President Barack Obama presented TV host and comedian Ellen DeGeneres with the Presidential Freedom Award, a service award for civilians who have a heavy impact on society. In the visibly emotional ceremony, Ellen is moved to tears by the high level of recognition. During the presentation, Obama sees Ellen is touched and comforts her while the speaker details her achievements.
It is a touching moment between two popular American personalities. The service award is the highest honor that can be given to a civilian.
Ellen is famous for her kindness and ends every one of her shows with the line “Be kind to one another.” Ellen has been making people laugh for three decades and she gives generously to many causes.
Ellen has also endured tough times, when she publicly came out on television in 1997, she soon found herself out of work. She had risked her career by coming out. Ellen’s courage, belief in herself, resilience, persistence, hard work, kindness and sheer talent got her through these tough times and she makes it her business to improve lives of others.
These are qualities we need more of, especially in tough times. People need kindness and positivism. While Ellen would disagree with many of Trump’s stances and policies, she has also said in the past she doesn’t think everyone should believe the same thing, although she does staunchly believe that everyone deserves the same equal rights. This is a belief Obama obviously shares, clearly through his support for the passing of gay marriage laws, a significant political breakthrough.
Ellen has changed hearts and minds. She has reminded us all that one person can make a difference. The speaker also noted that through kindness she has taught us all we can make the world a better place if we “just keep swimming.”
Perhaps this is good advice for our current political climate.
We can still spread kindness and have courage. We can oppose inequality, show generosity, resilience and “just keep swimming” regardless of who is in charge.
WATCH Ellen accepting her award:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfLF3AoLcFk
WATCH Obama appearing on Ellen:
Featured image a screenshot via YouTube.
