Oscar Winner Meryl Streep Declares 'We’re all Africans'

February 12, 2016

Writer

The Context

Academy Award-winning actress Meryl Streep recently made some interesting comments at the Berlin Film Festival.

“I don't know very much honestly, about the Mideast, and yet I've played a lot of different people from a lot of different cultures. And the thing that I notice is that they're all --- there is a core of humanity that travels right through every culture. And after all, we're all from Africa originally. You know, we're all Berliners. We're all Africans, really,” Streep said.

Alrighty, then.

Streep’s statements just might prove the longer you play make believe in Hollywood, the harder it is to live in the real world.

I’m Not a U.N. Ambassador But I Play One on TV

According to Glenn, these delusions of expertise might put the first man on Mars.

“Can I tell you something, this is why actors are so arrogant. Because there will be at some point, Matt Damon will be thinking to himself, 'Well, I was on Mars," Glenn said. “I mean, I know I didn't really do it, but I studied all of it. I mean, I practically flew a shuttle by myself.' That's what they think because they have dabbled and talked to experts, that they're an expert at everything.”

You Must Have Stayed at a Holiday Inn Express

There is a philosophy out there that says “fake it ‘till you make it,” and Glenn thinks that might be where Streep is coming from on this one.

"Look, I really don't know anything about the Mideast, but I have played --- it's like, "I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night," Glenn said.

What’s With the Accent?

To make her comments sound more important, Streep seemed to take on a light British accent.

“Stop for a second. Stop. Stop. Can you play that again? Has anybody noticed her fake accent? What is that?” Glenn asked.

Glenn couldn't resist trying on the accent for size.

“I'm not English, but I've lived in the United States my whole life, but I really would like to sound a little smarter by speaking the Queen's English,” Glenn said.

Common Sense Bottom Line

Researching roles and playing them on film does not make one an expert --- nor does an affected British accent.

Listen to this segment from The Glenn Beck Program:

Below is a rush transcript of this segment, it might contain errors:

GLENN: Okay. Pat, can you play the Meryl Streep line. And give me some context on this.

PAT: They -- they were in a panel discussion. And she was just one of the panelists. And, you know, they're talking about progressive issues like progressives are wont to do. And she came up with this really deep statement. I think this is going to move you a little bit.

MERYL: I don't know very much honestly about the Mideast, and yet I've played a lot of different people from a lot of different cultures.

PAT: Oh. I mean, she's qualified then. She's played a lot of different people.

GLENN: Can I tell you something, this is why actors are so arrogant. Because there will be at some point, Matt Damon will be thinking to himself, "Well, I was on Mars."

PAT: I know NASA. I know rocket science. I lived on Mars for a year and a half.

GLENN: I mean, I know I didn't really do it. But I studied all of it. I mean, I practically flew a shuttle by myself. That's what they think because they have dabbled and talked to experts, that they're an expert at everything.

"Look, I really don't know anything about the Mideast, but I have played -- it's like, "I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night." But now we haven't even got to her quote.

PAT: No.

GLENN: But we'll get to that in just a second.

PAT: Yeah.

GLENN: Back in a minute.

(OUT AT 9:33AM)

GLENN: I'm going to tell you -- we're going to be at the Spartanburg County rally for Cruz today at 12:30 Eastern time. That's the Beacon Drive-In in Spartanburg. This is -- this is quite an amazing thing. The people here are truly remarkable. There are about 10,000 supporters that have come in from all over the state, all over the area. They have 80 full-time people that have volunteered their time that is staying at a place called Camp Cruz. And I met people this morning. I was at a rally early this morning. There's people from Tennessee. They've driven hours to to volunteer their time. They've knocked on almost 100,000 doors, like 99,937 doors. Or something like that. I can't remember. And they're expecting their 100,000th door to be knocked on today. I'm going to go door-knocking in a couple of hours. And it's snowing here. That's how much we're committed to it.

But it's an amazing thing. They're making about 25,000 phone calls a day. This is ten times the ground game that Ted Cruz had in Iowa. And that was an impressive ground game. This is going to be a very close race, and it's going to take every single person coming out voting and talking to their friends, their neighbors, about the Constitution. Not Ted Cruz: About the Constitution and returning to constitutional principles.

All right. Let me finish off this Meryl Streep thing. She was at a conference. And she said, "Look, I don't know much about the Middle East, but I have played people from the Middle East on TV."

MERYL: I don't know very much about -- honestly about the Middle East.

GLENN: Stop for a second. Stop. Stop. Can you play that again? Has anybody noticed her fake accent? What is that?

JEFFY: Yes, it's agonizing.

GLENN: I just -- I would like you to know --

PAT: I don't know --

GLENN: I'm not English, but I've lived in the United States my whole life, but I really would like to sound a little smarter by speaking the Queen's English.

