Episode 1279 - George Clooney

Activism

George Clooney's activism is deeply rooted in his upbringing during the sixties and seventies, a time when social movements were at the forefront of societal change. He shares how his father's mantra of challenging power and defending the powerless has shaped his approach to activism, particularly in addressing global issues like the violence in Sudan 1. Despite frequent failures, George views these setbacks as integral to eventual success, emphasizing the importance of persistence in the fight for justice.

We fail and we fail and we fail until we don't.

--- George Clooney

His wife, Amal, plays a crucial role in this pursuit, using her legal expertise to bring perpetrators of genocide to justice, highlighting the collaborative nature of their efforts 2.

   

Beliefs

Clooney's personal beliefs are a driving force behind his activism and creative projects. He reflects on the influence of his father and the importance of standing up for one's beliefs, even when faced with criticism or failure 1. His film "Good Night, and Good Luck" was born out of frustration with the media's failure to ask tough questions during the lead-up to the Iraq War, underscoring his commitment to the role of journalism as a watchdog 3.

I was mad about the job that the press was doing. They had all been embedded, which is a really bad idea.

--- George Clooney

This dedication to truth and justice is evident in both his personal and professional life, illustrating how his beliefs shape his actions and choices.