Morgan Freeman’s Critique Of ‘Black History Month’ And ‘African American’ As Terms Sparks Debate
Source: Variety / Getty
For many, the recognition of Black History Month is an occasion that’s both highly regarded and celebrated amongst our people. For award-winning A-list actor Morgan Freeman, the term is nothing more than racial pandering.
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Take a look at a clip below from his now-infamous 2005 interview with 60 Minutes where he adamantly states his distaste for the use of “Black History Month” and its cultural commemoration:
Black History Month by Morgan Freeman… pic.twitter.com/pYehPJ38Un
— HOT SPOT (@HotSpotHotSpot) April 10, 2023
The clip has been making its way back in the social sphere recently following Freeman’s latest hot take, which aimed to not only double down on his previous criticisms but also add the label “African American” to the mix as well.
While speaking with The Sunday Times, the Million Dollar Baby actor was quoted as stating, “Black History Month is an insult. You’re going to relegate my history to a month?” In regards to the phrase ‘African American,’ he went on to add, “Also, ‘African-American’ is an insult. I don’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? Most Black people in this part of the world are mongrels. And you say Africa as if it’s a country when it’s a continent, like Europe.”
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It’s worth noting that Freeman’s ideologies are in no way anti-Black. In all actuality, he told fellow UK outlet The Guardian back in 2012 that he prefers the word ‘Black’ when it comes to describing us, stating, “I hate the phrase ‘African American because ‘Black’ is beautiful. One syllable versus seven.” This opinion is one the 85-year-old Hollywood icon has clearly felt for a long time now, as he also says in the same interview, “I’ve said it before: Black history is American history, they’re completely intertwined.”
Morgan Freeman says Black History Month and the term ‘African American’ are both insulting:
“Black History Month is an insult. You’re going to relegate my history to a month?… Also, ‘African American’ is an insult. I don’t subscribe to that title.” pic.twitter.com/j3c9BY2Mn4
— Pop Base (@PopBase) April 17, 2023
Does Morgan Freeman make a point? Does being singled out for celebration keep rehashing old wounds of slavery, or does acknowledging where we came from allow us to better understand where the culture is going? See what others are saying on social media below, and sound off with your own thoughts over on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram:
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1. He’s right because when is White History Month?
He's right because when is White History Month?
— muto (@mutohd) April 17, 2023
via @mutohd
2. He is saying it’s not “African-American” but just simply “American” I like it, this country needs more unity.
He is saying it’s not “African-American” but just simply “American”
— GNARLiE $HEEN (@GNARLiESHEEN666) April 16, 2023
I like it, this country needs more unity.
via @GNARLiESHEEN666
3. Does American Indians feel the same way? This doesn’t make sense at all. I do not support Morgan. No, because one’s identity is not racism or insulting. Morgan should be more worried about being called Black American not African American.
Does American Indians feel the same way? This doesn't make sense at all. I do not support Morgan. No, because one's identity is not racism or insulting. Morgan should be more worried about being called Black American not African American.
— @egoyibonwaiwu (@egoyibo55) April 16, 2023
via @egoyibo55
4. What kills me is ppl acting like they’re forced to celebrate black history month and ppl being anti-intellectual about why some African Americans can’t pinpoint a country their ancestors are from. Given the situation, it makes 100% sense why it’s African American.
What kills me is ppl acting like they're forced to celebrate black history month and ppl being anti-intellectual about why some African Americans can't pinpoint a country their ancestors are from. Given the situation, it makes 100% sense why it's African American. https://t.co/nAkAYHsgEv
— ☆Shaniqua♡ (@likeMaeveMillay) April 18, 2023
via @likeMaeveMillay
5. This is old news. He always was against it because the whole thing is ridiculous. If you are living in America, you are an American. You don’t hear people say white Americans are “European-American”. And the notion of “Black History month” implies inequality. Nobody needs it.
This is old news. He always was against it because the whole thing is ridiculous.
— MonkeyCat (@Monkeycat451) April 18, 2023
If you are living in America, you are an American. You don't hear people say white Americans are "European-American".
And the notion of "Black History month" implies inequality. Nobody needs it. https://t.co/wO6XLQEOuW
via @Monkeycat451
6. Fun fact Carter G. Woodson created black history week to highlight and celebrate Black history learned throughout the year. Now it’s black history month & the same thing still applies. If you’re only concerned about black history during the month of Feb., then you’re the issue.
Fun fact Carter G. Woodson created black history week to highlight and celebrate Black history learned throughout the year. Now it’s black history month & the same thing still applies. If you’re only concerned about black history during the month of Feb., then you’re the issue. https://t.co/TVfteU9Bjm
— Taylor Grace (@taylorgraceew) April 18, 2023
via @taylorgraceew
7. Once y’all realize that this man is senile, the better
Once y’all realize that this man is senile, the better https://t.co/p9TK4Skunk
— Alexis (@AlexisLexiJu) April 18, 2023
via @AlexisLexiJu
8. lemme remind y’all this man has 8 accusations of sexual misconduct
lemme remind y’all this man has 8 accusations of sexual misconduct https://t.co/RzbNvNw8FF
— erin brockobitch (@ronettepuIaski) April 18, 2023
via @ronettepuIaski
9. Morgan Freeman is proof that black people in America don’t need special treatment to succeed in America. Talent and hard work prevailed without special treatment given to people of color or sexual orientation
Morgan Freeman is proof that black people in America don't need special treatment to succeed in America.
— Mike Gee (@TheGrumpyJew01) April 16, 2023
Talent and hard work prevailed without special treatment given to people of color or sexual orientation
via @TheGrumpyJew01
10. Tap dancing shoes…got on his tap dancing shoes he is speaking for himself, not for me.
Tap dancing shoes…got on his tap dancing shoes he is speaking for himself, not for me. https://t.co/fiDE6kTviI
— Roju (@RojuRikashi) April 17, 2023
via @RojuRikashi