MERYL: I don't know very much -- honestly about the Mideast. And -- and yet I've played a lot of different people from a lot of different cultures. And the thing that I notice is that they're all -- there is a core of humanity that travels right through every culture. And after all, we're all from Africa originally.

PAT: What? No.

MERYL: You know, we're all Berliners. We're all Africans, really.

GLENN: We're all Berliners. We're all Africans.

PAT: Do you know Berlin is not in Africa, pumpkin? Do you understand?

GLENN: Well, I don't know about geography. But I have played people from all over the map.

PAT: I love that. Because she's obviously going to the JFK thing.

GLENN: Yes, yes.

PAT: (foreign language) whatever it was he -- (foreign language). And he was trying to pander to the Germans at the time or whatever.

GLENN: And it worked.

PAT: But she goes to, "We're all Berliners. We're all Africans." What?

GLENN: Well, I like the way she does it. She's so pretentious, and she doesn't even know it.

You know, I've played many people before. And, you know, when it comes down to it, we're really all from Africa. I mean, we're all Africans, really.

PAT: No. No.

GLENN: These people are so -- they're so skin-crawly.

PAT: Oh, they are. And then she kind of -- I think she's looking for sort of somebody to help her out because she's looking around the room and going like, "Right? I mean, we have all these people who can comment and --

GLENN: You little people.

MERYL: So I think we -- look, we have a critic on our jury. We have a director on our jury. We --

PAT: Will one of you not help me out on this? We're from Africa. That's all the same.

GLENN: We all have a New Zealand tattoo, a native New Zealand tattoo on our faces. Because that's what we all are. And we have a critic here. A director. And a HEP gaffer. And the gaffer -- gaffers are almost like giraffes. They both have a "G" at the beginning of it, so we're all really giraffes too. Isn't that right? Will anyone go with me on that?

PAT: We're all really giraffes. I like that better, actually.

(laughter)

GLENN: I mean, I -- I have a dog, but what's the difference between a dog and a hyena and a polar bear? There's really nothing. They're all animals. And they're all from different parts of the world. And I've never been an animal. I have had animalistic tendencies in some of my movie characters that I have played. After all, I didn't actually boil the bunny. But it was somebody that was old and aging like me that played that role at one point.

PAT: Glenn Close, Meryl Streep. Same thing, right?

GLENN: The same thing. We're both old and aging actors. Nobody plays attention to us anymore. And we're both really pretty pretentious at this point. And it's only because we like to be like Lady HEP Judy Dench. Why don't they call me Lady Meryl, Meryl Streep.

STU: Dame.

GLENN: Yes, Dame Meryl Streep. You can call me Dame Meryl Streep. That's why I'm working on this accent.

STU: Is she trying to do one of those conception in what paradigm type of thing?

PAT: Yes.

STU: Because I think what she's trying -- is she trying to say that there are no nations?

GLENN: Yes.

STU: Like, we're all humans, and there are no nations. And that's a false construct. Is it one of those type of --

GLENN: Yes, it is.

PAT: She's trying to beat this guy.

VOICE: You know, under whose conception? Under what paradigm? I'm just resisting. What am I resisting? I don't know. The collectivization of manufacture, the institutionalization of the human psyche.

PAT: Yeah.

GLENN: Shut up. Shut up.

PAT: Manufacture.

GLENN: What is it that I'm really rebelling against? I don't know.

PAT: I don't know.

GLENN: I love that. What is it that I'm really saying here? I don't know. Perhaps you know --

PAT: It's all artificial constructs anyway.

GLENN: I'm saying things, but they don't really mean anything. But if I say, "I don't know. Maybe, you know, it's kind of something that you'll say, "Oh, oh, oh, I know exactly what he's saying. And you'll make it up in your head. And then you'll think, boy, he's so smart."

PAT: So brilliant. So brilliant.

GLENN: And we'll boil our giraffes.

Featured Image: Meryl Streep attends the 'Hail, Caesar!' premiere during the 66th Berlinale International Film Festival Berlin at Berlinale Palace on February 11, 2016 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images

The Woodrow Wilson strategy to get out of Mother’s Day

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I’ve got a potentially helpful revelation that’s gonna blow the lid off your plans for this Sunday. It’s Mother’s Day.

Yeah, that sacred day where you’re guilt-tripped into buying flowers, braving crowded brunch buffets, and pretending you didn’t forget to mail the card. But what if I told you… you don’t have to do it? That’s right, there’s a loophole, a get-out-of-Mother’s-Day-free card, and it’s stamped with the name of none other than… Woodrow Wilson (I hate that guy).

Back in 1914, ol’ Woody Wilson signed a proclamation that officially made Mother’s Day a national holiday. Second Sunday in May, every year. He said it was a day to “publicly express our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.” Sounds sweet, right? Until you peel back the curtain.

