Samuel Jackson: Tarantino cannot be considered racist (Jan. 6, 2016) | Charlie Rose

On January 6, 2016, Samuel L. Jackson appeared on the Charlie Rose show to discuss his recent work and share his thoughts on the controversy surrounding Quentin Tarantino and accusations of racism in his films. Jackson, who has appeared in several of Tarantino’s films, staunchly defended his longtime collaborator, stating that it is “impossible” for Tarantino to be racist.

In the interview, Jackson made a compelling argument for why he believes Tarantino is not a racist. He pointed out that Tarantino is a filmmaker who pushes boundaries and challenges the status quo through his work, often addressing difficult and controversial subject matter. Jackson emphasized that Tarantino’s films are not meant to promote racism, but rather to shine a light on societal issues and spark important conversations about race and discrimination.

Jackson also highlighted the diversity of Tarantino’s films, noting the wide range of characters and storylines he has explored throughout his career. From the African American slave protagonist in “Django Unchained” to the diverse ensemble cast in “Pulp Fiction,” Tarantino has made a conscious effort to include people of color in his films and give them important and multi-dimensional roles. Jackson praised Tarantino for his commitment to diversity, stating that he has always been supportive of actors of color and has helped further their careers in Hollywood.

Moreover, Jackson pointed out that Tarantino’s use of racial slurs in his films is not meant to glorify or promote racism, but rather to accurately depict the language and attitudes of the time period in which the films are set. By portraying racism in a realistic and unfiltered way, Tarantino forces audiences to confront the ugly truths of history and examine their own biases and prejudices. Jackson argued that this raw and unflinching portrayal of racism is what sets Tarantino apart as a filmmaker and makes his work so powerful and impactful.

In conclusion, Samuel L. Jackson’s interview on the Charlie Rose show shed light on the controversy surrounding Quentin Tarantino and accusations of racism in his films. Jackson adamantly defended Tarantino, asserting that it is “impossible” for him to be racist given his commitment to diversity and his willingness to address difficult subject matter in his work. By challenging audiences to confront the uncomfortable truths of history and sparking important conversations about race and discrimination, Tarantino has established himself as a groundbreaking filmmaker whose impact will be felt for generations to come.