Posted on 03/01/2005 11:55:14 AM PST by WKB
OSCAR nominee MORGAN FREEMAN has discovered why he loves his home state of Mississippi so much - it's less racist than most other places in America.
The actor grew up in racial segregation in the Delta region, which was once considered the heartland of American racism, but he insists he never felt oppression until he moved away.
And now he has fond memories of his childhood, despite the fact he wasn't allowed to attend certain clubs and had to sit on the balcony of his local cinema because only whites were allowed downstairs.
He says, "It can't bother you if that's the way life is. If you were raised up in Africa and you ate worms it wouldn't bother you, would it? Same thing.
"I wasn't thinking about rising up and going up to the Paramount and demanding to be let in to the ground floor. I just wanted to go to the movies."
Freeman admits he once dreamed of getting far away from Mississippi, but now he lives there and owns a blues bar and restaurant in Clarksdale.
He admits the state is still one of the most friendly places on earth, despite it's dubious reputation.
He adds, "I grew up in a segregated society that was purposely, obviously, openly segregated. I wasn't given any BS about anything else and I went up to the north and you see it and it's insidious... You want to think you're free-er but you're not."
hehhehheh... serendipitous synchronicity.
NJ is still better than Long Island, NY. Not only did blacks and whites live in separate towns, they also went to SEPARATE schools. School district boundaries in Nassau County were gerrymandered as recently as the 1980s to keep blacks out of white schools, and probably still are.
Didn't know Freeman was a licensed pilot! Holding a license myself, yes, the experience never leaves anyone the same; profoundly affects one's sense of humility and humanity.
Knock off the silly giggling. You're obviously clueless on this topic.
Didn't he narrate the JFK bio schtick they made for the DNC convention?
I should have put Percy's comment in the proper context. If I remember correctly, the article he had written was intended to paint a picture of race relations in the U.S. 100 years after the Civil War.
Me too ... so was Paul Winfield who we tragically lost way too soon.
I've never been there but knowing so many nice freepers and Freeman's glowing report, makes me want to visit.
Wow he was in so many movies in so many different roles. I remember him as 'Mirror' in the short lived tv sitcom about Snow White.
Thanks for mentioning WP; his book of essays is a favorite and I've read "The Moviegoer" five times. I was in a state of fear when it was announced that it would be filmed starring...Tim Robbins. Fortunately that version was canned.
He did an interview on cable tv, 'In the Actor's Studio' or some sort like that. I can see how flying would affect someone's world view. You can get see God's creation and be very aware of one's mortality at the same time.
He would not be the first person from Mississippi I've met who had nice things to say. It pretty strange to meet old black people who aren't angry but meet young black folks so angry (over what).
You are very sweet, and would be most welcome there.
Rebel ping
Mr. Freeman, what's the "right way" to remove him from office? There were only two possibilities, neither of which you would have liked: Assassination or war. Do you really think he could have been talked into stepping down?
The Real Reason: We have to democratize the Middle East or we are finished. Afghanistan (with NO oil) was the easiest domino to knock over first, Iraq was second. Other dominos (Libya, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon) have either fallen or are reaching the tipping point. Iran may be as well.
I think Freeman & Co. are the ones in search of themselves -- they can't make up their minds when violence is appropriate (vacillating between "never ever under any circumstances" and "it's okay whenever socialists or non-whites use violent") or whether or not we are actually at war. A goalpost mover is unstable in all his ways... As much as I like the guy and his cool, intense vibe, such comments (and the fact that he wears an ear ring) make it impossible for me so far.
"young black folks so angry (over what)."
Je$$e, Rev. Al, et al are responsible for that.
But, NOT MLK.
LOL!
I watch them all the time and rarely see a repeat. Man! What a voice.
Yes that's true because democrat run big cities have to ensure a future voting base. The differences are profound. Jesse Jackson is sad because he lived through it and it seems as if he wants to 'keep hate alive' to line his pockets.
I should say "as much as I WANT to like the guy..."
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