See, Wilson wasn’t some sentimental guy sitting around knitting doilies for his mom. No, no, no. This was a calculated move.

The idea for Mother’s Day had been floating around for decades, pushed by influential voices like Julia Ward Howe. By 1911, states were jumping on the bandwagon, but it took Wilson to make it federal. Why? Because he was a master of optics. This guy loved big, symbolic gestures to distract from the real stuff he was up to, like, oh, I don’t know, reshaping the entire federal government!

So here’s the deal: if you’re looking for an excuse to skip Mother’s Day, just lean into this. Say, “Sorry, Mom, I’m not celebrating a holiday cooked up by Woodrow Wilson!” I mean, think about it – this is the guy who gave us the Federal Reserve, the income tax, and don’t even get me started on his assault on basic liberties during World War I. You wanna trust THAT guy with your Sunday plans? I don’t think so! You tell your mom, “Look, I love you, but I’m not observing a Progressive holiday. I’m keeping my brunch money in protest.”

Now, I know what you might be thinking.

“Glenn, my mom’s gonna kill me if I try this.” Fair point. Moms can be scary. But hear me out: you can spin this. Tell her you’re honoring her EVERY DAY instead of some government-mandated holiday. You don’t need Wilson’s permission to love your mom! You can bake her a cake in June, call her in July, or, here’s a wild idea, visit her WITHOUT a Woodrow Wilson federal proclamation guilting you into it.

Shocking Christian massacres unveiled

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Is a Christian Genocide unfolding overseas?

Recent reports suggest an alarming escalation in violence against Christians, raising questions about whether these acts constitute genocide under international law. Recently, Glenn hosted former U.S. Army Special Forces Sniper Tim Kennedy, who discussed a predictive model that forecasts a surge in global Christian persecution for the summer of 2025.

From Africa to Asia and the Middle East, extreme actions—some described as genocidal—have intensified over the past year. Over 380 million Christians worldwide face high levels of persecution, a number that continues to climb. With rising international concern, the United Nations and human rights groups are urging protective measures by the global community. Is a Christian genocide being waged in the far corners of the globe? Where are they taking place, and what is being done?

India: Hindu Extremist Violence Escalates

Yawar Nazir / Contributor | Getty Images

In India, attacks on Christians have surged as Hindu extremist groups gain influence within the country. In February 2025, Hindu nationalist leader Aadesh Soni organized a 50,000-person rally in Chhattisgarh, where he called for the rape and murder of all Christians in nearby villages and demanded the execution of Christian leaders to erase Christianity. Other incidents include forced conversions, such as a June 2024 attack in Chhattisgarh, where a Hindu mob gave Christian families a 10-day ultimatum to convert to Hinduism. In December 2024, a Christian man in Uttar Pradesh was attacked, forcibly converted, and paraded while the mob chanted "Death to Jesus."

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recommends designating India a "Country of Particular Concern" and imposing targeted sanctions on those perpetrating these attacks. The international community is increasingly alarmed by the rising tide of religious violence in India.

Syria: Sectarian Violence Post-Regime Change

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Following the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024, Syria has seen a wave of sectarian violence targeting religious minorities, including Christians, with over 1,000 killed in early 2025. It remains unclear whether Christians are deliberately targeted or caught in broader conflicts, but many fear persecution by the new regime or extremist groups. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a dominant rebel group and known al-Qaeda splinter group now in power, is known for anti-Christian sentiments, heightening fears of increased persecution.

Christians, especially converts from Islam, face severe risks in the unstable post-regime environment. The international community is calling for humanitarian aid and protection for Syria’s vulnerable minority communities.

Democratic Republic of Congo: A "Silent Genocide"

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In February 2025, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an ISIS-affiliated group, beheaded 70 Christians—men, women, and children—in a Protestant church in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, after tying their hands. This horrific massacre, described as a "silent genocide" reminiscent of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, has shocked the global community.

Since 1996, the ADF and other militias have killed over six million people, with Christians frequently targeted. A Christmas 2024 attack killed 46, further decimating churches in the region. With violence escalating, humanitarian organizations are urging immediate international intervention to address the crisis.

POLL: Starbase exposed: Musk’s vision or corporate takeover?

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Is Starbase the future of innovation or a step too far?

Elon Musk’s ambitious Starbase project in South Texas is reshaping Boca Chica into a cutting-edge hub for SpaceX’s Starship program, promising thousands of jobs and a leap toward Mars colonization. Supporters see Musk as a visionary, driving economic growth and innovation in a historically underserved region. However, local critics, including Brownsville residents and activists, argue that SpaceX’s presence raises rents, restricts beach access, and threatens environmental harm, with Starbase’s potential incorporation as a city sparking fears of unchecked corporate control. As pro-Musk advocates clash with anti-Musk skeptics, will Starbase unite the community or deepen the divide?

