The New York Post reported on a Morgan Freeman interview with The Sunday Times, wherein the iconic actor declared “Black History Month” and “African American” are insulting to him. It’s hardly the first time Freeman has expressed such views—and news sources are arguably misinterpreting and sensationalizing his comments out of context.
Yet imagine if Freeman learned how Adland and advertisers disrespect the annual celebration with royalty-free stock photography and crumbs—or that he regularly appears in BHM promotions touting Black movies.
Morgan Freeman calls ‘Black History Month’ and ‘African-American’ terms an ‘insult’
By Jack Hobbs
Morgan Freeman slammed the terms “Black History Month” and “African American” on Saturday claiming that both terms were an “insult.”
The 85-year-old actor told The Sunday Times the annual observance — which takes place every February and recognizes the cultural achievement of black people — has a negative connotation to him and that it ‘regulates’ his culture to just 4 weeks.
“Two things I can say publicly that I do not like,” said the “Million Dollar Baby” star. “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,” continued Freeman. “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?”
Last year, Freeman was slammed for narrating the FIFA World Cup opening segment, titled “The Calling,” at Al-Bayt Stadium in Doha amid ongoing allegations of human rights abuse in the Middle East.
Several online critics slammed Freeman’s involvement.
“For a man who played Nelson Mandela — who knew better than anyone the impact and importance of isolation on a country and its success on the ground to change that nation’s policy,” tweeted one angry fan. “It is so disappointing to see #MorganFreeman take the money and support an oppressive regime.”
“Morgan Freeman is really determined to go to the deepest level of hell huh,” tweeted another person.
“Qatar out there with Morgan Freeman spitting words like unity/inclusion in an effort to promote tourism, and then not practicing it,” chimed in a commenter. “For all the ‘their country their rules’ crowd out there, sure. But then they don’t get to lie bout what they’re really about just for a cash grab.”
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