## In Conversation With… Tilda Swinton
**Archyde:** Tilda Swinton, thank you for joining us today to discuss your recent interview with The New York Times.You spoke candidly about a desire to have a conversation with former President Trump. Can you elaborate on what prompted this?
**Swinton:** It stemmed from a captivation with the complexities of his personality and the impact he’s had on our cultural landscape. I believe understanding figures like him, even those we might fundamentally disagree with, is crucial for navigating the world around us.
**Archyde:** You specifically mentioned wanting to discuss his mother.What unique insights do you hope to gain from that conversation?
**swinton:** I’m intrigued by the formative influences in a person’s life and how those shape their worldview. His mother, Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, came from a humble background in Scotland and immigrated to the United States. I wonder how those experiences might have influenced the man he became.
**Archyde:** Do you believe understanding someone’s upbringing can ultimately excuse or explain their actions?
**Swinton:** It doesn’t excuse anything, but it can provide context. I’m not interested in absolution, but rather in a deeper understanding of the forces that shape individuals and societies.
**Archyde:** This conversation delves into a complex and potentially divisive topic. What message do you hope readers take away from your interview?
**Swinton:** I hope it encourages readers to engage with challenging conversations, even those that make us uncomfortable. Onyl through dialog and reflection can we truly begin to understand the world and our place within it.
**Archyde:** We appreciate your thoughtful insights, Tilda. And to our readers, what are your thoughts? Do you believe understanding someone’s past is essential for understanding their present? Share your viewpoint in the comments below.[[1](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/07/magazine/tilda-swinton-interview.html)]
