s] Malcolm X I made some real clunkers,” he admitted. “Look them up — I won’t say their names. They are all in the 1990s. But I was earning. I had responsibilities.”
Washington has long been candid about the balancing act of art and life. His rise in the industry was accompanied by personal commitments, including raising four children and managing the financial realities of family life.
By the 2000s, Washington had regained momentum, starring in critically acclaimed films such as The Hurricane (2000) and Training Day (2001), the latter of which earned him his second Academy Award. Reflecting on this period, he said, “Well, in life, you learn, earn and then you return — as in give back. So if your life is 90 years long, up until 30 you learn and from 30 to 60 you earn. So in that era I was earning. With a great agent, my career built into making money and so the earning kicked in and then life also kicked in, with bills, four kids and a house.”
A Call to Awareness
While Washington’s reflections on his career provide inspiration, his commentary on the manipulation of information carries a deeper message. In an age where news cycles move at lightning speed and opinions are formed in 280 characters or less, his warning is both timely and poignant.
His call to action is simple: stay informed but remain critical. The tools that empower can also enslave, and Washington’s message is clear — everyone must recognize the power of information and the influence it wields.
Ultimately, Washington’s voice serves as a reminder that awareness is key in navigating today’s political and digital landscapes. And, as he cheekily suggests, a little escapism at the movies might not hurt either.
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