America is facing an unprecedented time as sharp divides are being drawn between differing beliefs as controversial issues keep coming to light. Within this time, many voices are speaking out via social media or spotlights granted by a particular position causing ethical questions to arise pertaining to whether those in such influential spots should be using them for political purposes.

This issue has just been shoved into the focus of the public eye because of the Golden Globes that aired on Sunday, Jan. 8. When actress Meryl Streep gave her acceptance speech after winning The Lifetime Achievement Award, she strayed from the various accustomed thanks to address her political concerns about incoming president-elect Donald Trump.

She used this opportunity to recall an instance when Trump imitated a disabled reporter from the New York Times in a mocking way, then went on to examine the negative effects this action could have on others. “And this instinct to humiliate, when it’s modeled by someone in the public platform, by someone powerful, it filters down into everybody’s life, because it kinda gives permission for other people to do the same. Disrespect invites disrespect, violence incites violence,” said Streep.

Immediate backlash emerged to Streep’s speech from many, notably the president-elect. Trump responded to her by sending out a series of tweets dubbing Streep “one of the most over-rated actresses in Hollywood” and “a Hillary flunky.”

In her speech, Streep also urged the importance of supporting the Committee to Protect Journalists and protecting the freedom of the press.