Freeman calls black history month ‘ridiculous’ - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

The Chauffeur · 12-15-2005, 05:05 PM

I don't know if I should have put this in the politics board or not, but I found this interesting. Janice, I'm sorry if I misplaced this article

Oscar-winning actor says ‘black history is American history’

NEW YORK - Morgan Freeman says the concept of a month dedicated to black history is "ridiculous."

"You're going to relegate my history to a month?" the 68-year-old actor says in an interview on CBS' "60 Minutes" to air Sunday (7 p.m. EST). "I don't want a black history month. Black history is American history."

Black History Month has roots in historian Carter G. Woodson's Negro History Week, which he designated in 1926 as the second week in February to mark the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.
Story continues below ↓ advertisement
Click Here

Woodson said he hoped the week could one day be eliminated — when black history would become fundamental to American history.

Freeman notes there is no "white history month," and says the only way to get rid of racism is to "stop talking about it."

The actor says he believes the labels "black" and "white" are an obstacle to beating racism.

"I am going to stop calling you a white man and I'm going to ask you to stop calling me a black man," Freeman says.

Freeman received Oscar nominations for his roles in 1987's "Street Smart," 1989's "Driving Miss Daisy" and 1994's "The Shawshank Redemption." He finally won earlier this year for "Million Dollar Baby."

MsOrange · 12-15-2005, 05:07 PM

the dude won an oscar, maybe they'll listen to him... cause this is stuff everyones beeen saying for years.

Superstar · 12-15-2005, 05:57 PM

He makes a good point.

dawsongirl · 12-15-2005, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Chauffeur

says the only way to get rid of racism is to "stop talking about it."

THANK YOU!!!! Now send that message to all those whiners in New Orleans who keep crying racism. And anyone else who tries to pull the "I'm black..." card.

Stormtracker TF · 12-15-2005, 06:07 PM

I agree with him and think he has some good points.

James"Thunder"Early · 12-15-2005, 06:09 PM

He's assuming we live in a society where racism is non-existent. People are going to be racist rather it's talked about or not.

Michael [hXc] · 12-15-2005, 07:45 PM

actually black history is WORLD history, not just American history. black Africans have done it all, from building pyramids along the Nile and civilizing Egypt, one of the great civilizations we have grown up learning about, to enduring undeserved pain and suffering in America.

learning about Egypt IS learning about black history, and some don't seem to realize this.

*Pleasant Tomorrow* · 12-15-2005, 09:55 PM

He really makes a good point. Smart guy.

*Pleasant Tomorrow* · 12-15-2005, 09:57 PM

Yet I feel this thread someone requires

...

Zoneboy · 12-15-2005, 11:11 PM

Freeman Criticizes Black History Month

NEW YORK - Morgan Freeman says the concept of a month dedicated to black history is "ridiculous."

"You're going to relegate my history to a month?" the 68-year-old actor says in an interview on CBS' "60 Minutes" to air Sunday (7 p.m. EST). "I don't want a black history month. Black history is American history."

Black History Month has roots in historian Carter G. Woodson's Negro History Week, which he designated in 1926 as the second week in February to mark the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.

Woodson said he hoped the week could one day be eliminated — when black history would become fundamental to American history.

Freeman notes there is no "white history month," and says the only way to get rid of racism is to "stop talking about it."

The actor says he believes the labels "black" and "white" are an obstacle to beating racism.

"I am going to stop calling you a white man and I'm going to ask you to stop calling me a black man," Freeman says.

Freeman received Oscar nominations for his roles in 1987's "Street Smart," 1989's "Driving Miss Daisy" and 1994's "The Shawshank Redemption." He finally won earlier this year for "Million Dollar Baby."

dawsongirl · 12-16-2005, 01:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barwars

African Americans (I term I hate)

I hate that too. Most of them have never even set foot in Africa. I wonder if some even know where it is.

That's as dumb as me saying I'm English American. Yeah...never been to England, but I guess that some ancestors way back in the 1600s were. So that means I was there, right?

Brian Damage · 12-16-2005, 02:17 AM

Right On, Mr Freeman. Finally a respected and honorable man speaks up and tells it like it is.

