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He was a caricature built by John Ford to sell movie tickets. Somewhere along the way he lost himself in the farce. I love his movies but don't much care for his views. Artists of both flavors get a pass on a lot of political nonsense if they are talented enough. Always been that way.
Here are just a few excerpts from the article (my italiics and bold):
[Wayne] believed that “there should be the same percentage of the colored race in films as in society,” he also realized that “it can’t always be that way,” because “more than likely, ten percent haven’t trained themselves for that type of work.” “It’s just as hard for a white man to get a card in the Hollywood craft unions,” he said, which meant that it would take a long time until blacks would be integrated into the film industry.
Wayne believed in gradual integration, “we can’t all of a sudden get down on our knees and turn everything over to the leadership of blacks.” At the same time, he considered their “resentment along with their dissent,” to be “rightfully so.”
What irritated the blacks most was his belief in “white supremacy until the blacks are educated to a point of responsibility. I don’t believe in giving authority and positions of leadership and judgment to irresponsible people.” Challenged, if he were equipped to judge “which blacks are irresponsible and which of their leaders inexperienced,” he replied: “It’s not my judgment.
The academic community has developed certain tests that determine whether the blacks are sufficiently equipped scholastically.” Thus, he did not approve of blacks who tried “to force the issue and enter college when they haven’t passed the tests and don’t have the requisite background,” fearing that by doing so, “the academic society is brought down to the lowest common denominator.”
Though there are few black actors in Wayne’s films, those who worked with claim that they had never heard a racist remark from him.
END EXCERPTS
Now, unfortunately, the author did not cite sources, so I certainly cannot vouch for the accuracy of the above, although it does "ring true" for me, as far as what Wayne would say and believe.
Last edited by katharsis; 02-22-2019 at 06:57 AM..
I remember reading that Playboy interview all those years ago. At the time, it wasn't seen as shocking, but kind of what was to be expected from someone with the Duke's political views.
Bringing it up now and trying to pretend that it's relevant is desperate. Judging the attitudes from 48 years ago by today's standards just plain lacks any validity.
This is what socialists do. They criticize anyone who has influenced Americans or that Americans consider an Icon. John Wayne was always a staunch conservative and he said what he meant and meant what he said. In regards to this statement, he was talking about the fact that blacks were uneducated at that time NOT that blacks could NOT succeed. Was there some racism there, maybe. But you cannot judge what someone says in the past when views were different by the standards of today!
Shouldn't she be whining about that Hogg kid? Maybe LeBron James?
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