Constance Wu shared some super practical advice on how to be an activist
She’s amazing on Fresh Off The Boat, but off set, she’s truly an inspiration. In a new interview with Teen Vogue, actress and activist Constance Wu talked about how it’s so important to speak out for what you believe in. For Wu, she’s been incredibly vocal about humanitarian and feminist issues, and we’re loving everything she has to say about them.
"I don't fear being outspoken," Wu said. "The only thing I fear is losing my sense of integrity, or losing sight of the values on which I guide my life."
She’s truly reaching hero status with us. Seriously, she’s pretty much got it all.
So, obviously, we’re interested in following her advice if we really want to go out there and make a positive change in the world.
Her first suggestion is probably one of our favorites. And, it’s difficult to do (but oh so important.) When asked about how individuals could go out there and make a difference when it came to targeted groups, here’s what Wu had to say:
"Get out of your phones and screens! Go out in the world and listen to people, especially targeted people. Make eye contact and listen with full attention. Spend time with people in a way that doesn't require any stimulation other than just like ... spending time," Wu noted.
She’s absolutely right. Later in the interview, she mentioned that people spend about 20% of their mental attention on their phones, which isn’t something we should really be proud of.
"Put 100% attention on the humans you're engaging with," she advised. "Look at them, really hear them, try to understand them without judgment, give them space to share, connect with people."
Again, did we mention how much we love her?
Another thing she mentioned was the fact that if anyone turned against you due to speaking your voice, they probably weren’t strong connections to begin with. Having the confidence to talk about how you feel, and making your voice heard, is an incredible gift.
Even better, she used a quote by the great Ralph Waldo Emerson to prove her point.
Emerson said it best when he said that the purpose of life is to be useful, honorable, and compassionate," Wu said. "So when you find yourself faced with a scary choice, ask yourself: What have you got to lose? A job? A boyfriend? The approval of a boss? If the expression of and advocating for your values makes you lose a job or a person, then that person/job sorta just... wasn't your heart's tribe.
This interview only proves that Wu really wants to take her fanbase and turn us into smarter, stronger, and more powerful individuals. We’re totally on board with that.