Will Smith has opened up about his personal experience at the hands of the police. This happened during a video conversation with Angela Rye on Monday about being Black in America.
I’ve Been Called a N** by Cops in Philadelphia
The ‘Gemini Man’ actor shared the racist interactions he had with the police while growing up in Philadelphia. According to the 51-year-old actor, some officers of the Philadelphia police department used derogatory language or racial slurs toward him because of the color of his skin.
On the podcast, ‘One With Angela Rye,’ the ‘Bad Boys’ actor shared his experience, growing up in Philadelphia. He grew up under the iron hand of Mayor Rizzo, who was, at one time, the chief of police. The actor stated that he had been called a ‘N*****’ by the police in Philadelphia more than once. In fact, if he recalls rightly, this situation had occurred over ten different occasions.
The ‘Prince of Bel-Air’ actor got stopped frequently and so fully understands what it was like to be in such circumstances with the police. Smith stated that he understood racial inequalities or disparities in an interesting way and more than the average person. This was because he attended a Catholic school in the suburbs.
It Felt Like Living in An Occupied Territory, says Smith
According to the movie star, white kids were always happy when the police showed up. His heart would start pounding endlessly, and he explained that people who do not grow up in such circumstances would never be able to comprehend what it felt like. Smith explained that it always felt like living in an occupied territory, which was always an unsavory situation.
Smith Talks About Controlling His Rage
The actor stated that he passionately understood people’s anger toward racism. He explained that he had to work excruciatingly hard to control his rage. According to the ‘Men In Black’ actor, rage can be justified under oppression. However, it is a tool that can really be dangerous, especially if it spirals out of control. So, one has to be extremely careful not to be consumed by one’s own rage.
What Smith thinks About the Global Black Lives Matter Protests
The actor thinks the worldwide ‘Black Lives Matter’ protests are unparalleled. He said he was pleased that so many people around the world have pledged their support to end racism
Smith also admitted how deeply he felt encouraged by the innate connectivity of the protesters globally. This is an unprecedented circumstance. The entire world is on its feet, telling the African American people that they are heard. The world is asking how they can be of help in this situation.
Peaceful Protests, the Most Powerful Demonstration against Oppression
According to Smith, peaceful protests are the most potent demonstration against oppression. He said peaceful protests mirror the demonic imagery of the oppressor. The calmer the protest is, the more precise the oppressor sees the mirror, which allows the entire world to see.
Defunding the Police is Incendiary, says Smith
The idea of defunding the police is somewhat incendiary, Smith explained. However, the idea is not as scary as it sounds.
