Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Got A Surprise Visit From Bill Nye ‘The Science Guy’ During Her SXSW Panel
Unity in our country at times feels like an impossible act. When there’s so much tug of war from the Right and the Left, where can integration begin? Lots of ideas about this topic is circling this week at the annual SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas.
We got closer to answering the question of how to bridge a divided country during an exceptional panel with two highly sought individuals.
On March 10, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was part of a Q&A in which she got a question from Bill Nye, “the Science Guy,” about how to dismantle fear in our country.
Rep. Ocasio-Cortez was at SXSW for a screening of her campaign documentary “Knock Down The House” (which she did not get paid for, FYI) and followed up with a Q&A portion.
While one may have assumed that Nye would strictly ask a question solely on the topic of climate change, he had a more complicated concern to address.
“As you may know, I am a white guy,” Nye said (after he received a standing ovation from Rep. Ocasio-Cortez). “I belong to two unions. I think the problem on both sides is fear. People are afraid. People of my ancestry are afraid of having to pay for everything as immigrants come to this country. People who work in Alabama are afraid to try and ask for what is reasonable.”
“So do you have a plan to work with people in Congress who are afraid? And I think that’s one of the things going on with the conservatives especially when it comes to climate change, people are just afraid of what will happen if we try to make these big changes.”
Rep. Ocasio-Cortez said to Nye that one way to begin to break down peoples fear is to not think about individual issues selfishly.
“I think one of the keys to dismantling fear is dismantling a zero-sum mentality,” she said, which means “someone else’s gain, necessitates my loss” or “my gain must come at the cost of another person.”
She went on to say that this way of thinking means “We can give without a take.” As far as climate change is concerned, Rep. Ocasio-Cortez said they are “viewing progress as a cost instead of as an investment…When we choose to invest in our system, we are choosing to create wealth.”
Clearly, Nye approved of her response because he gave her a big thumbs up afterward.
People at SXSW and on social media were so impressed that Nye attended the event just like any other person and asked a question in which he was genuinely concerned.
Here’s how some reacted to the joining forces of Nye and Rep. Ocasio-Cortez
Maybe this relationship will turn into a podcast. With their brains, the two can truly unite the country.
Were they friends before?
If they weren’t before, they definitely are now.
Such a stand-up guy!
No special privlages here, although he would have certainly gotten the VIP treatment.
Everyone loved that he was there.
His contribution to the event sealed the deal for many interested in making changes locally and globaly.
Some University of Texas at Austin students were on break during SXSW and were upset they missed this awesome sighting.
We’re thinking he may get his own SXSW panel very soon. The demand is there.
Great minds think alike.
Nerds can make the world a better place. Don’t you agree?
READ: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Is Challenging The Double Standard That Allows Wealthy Men With No Political Experience To Successfully Run For Office
Recommend this story by clicking the share button below!
Notice any corrections needed? Please email us at corrections@wearemitu.com