Iconic actor Morgan Freeman explained why he thought Black History Month and the term “African-American” insulted black people in a rare interview with The Times in London.
“Two things I can say publicly that I do not like, Black History Month is an insult,” Freeman said. “You’re going to relegate my history to a month?”
The actor added that the term “African-American” is an “insult,” adding he “doesn’t subscribe to that title.”
“Black people have had different titles all the way back to the n-word, and I do not know how these things get such a grip, but everyone uses ‘African-American.’ What does it really mean?” the actor said.
Freeman highlighted how black people come from a variety of countries, not just Africa.
The actor also reasoned that Italian-Americans and Irish-Americans are not called Euro-Americans.
He acknowledged, “Generationally, though, I think we’re moving ahead in leaps and bounds.”
“The change is that all people are involved now,” Freeman stated. “Everyone. LGBTQ, Asians, black, white, interracial marriages, interracial relationships. All represented. You see them all on screen now, and that is a huge jump.”
The Shawshank Redemption actor made similar comments during a “60 Minutes” interview from 2005.
When asked about his thoughts on Black History Month, Freeman shot back, “Ridiculous.”
“You’re going to relegate my history to a month?” the actor pointed out.
Freeman also queried why there isn’t a White History Month or Jewish History Month.
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In 2014, Freeman silenced CNN anchor Don Lemon regarding a race question.
Lemon asked Freeman, “Do you think that race plays a part in wealth distribution today?”
Freeman fired back, “No, I don’t. You and I, we’re proof. Why.”
“Why would race have anything to do with it? Put your mind to what you want to do and go for that,” Freeman advised. “It’s kind of like religion to me, it’s a good excuse for not getting there.”
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I thought I was the only one questioning it. Almost every group except white males has their history month. The reason I say white males is there is an women’s history month. So K**l two birds with one stone.