Toni Morrison - intro & interview

[@deidrafrazier278]

This should be an annual requirement of every citizen of the world to watch. So profound and true. Wise. It's not angry. It's factual and kind. I love this woman for her oratory expertise!

[@anjielenoir70s]

Absolutely!

[@deidrafrazier278]

I will watch this every year to keep my heart tuned up and my mind discerning. Beautiful.

[@anjielenoir70s]

This is the epitome of unbothered shalom and living in truth. I'm actually watching it again right after I send this message. Can you imagine how wonderful it would be to be surrounded by aunties, Grandmoms, and women like her in general!?! Amazingness!

[@deidrafrazier278]

You're right. She is an example of a life well lived. She was kind enough to share her insight and knew how to correct stinkin thinkin in real time with love. Lol. Unbothered but engaged. Enjoy your 2nd time around. I watched it twice, too!

[@flaskassassin]

Absolutely agree! Everyone should watch this. White people esp.

[@joptiks7062]

My god what an impressive human being

[@ridaktedreal2326]

Really like why didn’t I come into the world this well spoken

[@jolenesimon6123]

Yes. An Amazing Black woman

[@maeshaw1]

The look Ms. Morrison gave the interviewer when asked if she felt whites had a wilful, malicious intent regarding racism will forever be etched in my mind. While drinking a glass of water, Ms. Morrison, without blinking, looked through the glass with disturbed disbelief. That was the moment the interview went downhill for the interviewer and I was here for every second of it.

[@mostxrad]

Time stamp?

[@ritaharris2778]

I could listen to Ms Morrison all day long. I love her perfect responses to the interviewer. So profound.

[@tonganqueenb5517]

23:27 ‘you can’t understand how powerfully racist that question is, can you?’ Such an articulately sharp rebuttal. It feels like time stands still for a moment. And the penny drops. The interviewer is lost for words.

[@hayleyannamathieson7261]

How many times Toni was asked this ignorant question?! Undoubtedly a racist question.❤

[@faroukbongo772]

Very profound

[@ndominique32]

“The function, the very serious function of racism is distraction. It keeps you from doing your work...Keeps you explaining, over and over again, your reason for being.”~ Toni Morrison

[@queenannesrevenge1437]

@@ndominique32 That just gave me goosebumps. Such an excellent point on racism and it's goal.

[@ashasalim1423]

She is so poised, I could listen to her for hours. She is effortlessly inspiring.

[@kesm66]

Her articulation of how racial bigotry robs White Americans of their own humanity (& dignity) by victimizing them to carry out acts of violence is insightful. Her admission that she writes freely, not for the white gaze, before responding to a question that suggests her body of work ignores white characters is steadfast as well. "You can't understand how powerfully racist that question is...can you?" "Even the inquiry comes from a position of being in the center" "It is inconceivable (to you) that where I already am...is the mainstream"

[@malaikasdurbin8960]

Your comment is right on point. I never looked at it that way until she said it. It really robs White Americans of their humanity & dignity. So you have to ask yourself who or what then is driving them to do this? Who or what can drive a person to remove dignity from oneself? It makes me think of the Bible verse Ephesians 6:12-because we have a struggle, not against blood and flesh, but against the governments, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places.

[@himanshiithakkar6691]

There will never come a day when I won't miss Toni Morrison.

[@mpirefilms1698]

Her birthday needs to be a national holiday.

[@firasharb1454]

One of the most unique ppl in American history . May she rest in power .

[@maeshaw1]

This interview encapsulates why Ms. Morrison will forever be my most favorite writer....ever .

[@sc-sc828]

A legend. Watching this in 2024 and so much of what Ms. Morrison espoused about racism continues to unfold and be despicably upheld across the world. In these increasingly dark times, her knowledge, wisdom and words are a salve. Love this woman and wish she was still here in the flesh.

[@Abnormalities55]

We don’t really appreciate our legends until they are gone.