Michael [hXc] · 12-16-2005, 08:21 AM

i don't agree with the term African American either. why not identify with a country of origin, like Egyptian American, Tunisian American, Nigerian American, etc? white people don't call themselves European Americans.

i think if a black American is going to call themselves African American, they should have enough interest to trace their origins to a particular country, which can be done. but my black friend (who is Egyptian) and her cousin (who is that as well as Ethiopian) identify as Egyptian American, Ethiopian American, etc. rather than African.

Ireneparalegal · 12-16-2005, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Chauffeur

I don't know if I should have put this in the politics board or not, but I found this interesting. Janice, I'm sorry if I misplaced this article

Oscar-winning actor says ‘black history is American history’

NEW YORK - Morgan Freeman says the concept of a month dedicated to black history is "ridiculous."

"You're going to relegate my history to a month?" the 68-year-old actor says in an interview on CBS' "60 Minutes" to air Sunday (7 p.m. EST). "I don't want a black history month. Black history is American history."

Black History Month has roots in historian Carter G. Woodson's Negro History Week, which he designated in 1926 as the second week in February to mark the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.
Story continues below ↓ advertisement
Click Here

Woodson said he hoped the week could one day be eliminated — when black history would become fundamental to American history.

Freeman notes there is no "white history month," and says the only way to get rid of racism is to "stop talking about it."

The actor says he believes the labels "black" and "white" are an obstacle to beating racism.

"I am going to stop calling you a white man and I'm going to ask you to stop calling me a black man," Freeman says.

Freeman received Oscar nominations for his roles in 1987's "Street Smart," 1989's "Driving Miss Daisy" and 1994's "The Shawshank Redemption." He finally won earlier this year for "Million Dollar Baby."

Excellent point. There is also American Indian that is fundamental to American History. (S**T! American Indians ARE AMERICA HISTORY, THIS WAS THEIR HOMELAND). There is hispanic history that is also as significant to American history. All races, cultures, etc. play a major part in the development of American history. I remember when Black History Month was originally Black History WEEK!!!!

Brian Damage · 12-16-2005, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barwars

No it can't, at least not easily. Slavery completely destroyed being able to pinpoint which region of Africa African-Americans came from. It's bull. If you're American, you're American. The only time another nationality should come before it is if they're born in that country.

I absolutely agree with that. Besides, there are many blacks who are not African decendants. Some come from the West Indies and the Carribean. The famous writer and ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith comes to mind. His family is from Jamaica.

12-15-2005, 05:05 PM	#1
The Chauffeur Good Evening... Senior Member Join Date: Jan 24, 2005 Location: Under the sun Posts: 2,866	Freeman calls black history month ‘ridiculous’ I don't know if I should have put this in the politics board or not, but I found this interesting. Janice, I'm sorry if I misplaced this article Oscar-winning actor says ‘black history is American history’ NEW YORK - Morgan Freeman says the concept of a month dedicated to black history is "ridiculous." "You're going to relegate my history to a month?" the 68-year-old actor says in an interview on CBS' "60 Minutes" to air Sunday (7 p.m. EST). "I don't want a black history month. Black history is American history." Black History Month has roots in historian Carter G. Woodson's Negro History Week, which he designated in 1926 as the second week in February to mark the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Story continues below ↓ advertisement Click Here Woodson said he hoped the week could one day be eliminated — when black history would become fundamental to American history. Freeman notes there is no "white history month," and says the only way to get rid of racism is to "stop talking about it." The actor says he believes the labels "black" and "white" are an obstacle to beating racism. "I am going to stop calling you a white man and I'm going to ask you to stop calling me a black man," Freeman says. Freeman received Oscar nominations for his roles in 1987's "Street Smart," 1989's "Driving Miss Daisy" and 1994's "The Shawshank Redemption." He finally won earlier this year for "Million Dollar Baby."
	__________________ A.K.A...wynter72 "I got this whole thing worked out on a level that you wouldn't even BEGIN to understand baby. Ya see....This whole thing's a chess game, and this here Xerox machine's the POPE."

