I agree with you that Denzel Washington may not have meant what freepers have interpreted. I think the "ex-slave" remark may be a dig at Michael Moore along the lines of, "I could claim more right than you to play the victim, but I have more class than to cop-op the suffering of my ancestors for some attention." And thumbs up for his challenging Streep vis-a-vis her commentsd about the Bible.
(And let's not ignore the fact, freepers, that Denzel has chosen not see Ferenheit 9/11! He deserves points for that alone.)
Exactly what I was thinking. I think people should SEE his reactions and the WAY he was talking...I thought he was about to get legit ticked off at Streep...and he was getting all over Katie C at one point too. He said "I don't need to see it" with sort of a "Why would I want to see that pile of crap" sneer...then, as you say, sort of laying claim to "hey, I know more about it than M.M'
Also he actually told Streep maybe Jesus meant US since WE (the actors) are so RICH.
Remember, talking against the party line can get you kicked out of the game. I think Will Smith is a closet Republican (or at least is sane), but what kind of fire would come down if they actually SAID it? I'm not familar with Denzel's public comments though.
I read his comment as meaning that he not only hasn't seen the movie, but he didn't plan to see it, because he's an American. The part about being an ex-slave was possibly to underscore the many generations of his ancestors who have lived in America. In other words, he was saying his roots are in America, and they are deep. The fact that he later disagreed with Strep and also distanced himself from Hollywood, makes me think this interpretation is correct.
I lean toward your view of what he said. He has opted out of seeing the film. He made the point that he is an American, and his remark about being an "ex-slave" may have meant to say that he as descendent of slaves has done well in America.
He has distanced himselves from the other Hollywood types, and he took that opportunity to avoid criticizing America and the war. Obviously he hasn't been forthrightly for the war, he hasn't come out as a Republican and probably never will. But he is one of the few, now, to have avoided insulting the president, and he had the perfect opportunity had he wanted to. He didn't.
If Denzel can shut Streep's mouth then he's okay in my book!
I'll wait to see the whole interview in context before I jump to any conclusions.
Most likely, particularly when his comment is taken in context. Seems like we have a lot of jerking knees here today.