[@prestoncole8614]

Toni Morrison is very clever. Her answers are calculating, thoughtful, and provocative. The interviewer looks attentive, stun, and careful not to ask the wrong questions. Though it is a superb interview.

[@majolaganymede2644]

"It is a naive question" hehehe she took it there!

[@brenosalluz1710]

"I stood at a border and clamed as a center" The only good thing about this racist interviewer is that her biased questions were answered with such profound unbrekable power that this video is amazing and moving. Thank you!

[@praywithourfeet]

Yes!!! TY for lifting that up!

[@sabinadesir173]

Absolutely agree!

[@user-qw2xe7jc6t]

Truer words have never been said in so little time. She really saw humanity at it’s core. Rest In Peace your pure soul and thank you for being an apologetically YOU!

[@hlumisasaffa1475]

Perfectly summer up, this comment! In such little time!!!

[@michaellwalker8748]

Just brilliance!!!!!

[@marlomills6800]

Simply

[@k.b.4883]

This is a wonderfully eye-opening interview. Every word was a revelation. RIP Toni Morrison, your legacy will always be remembered and loved. You will continuously teach the next generation, even after your passing. The world did not deserve your insight, and experiences, but we surely needed their lessons

[@samahf1669]

Highly intelligent, real, courageous, strong, wise, unique & phenomenal women. R.I.P

[@mxyzptlk...]

She is so wise.

[@DH-mf2qt]

The Brilliant Toni Morrison in her nobel prize winning wisdom and gifted creative genius STILL teaching and speaking the truth in the grace that father of hers was standing for. Now they are together again. Rest In Peace wonderful, beautiful, profoundly incredible woman. Thank you thank you thank you forever

[@myishablackdeities9335]

Her confidence and glare is everything!

[@cahawks]

Her words bring me to tears every time. I don’t know what it is. What an incredible woman.

[@maame176]

Rest in love :)

[@62blackberry]

For me, every word you speak or write could be carved in marble, Toni Morrison. [Rest In Glory].

[@gildarogers5]

This is a phenomenal interview and Toni is so eloquent with words but straight up said to the interviewer "that's a racist question . . . You would never ask a white writer if they were going to write about black people and include them in their work." WOW. Thank you Ms. Morrison for your love of our race and our stories. Peace. Gilda

[@nj7422]

Mrs. Morrison spoke the truth in her words and her words alone. So powerful, calm, with elegance. If you don’t know your own history, how can you understand someone else’s. Our history is coming out to really be heard and the truth hurts in other ppl eyes because of it. Rest in Power Mrs. Morrison, your books will teaches us all for a lifetime!

[@lazreese]

Toni Morrison was absolutely fearless! What a blessing to still have her words/books/etc.

[@strangetribe]

Love. Love this woman. Love what she says. Love the video content. Meaning and message through social media

[@glendajohnson6824]

Profound and enlightening.

[@matchingbirthdays4happiness]

For the last week I’ve wallowed in documentaries about great American writers such as John Steinbeck, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald (The Great Gatby), William Faulkner, Susan Sontag and a few others. This kind of feverish thirst comes upon me once or twice a year where I glorify the writer’s life and all that it entails. I am totally consumed and in a creative space that I relish. It wasn’t until this week that I began to look at the lives of Richard Wright, Ralph Ellison, James Baldwin and Amiri Baraka (Leroi Jones) and suddenly I hear Toni Morrison passes away. There was something mystical about experiencing her death while I was in this creative space. I’ve always adored her stories and the videos documenting her writings. I told myself that I would meet her one day. When I heard of her death I was stunned. I felt a tremendous loss. R.I.Love Toni Morrison

[@mwaambigmbuui874]

Wow! Blessings to you, in your "creative space" and beyond.

[@shannonferguson5095]

The tears couldn’t stop falling throughout this interview. Thanks to you incredible people who posts these pieces of history I’ve gotten to truly experience people like Toni Morrison, James Baldwin, Malcolm X, etc. Of course I’ve known about them, read their works. But I guess I was to young, or not born yet during their height, to really experience who they are in this way. Thank you for this gift. In regards to Toni Morrison, I understand her acclaim and place in history more now.

