Morgan Freeman criticized the usage of “Black History Month” and “African American,” asserting that the terms are an “insult.”
In an interview with The Sunday Times, the 85-year-old actor expressed his belief that the yearly celebration of Black History Month carries a negative meaning for him. He argued that it restricts his culture to only four weeks.
“Two things I can say publicly that I do not like,” Freeman said. “Black History Month is an insult. You’re going to relegate my history to a month?”
He continued, “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?”
Elsewhere in the interview, Freeman highlighted the increase of representation in the media.
“Generationally, though, I do think we’re moving ahead in leaps and bounds,” he added. ” LGBTQ, Asians, black, white, interracial marriages, interracial relationships. All represented. You see them all on screen now and that is a huge jump.”
Last year, Freeman faced backlash for his involvement in the FIFA World Cup during the ongoing allegations of human rights abuse in the Middle East.
“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,” one Twitter user said. “It is so disappointing to see #MorganFreeman take the money and support an oppressive regime.”