Let us know what you think in the poll below:

Is Starbase’s development a big win for South Texas?

Should Starbase become its own city?

Is Elon Musk’s vision more of a benefit than a burden for the region?

Shocking truth behind Trump-Zelenskyy mineral deal unveiled

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President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have finalized a landmark agreement that will shape the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations. The agreement focuses on mineral access and war recovery.

After a tense March meeting, Trump and Zelenskyy signed a deal on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, granting the U.S. preferential mineral rights in Ukraine in exchange for continued military support. Glenn analyzed an earlier version of the agreement in March, when Zelenskyy rejected it, highlighting its potential benefits for America, Ukraine, and Europe. Glenn praised the deal’s strategic alignment with U.S. interests, including reducing reliance on China for critical minerals and fostering regional peace.

However, the agreement signed this week differs from the March proposal Glenn praised. Negotiations led to significant revisions, reflecting compromises on both sides. What changes were made? What did each leader seek, and what did they achieve? How will this deal impact the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations and global geopolitics? Below, we break down the key aspects of the agreement.

What did Trump want?

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Trump aimed to curb what many perceive as Ukraine’s overreliance on U.S. aid while securing strategic advantages for America. His primary goals included obtaining reimbursement for the billions in military aid provided to Ukraine, gaining exclusive access to Ukraine’s valuable minerals (such as titanium, uranium, and lithium), and reducing Western dependence on China for critical resources. These minerals are essential for aerospace, energy, and technology sectors, and Trump saw their acquisition as a way to bolster U.S. national security and economic competitiveness. Additionally, he sought to advance peace talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war, positioning the U.S. as a key mediator.

Ultimately, Trump secured preferential—but not exclusive—rights to extract Ukraine’s minerals through the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, as outlined in the agreement. The U.S. will not receive reimbursement for past aid, but future military contributions will count toward the joint fund, designed to support Ukraine’s post-war recovery. Zelenskyy’s commitment to peace negotiations under U.S. leadership aligns with Trump’s goal of resolving the conflict, giving him leverage in discussions with Russia.

These outcomes partially meet Trump’s objectives. The preferential mineral rights strengthen U.S. access to critical resources, but the lack of exclusivity and reimbursement limits the deal’s financial benefits. The peace commitment, however, positions Trump as a central figure in shaping the war’s resolution, potentially enhancing his diplomatic influence.

What did Zelenskyy want?

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Zelenskyy sought to sustain U.S. military and economic support without the burden of repaying past aid, which has been critical for Ukraine’s defense against Russia. He also prioritized reconstruction funds to rebuild Ukraine’s war-torn economy and infrastructure. Security guarantees from the U.S. to deter future Russian aggression were a key demand, though controversial, as they risked entangling America in long-term commitments. Additionally, Zelenskyy aimed to retain control over Ukraine’s mineral wealth to safeguard national sovereignty and align with the country’s European Union membership aspirations.

The final deal delivered several of Zelenskyy’s priorities. The reconstruction fund, supported by future U.S. aid, provides a financial lifeline for Ukraine’s recovery without requiring repayment of past assistance. Ukraine retained ownership of its subsoil and decision-making authority over mineral extraction, granting only preferential access to the U.S. However, Zelenskyy conceded on security guarantees, a significant compromise, and agreed to pursue peace talks under Trump’s leadership, which may involve territorial or political concessions to Russia.

Zelenskyy’s outcomes reflect a delicate balance. The reconstruction fund and retained mineral control bolster Ukraine’s economic and sovereign interests, but the absence of security guarantees and pressure to negotiate peace could strain domestic support and challenge Ukraine’s long-term stability.

What does this mean for the future?

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While Trump didn’t secure all his demands, the deal advances several of his broader strategic goals. By gaining access to Ukraine’s mineral riches, the U.S. undermines China’s dominance over critical elements like lithium and graphite, essential for technology and energy industries. This shift reduces American and European dependence on Chinese supply chains, strengthening Western industrial and tech sectors. Most significantly, the agreement marks a pivotal step toward peace in Europe. Ending the Russia-Ukraine war, which has claimed thousands of lives, is a top priority for Trump, and Zelenskyy’s commitment to U.S.-led peace talks enhances Trump’s leverage in negotiations with Russia. Notably, the deal avoids binding U.S. commitments to Ukraine’s long-term defense, preserving flexibility for future administrations.

The deal’s broader implications align with the vision Glenn outlined in March, when he praised its potential to benefit America, Ukraine, and Europe by securing resources and creating peace. While the final agreement differs from Glenn's hopes, it still achieves key goals he outlined.

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