12-15-2005, 06:07 PM	#5
Stormtracker TF Happy Easter! Moderator Forum Idol Join Date: Jul 19, 2002 Location: Detroit, Michigan Posts: 102,598	I agree with him and think he has some good points.
	__________________ i s .. i t ... s t i l l .. t h e . n e w .. a g e . ? . . . o r .. a m .. i ... t o o .. l a t e .? █║║▌║█ ║▌║▌│║▌║▌█║▌║█ ║▌║▌│║▌║▌█║▌║█ ║▌║▌│║▌║▌█║▌║█ ║▌║▌│║▌║▌█

12-15-2005, 06:09 PM	#6
James"Thunder"Early Whoever's In New England Forum Veteran Join Date: Feb 23, 2004 Location: The Apollo Posts: 7,088	He's assuming we live in a society where racism is non-existent. People are going to be racist rather it's talked about or not.
	__________________ Esther Anderson: Get thee behind me, Satan, but I'm gon' get behind you, 'cause I'm gonna put my foot in your--- Peggy Mitchell: Get outta my pub! You better pray you get the last laugh, it's a kick in the teeth when you don't get it.

12-15-2005, 09:55 PM	#8
Pleasant Tomorrow Member Forum Addict Join Date: Feb 19, 2003 Location: New York Posts: 69,525	He really makes a good point. Smart guy.
	__________________ my name is ashlee Welcome! Everything is fine.

12-15-2005, 11:11 PM	#10
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,441	Morgan Freeman Criticizes Black History Month Freeman Criticizes Black History Month NEW YORK - Morgan Freeman says the concept of a month dedicated to black history is "ridiculous." "You're going to relegate my history to a month?" the 68-year-old actor says in an interview on CBS' "60 Minutes" to air Sunday (7 p.m. EST). "I don't want a black history month. Black history is American history." Black History Month has roots in historian Carter G. Woodson's Negro History Week, which he designated in 1926 as the second week in February to mark the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Woodson said he hoped the week could one day be eliminated — when black history would become fundamental to American history. Freeman notes there is no "white history month," and says the only way to get rid of racism is to "stop talking about it." The actor says he believes the labels "black" and "white" are an obstacle to beating racism. "I am going to stop calling you a white man and I'm going to ask you to stop calling me a black man," Freeman says. Freeman received Oscar nominations for his roles in 1987's "Street Smart," 1989's "Driving Miss Daisy" and 1994's "The Shawshank Redemption." He finally won earlier this year for "Million Dollar Baby."
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

12-15-2005, 05:07 PM	#2
MsOrange Bringin' Sexy Back Forum Veteran Join Date: Dec 27, 2004 Posts: 6,133	the dude won an oscar, maybe they'll listen to him... cause this is stuff everyones beeen saying for years.

12-15-2005, 05:57 PM	#3
Superstar Member Forum Icon Join Date: Dec 08, 2003 Posts: 63,316	He makes a good point.

12-15-2005, 07:45 PM	#7
Michael [hXc] dying. Forum Fanatic Join Date: Feb 29, 2004 Posts: 8,532	actually black history is WORLD history, not just American history. black Africans have done it all, from building pyramids along the Nile and civilizing Egypt, one of the great civilizations we have grown up learning about, to enduring undeserved pain and suffering in America. learning about Egypt IS learning about black history, and some don't seem to realize this.

12-15-2005, 09:57 PM	#9
Pleasant Tomorrow Member Forum Addict Join Date: Feb 19, 2003 Location: New York Posts: 69,525	Yet I feel this thread someone requires ...

12-16-2005, 02:17 AM	#12
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	Right On, Mr Freeman. Finally a respected and honorable man speaks up and tells it like it is.
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

12-16-2005, 08:21 AM	#13
Michael [hXc] dying. Forum Fanatic Join Date: Feb 29, 2004 Posts: 8,532	i don't agree with the term African American either. why not identify with a country of origin, like Egyptian American, Tunisian American, Nigerian American, etc? white people don't call themselves European Americans. i think if a black American is going to call themselves African American, they should have enough interest to trace their origins to a particular country, which can be done. but my black friend (who is Egyptian) and her cousin (who is that as well as Ethiopian) identify as Egyptian American, Ethiopian American, etc. rather than African.