Clint Eastwood is beloved by many thanks to his iconic performances as Harry Callahan in the Dirty Harry films.
A joint interview with his son Scott in Esquire magazine has stirred up controversy, particularly with regard to comments that the legendary actor made about modern-day attitudes towards racism.
Speaking about today’s generation, the elder Eastwood said:
“We’re really in a pussy generation. Everybody’s walking on eggshells. We see people accusing people of being racist and all kinds of stuff. When I grew up, those things weren’t called racist.”
It is worth noting that Eastwood is now 86, having been born 34 years before the United States passed the Civil Rights Act – the legislative move that put an end to segregation in America.
Eastwood was asked for his opinion on controversial Republican nominee for president Donald Trump, saying of the businessman “He’s said a lot of dumb things.”
“What Trump is onto is he’s just saying what’s on his mind. And sometimes it’s not so good. And sometimes it’s … I mean, I can understand where he’s coming from, but I don’t always agree with it.”
Twitter responded with great umbrage to Eastwood’s comments.
Clint Eastwood is right, it wasn't called "racist" when he was growing up. But now it is. That's what happens when you grow up.
— James Moran (@jamesmoran) August 3, 2016
Clint Eastwood's an abrasive old racist who regards young people with utter contempt? pic.twitter.com/bPsFaXj44F
— Hari Sethi (@Hari_Sethi) August 4, 2016
Clint Eastwood continued. “When I grew up, those things weren’t called racist”.
Clint is 86. When he grew up schools were still segregated
— NYer in Florida (@JesseLaGreca) August 4, 2016
Millennials should be respected for standing up to racism, Clint Eastwood. Try it. It might make your day. pic.twitter.com/Oyj7QlapLE
— Eric Schiffer (@ericschiffer) August 4, 2016
Clint Eastwood seems like he's doing great. pic.twitter.com/QRpNylayV1
— Maggie Serota (@maggieserota) August 4, 2016
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