Tom Hanks inspired us and everyone at MoMA with his ~ very ~ presidential speech
As many of us reel from the election last week, some of our loudest voices continue to attempt to make sense of what just happened. Some want to lay blame. Some want to ask “what if?” And some want to plan for the future. For example, legendary documentarian Michael Moore suggested Tom Hanks or Oprah Winfrey run president. Michael’s argument boiled down to the idea that both celebrities are beloved.
Yesterday at an event at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, Tom Hanks didn’t exactly prove him wrong. During his ten minute speech, Tom proved once again why he’s one of our favorite celebrities. Tom was honored by MoMA at its annual film benefit, and his words deftly tied the work of artists to the work of America in a way that seemed very presidential.
Speaking to attendees at MoMA, Tom Hanks insisted that we can always turn to films in times of turmoil.
Tom said, "We can always turn to films, from no matter what era they were made in, to reflect who we are and what we believe and the things we hold dear and important to us."
Tom referenced classic films like The Wizard of Oz, Gone with the Wind, and True Grit to explain that we all see ourselves in films, which gives us a perfect means to remember what we stand for.
Tom admitted that he, like anyone, constantly puts himself in the position of a film’s characters.
He explained, "As a little kid in the movie theater and as a 60-year-old man now, when I sit down in front of the screen and see it happening before me, I always ponder that question: 'What would I do if I was in the circumstances of that man, that woman, that child, that android?'"
Tom laughed off the fact that not all films are successes. Not even all of his films. For instance, his film Lady Killers was called a bad Coen Brothers movie to his face by a reporter, Tom recounted in speech. But that doesn’t make those films any less important.
Tom then turned the conversation to America, and he reassured everyone that we’ve been here before.
Tom outlined for the crowd how he lived through days like this, when we questioned our leaders. He has seen violence in the streets. He’s witnessed arguments over dinner that pulled at the fabric of families. But, he reminded the audience, we’re protected by the Constitution, the foundations of our country.
Tom quoted the preamble of the Constitution, "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare."
Tom argued that what makes the United States great is that we’re constantly trying to fulfill that document. We’re trying to make our country a more perfect union.
Tom said, "We do have the greatest country in the world. We move at a slow pace. We have the greatest country in the world because we are always moving towards a more perfect union. That journey never ceases, it never stops."
Tom then used the metaphor of a typewriter he has. A similar typewriter is on display at MoMA. The Olivetti Lettera 22 typewriter was a simple machine that one company decided to make beautiful.
He said, "Isn’t that what artists do? We take this concept of uniform and function and turn it into something that is — to us and to the multitudes — a thing of beauty."
Tom made a sly remark referencing Michael Moore’s call for him to run for president. He insisted that he’s “not qualified,” but that’s not totally true based on his speech. Tom ended with a beautiful sentiment that could brighten all of our tough days ahead.
"We will take everything that has been handed to us as Americans. And we will turn our nation and we will turn the future and we will turn all the work that we have before us into some brand of a thing of beauty."
We’re not sure Tom successfully downplayed his qualifications for president, because his speech sounded very presidential.
Wouldn’t those two make a fabulous first family? We’re just saying, Tom. Regardless, we’re inspired now. You can read the full text of Tom’s speech here.
