There's been a conversation re-ignited in Hollywood over racism and systematic oppression of minorities, specifically Black people in the United States.
Actor, musician, and Hollywood icon Will Smith has opened up in a new YouTube video about his own personal experiences with these subjects growing up in Chicago, including negative interactions with the police.
Will stated that rage is "justified under oppression," but he also pointed out that it can be potentially dangerous. "You got to be careful not to be consumed by your own rage," Will added.
"Peaceful protests put a mirror to the demonic imagery of your oppressor. And the more still you are in your peaceful protest, the more clear the mirror is for your oppressor -- for the world to see and for them to see themselves," Will said.
Will said he had been "called [the n-word] by the cops in Philly on more than 10 occasions" and said that he was often stopped while driving. He referred to racism present in the police force as "an occupying force" and said going to a Catholic school growing up also put him in "occupied territory."
"Don't succumb to lovelessness no matter how much evil you face, because you poison yourself and you poison your own community,"
You can watch the whole emotional and powerful video right here! Let us know what you think in the comments!