[@rallytv9766]

Remarkably lucid, strongly clarifying and hopeful! Toni Morrison was and is a communicator for all times. We agree with her commentary 100% She rests in POWER!😍🙏

[@cestmoi5702]

This is, by far, my most favorite interview Toni has ever done. Empress. Queen. Honored one. Thank you.

[@bermuda3944]

White people from England, and I can say that because of my history, offer key words that signify "the other" during conversation. This interviewer says, "exotic" as a quote to those listening that the subject referenced is that of a person of color. It's mental gymnastics, on a daily occurence, to navigate the igonance or "subdued/metered" hatred/dislike of you "the person" due to your color. I don't seek to run away or "suck it up." I stand proud of who I'm. Toni represents, as all people of color do, the same. During the entire time, this interviewer explores her work and history in order to determine merit. Remember when white people say, "Who are you and what are you doing here?" The statement is an old "trope" harkening back to the days of "you" needing a letter from your master permitting you to leave his sight. Keep that in mind when people talk to you or attempt to validate your actions or words.

[@cookiegilcrest1000]

You people, y'all, gals, You don't need higher wages, can't find any qualified, There goes the neighborhood, and many many more! "We are God's people and He is our God.

[@selinarobinson6767]

Dr. Toni Morrison, lady, sista, you ROCK! Than you much for your wisdom and uninhibited courage to speak and write what the Lord gives you. You are and will forever be beloved in the community. Much love, respect & gratitude.

[@julierobinson8173]

What a fantastic interviewee Toni Morrison is...😍 she conducted herself with both dignity and respect 🙏🏽😇

[@mderline4412]

What a remarkable human being. Such insight of the world within her, and without.

[@jolenesimon6123]

Yes, she is a remarkable Black woman. I love her very much

[@Hon3yBee8]

Amazing how she words and explains everything she says, her answer to every question is so great. Her understanding of everything is so great!!! I’ve loved her ever since I read her books in high school.

[@shayekisitu]

This woman has a beautiful soul. You can hear the love, passion and compassion in her voice. I am embarrassed to say I have not read any of her books but listening to her speak so profoundly is soothing and I am sure her writing is just as wonderful. GOD rest your beautiful heart and soul Toni Morrison. ❤

[@carolynmerritt7100]

I was reading her books since my preteen years before I ever knew who this great woman was. I admire her character and integrity. I admire her courage and skillful sense to say exactly what she means and puts it ever so clearly and eloquently that whatever the point, the "other" person gets it undeniably and without a defense...this "they" try. The gift, the talent, and the skill to cut so sharply and precisely is absolutely worth the Nobel Prize on its own! Love you Toni, RIP🙏💝 You are been an amazing gift to this world!!

[@TinaTerrellBrown]

I love Toni Morrison and I love all her interviews. This interview in particular, is the most important and powerful. So many gems. ❤

[@birdyelke775]

I love her, as a writer, and I live breathing of her knowledge, as a lesbian woman, I feel honour to had come across her work. I glad the way she challenge the journalist!!!

[@TheBnikki1]

Toni Morrison is always checking these interviewers lbvs 😌

[@rberliner6680]

Toni Morrison’s narratives are uniquely fearless.

[@freddiemiranda5366]

This lady is unbelievable the ways she explains life in the world of the black race and the inhumanity that they have been placed upon them I am so impressed and thankful that an incredible woman like this was born and walked upon this earth thank you miss Morrison.

[@SueLyons1]

03:08 pomp.and introduction over; interview starts 04:50 writing: 'the best place to be... coherence... it fits... I go there and I hope I don't blink... to manage the language that can sing' 06:30 10:10 'a meaningful difference [sic] that requires separation [sic]' 'metaphorical notion of division... powerful utilitarian purposes' 👍 'racism is a scholarly affair.. totally ingrained in the education we receive...in encyclopaedias...' 22:06 'I want to be surprised and shocked every time' 22:15 'I was interested in a literature that is not just confrontational' 🧊 what a 🧊 cold 🧊 cold 🧊 interview 🧊

[@MrSpain29]

This woman is brilliant!! So eloquent, intelligent, and captivating.

