Jane Fonda: Tech Bro Longevity Dreams While They Destroy the World

When Activism Becomes Art

As the world grapples with corporate consolidation and political upheaval, one woman stands firm in her convictions—Jane Fonda. At 88, she's still the kind of force that makes headlines not just for her acting legacy but for her razor-sharp commentary on the state of entertainment, politics, and society. Last week, I had the privilege to sit down with her at the DVF Awards charity gala in Venice, where she was honored alongside remarkable women like Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and feminist icon Gisèle Pelicot.

"I am hopeful that we can stop it. They're carrying so much debt. The Ellisons are carrying so much debt, and it's being postponed now, so that they have to pay these huge sums. The merger would be terrible for consumers. Prices would go up. Thousands and thousands of people would lose their jobs."

Fonda's words cut straight to the heart of our current crisis—a time when the few are growing exponentially richer while the many struggle just to survive. Her fierce opposition to the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. merger isn't just about protecting entertainment workers; it's about preserving creative diversity, consumer choice, and democratic principles in an industry that has become increasingly concentrated in the hands of a few.

The Merger That Could Be a Disaster

When I asked Fonda about her opposition to the merger, she didn't mince words. The financial implications alone are staggering—debt-laden studios with a history of exploiting creative talent and suppressing independent voices. What concerns her most isn't just economic but cultural: how will fewer players in the entertainment game affect storytelling?

"We lose bargaining power," she explained, "Unions lose their power. There's a very robust and growing movement to stop the mergers." She pointed out that the merger would not only impact workers but also stifle the kinds of stories that matter to people, reducing creativity to corporate profitability.

Trump and the Culture Wars

Fonda's disdain for Donald Trump is well-documented, and in our conversation, she reiterated why. For her, Trump isn't just a political figure—he represents a particular kind of chaos that threatens not only democracy but also cultural norms.

"They can't pick us off when we're alone. We have to stick together."

This sentiment is both a rallying cry and a philosophical stance. Fonda has spent decades building community through activism, recognizing that individual voices, no matter how powerful, are often drowned out by the noise of systemic oppression.

Longevity Fantasies in the Tech Elite

But perhaps the most unsettling part of our conversation was Fonda's take on the tech bros' obsession with longevity. She made it clear that she sees a disturbing pattern among the ultra-wealthy: the desire to live forever while simultaneously destroying the world around them.

"They want to live forever, while they're killing the rest of us. There's two things... Most of these guys, these tech bros and these oligarchs and billionaires, they feel that the laws that the rest of us live by don't matter to them, including the laws of physics."

She went on to explain how these individuals believe they can transcend natural limitations—creating robots to replace human babies, taking away voting rights, and maintaining control over every aspect of society. It's a terrifying vision that Fonda refuses to accept.

From Actress to Activist

Fonda's journey from film star to political activist is a testament to how powerful storytelling can be when it aligns with real-world change. After five years away from acting, she's eager to return, not just for the creative process but because it represents her own way of becoming someone else—something bigger than herself.

"I miss the process of becoming somebody else. It is such a thrilling process. I love it. I miss it."

This desire to embody different characters, different experiences, speaks to Fonda's deep understanding that art and activism are intertwined. She's always been someone who uses her platform not just to entertain but to inspire action.

Supporting the Movement

In a world where speaking out can be risky, Fonda continues to advocate for free speech and community building. Her Committee for the First Amendment, which she founded in 1940s-style solidarity, has grown into an organization with thousands of members.

"I've had my life. He can do nothing to me," she said confidently. "But that's not true for everyone, and I understand that." That recognition of vulnerability among others is what makes her advocacy so powerful—she doesn't just talk about rights; she lives by them.

Hope in the Future

When asked about future political leadership, Fonda expressed optimism in young leaders like Jon Ossoff and Justin Pearson. She's not one to stay silent on the importance of fresh voices in government—especially those who think beyond their own generation and consider the impact on future generations.

"Imagine if we had senators who thought, 'Hmm, the decision I'm going to make now. How is it going to affect people seven generations from now?'"

That kind of long-term thinking is rare in our short-sighted world. And Fonda embodies that wisdom, always pushing for a future that considers more than just immediate profit or political gain.

The Power of the Individual

Fonda's perspective isn't just about big-picture politics—it's also deeply personal. She sees the fight against systemic injustice as a daily choice to stand up and speak out, even when it's difficult.

Her advice to young activists is simple but profound: "We can't be alone. They can't pick us off when we're alone." It's a reminder that power lies not in individual heroics but in collective action—a message she's carried for decades, and one that resonates more loudly now than ever before.

In Conclusion

Jane Fonda is more than a Hollywood legend. She's a living reminder of the power of principled activism, a fearless critic of corporate overreach, and an inspiration to anyone who believes that art and politics can work hand-in-hand to build a better world. Her voice, sharp and unapologetic, cuts through the noise of our times like a beacon—guiding us toward justice, truth, and hope.