Morgan Freeman Says ‘African-American’ & ‘Black History Month’ Are Insulting Terms

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman Says ‘African-American’ & ‘Black History Month’ Are Insulting Terms

Legendary actor Morgan Freeman had much to say about his heritage and how Black Americans should identify during his latest interview.

While having the recent sit-down, Morgan Freeman expressed his disdain for two notable terms within the Black community. He also admitted to his hidden jealousy of a fellow member of Black Hollywood, Denzel Washington.

When speaking of Black History Month and the traditions surrounding the observance, Morgan Freeman unapologetically expressed:

“Black History Month is an insult. You’re going to relegate my history to a month?”

He added to that, throwing the ethnic identifier ‘African-American’ in the mix, by stating:

“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.'”

The 85-year-old trouper then challenged the meaning behind the phrase, questioning its validity. Freeman said:

“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.”

Morgan Freeman

However, while Freeman may feel that Black people’s recognition goes far beyond a word or a holiday, when it comes to the entertainment industry, he doesn’t deny the evolution of the Black community’s representation in his line of work.

During his interview, Freeman, who reportedly didn’t have many Black actors to look up to when his career first started, alluded that this generation has seen a rise in diversity across the film/TV field — thanks to stars such as Denzel Washington.

Freeman reportedly shared that–although many saw him as the pinnacle of Black actorship–his ‘Glory’ co-star Denzel Washington was who he wanted to be like.

He confessed:

“I am so very envious of Denzel’s career… because he’s doing what I wanted to do.”

Assumably, Freeman has seen the ups, downs, highs, and lows of being a Black talent in Hollywood. The acting giant began his decades-long career as early as the 1960s when participating in a touring company version of Peter Shaffer’s ‘The Royal Hunt of the Sun.’

Today, the Academy winner is most known for his roles in ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ and ‘Lean on Me,’ among many others.

What are your thoughts on Morgan Freeman’s remarks? Let us know in the comments below!

[VIA]