Julia Roberts and Sean Penn Discuss Cancel Culture

In a recent interview, Julia Roberts and Sean Penn delved into their successful careers and the importance of reintroducing “shame” into the entertainment scene.

While reflecting on her newest film, *After the Hunt*, Roberts shared a significant moment from her life. She expressed concern that today’s culture lacks the essential skill of listening.

Roberts reminisced about conversations at her kitchen table with colleagues like Luke Guadagnino, Andrew Garfield, Ayo Edebiri, and Chloe Sevigny. “He would come over, and we could spend days just talking,” she said. It seems those discussions sparked deeper thoughts about communication.

“We’re in a time where talk therapy, the so-called trauma industry, is thriving. I think shame is undervalued these days.”

Roberts noted that truly insightful individuals don’t aggressively defend their views. Instead, they prioritize listening. “We’ve drifted far from listening in our culture, as conversations tend to escalate quickly. People are just waiting for their chance to declare why their opinion is better,” she added.

Roberts mentioned how beneficial it was to exchange ideas with smart minds. “I didn’t spill all the characters’ secrets or anything, but it felt like a playground of thoughts,” she concluded.

Penn echoed her sentiments, appreciating the reality that “not everything is going to make you comfortable.” He felt it crucial for individuals to confront discomfort and grow from it.

Both actors emphasized a need for more listening and humility in discussions today. Penn explained, “There’s so much focus on therapy and trauma, but, really, why shouldn’t people feel some level of shame? It’s about taking time to reflect and returning with a sense of humility.”

“True humility,” Roberts agreed.