Wednesday, March 16, 2011

White, Black, Neither?

Our discussion on race and racism prompted me to think of a common contemporary form this dialogue takes and one is Black history Month. I wanted to share an exchange I found between Morgan Freeman (an African American actor) and an interviewer when he is asked about his thoughts on this. I think it raises interesting questions as to the role events like this do (or should) play in today's society.

Interviewer: Black history month you find…

Morgan Freeman: Ridiculous.

Interviewer: Why?

Morgan Freeman: You’re going to relegate my history to a month?

Interviewer: Oh, come on.

Morgan Freeman: What do you do with yours? Which month is white history month?

Interviewer: (pause) Well, I’m Jewish.

Morgan Freeman: Okay. Which month is jewish history month?

Interviewer: There isn’t one.

Morgan Freeman: Oh, oh. Why not? Do you want one?

Interviewer: No.

Morgan Freeman: Right. I don’t either. I don’t want a black history month. Black history is American history.

Interviewer: How are we going to get rid of racism?

Morgan Freeman: Stop talking about it.

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