Will Smith says he’s never met a ‘smart’ racist.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star made the comments on the Pod Save America podcast.
He said that although he’s been called the n-word ‘probably five or six times’ in his life, he’s confident the offensive term has never been used by a ‘smart person’.
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He explained: “I grew up with the impression that racists and racism were stupid, and they were easy to get around. I just had to be smarter now while they were very dangerous.
“I had never looked into the eyes of a racist and saw anything that I perceived as intellect.”
The 52-year-old said that it’s important people appreciate the vitalness of education when it comes to these types of attitudes so that they can be tackled.
Continuing, he said: “I’ve always been encouraged that the process of education and understanding could alleviate some of the more dangerous and difficult aspects of racism that have unfortunately been embedded in the very fibres of our country.”
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Will Smith discusses running for office: https://t.co/gJRsqcKfeU pic.twitter.com/tyTYe7me3g
— Pod Save America (@PodSaveAmerica) March 2, 2021
Ultimately, however, the dad-of-three says he believes in the possibility of social harmony and an understanding between people.
Later on in the series, the star discussed his political ambitions. He revealed that he’d consider running for president ‘at some point’.
Until then, Smith says he will do his part artistically before stepping into the political arena.
Featured Image Credit: Twitter/@podsaveamerica
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