Fox News host Bill O’Reilly cast a critical eye on Hollywood’s Samuel L. Jackson during a recent broadcast, ripping the blockbuster actor for stoking racial fires and trying to “diminish” America.
Mr. O’Reilly made the comments during his “Talking Points Memo,” when he ran down a list of why black Americans “dislike this country,” Mediaite reported. Mr. O’Reilly then cited the nation as a land of great opportunity for people of color — naming President Obama and Mr. Jackson as two examples of U.S. success stories.
He opened by saying: “The cold truth is African Americans have it harder than other ethnic group in the U.S.A. That is a fact. … But there is another truth, and that is America offers more opportunity black people than any other country on Earth,” the Fox News clip showed.
So his question: Why do many blacks dislike America?
Perspective is needed, he said.
“Most of us have been insulted and ridiculed by ignorant people,” not just blacks, Mr. O’Reilly said. “This simplistic condemnation of [a racist] America is dangerous, especially with a media that’s too callow to provide a balance.”
Mr. O’Reilly then referred to Mr. Jackson as a “tremendous American success story who has nonetheless jumped on the grievance train.” He played a clip of Mr. Jackson’s widely watched song about minorities struggling against overzealous “racist police,” with the chorus line “I can’t breathe.”
Mr. O’Reilly then detailed how Mr. Jackson rose from poverty to wealth and fame, with more than 100 movies under his belt.
“With all due respect,” the Fox News host said, “rather than diminish his country, Mr. Jackson should be trying to make America better. His message could be that, ’If I can succeed, so can you.’ … This country now offers a pathway to success for everybody. “
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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