[@bahmanghahremani6080]

Thank you for posting this video. Much love....

[@mwaambigmbuui874]

Profoundly transformative! For it's prophetic punch, boldness and beauty.

[@julierobinson8173]

Where I already am is the mainstream 🙏🏽😍😇

[@myfriendisaac]

21:12 EXACTLY 🤷🏾‍♂️💯👏🏾🎯 The TRUE VICTIM of history!!! Toni, like her work, couldn’t be tampered with or editorialized.

[@joannebaker4925]

Such a brilliant and deep thinker with a intergal life perspective. Her intellect is astounding and her words are piercing to the soul. I feel every word she said.

[@valve6642]

Queen! I want,so much for someone to make a film of Paradise

[@K--S]

Although, I've never been a fan of adapting novels to fit the screen. Because normally it just doesn't work out. But this book may just turn out ok as a film. I didn't like Beloved as a film. I just think the layering of the story was too dense for film but Paradise, with the right screen writer. It just might work.

[@valve6642]

@@K--S I think so too. Just don't let OPRAH near it. LOLOL

[@K--S]

@@valve6642 Ouch, I wouldn't say that because she wasn't the screen writer on Beloved. I just don't think that novel specifically would ever work as a film. It requires too much of the human imagination steeped in emotion. Which is terribly hard to convey in a real way on screen.

[@valve6642]

@@K--S loved Beloved. I just think Paradise needs a different type of production team.

[@K--S]

@@valve6642 the screen writers will have to be amazingly talented.

[@sharmanitascos]

That is the most successful and delay maneuver I have ever seen in a conversation the extreme fire and power in how she rested in herself.

[@Natalia-hf3et]

This woman is wonderful. I can listen to her all day.

[@traebreon5449]

Chloe Anthony Wofford Morrison. February -18-1931 - August -5-2019 Watching this interview August 5th 2024! R-I-H Lady Morrison! 😊❤

[@yepezcroquer]

Love you for this. thanks. and thanks infinite.

[@traebreon5449]

How she speaks is of resemblance of the great late Maya Angelou, so elegant, articulant and royal! This was such a beautiful thing to experience. 😊

[@GinaGreenlee]

Wow. This was a fantastic interview. This is the first time I've seen it in its entirety. I've only seen clips where folks attempt to "call out" the interviewer for one of her questions. That led me to erroneously assume the interviewer (just by the singular clip) was a racist, combative moron. Nothing could be further from my assumption based on these nearly 30 minutes as that is all I have to go by. She asked fantastic questions - deep, insightful, thorough. And this was a powerful conversation. Ms. Morrison was moved emotionally in her expressive responses and so was the interviewer. This interviewer was fabulous at holding the space - listening without being defensive, being fully present rather than already in her head teeing up the firepower of rebuttal. And when she responded, it was about her, it was about what she heard. I've been to Australia which is a spectacularly racist country and I met NO ONE as poised, present, open and willing to listen as this interviewer. I'm not saying that she is the only one and that all Australians are barbarians. What I am saying is that she has helped to raise my opinion of that country cuz I couldn't wait to get the hell out. Don't come for me. I was born into and live in one of THE MOST RACIST countries in the world - the United States. So I know what it looks like. Feels like. And the Aussies I met were unabashed in their hatred for the indigenous groups there, the Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders, among others. Toni helps me be a better person. I love her for that.

[@mderline4412]

The same thing, (perhaps the same youtube posting) a partial section of this interview drove me here. Their was a very popular radio jounalist years back named Paul Harvey. He had a rather illustrious career with a radio broadcast entitled, "The Rest Of The Story!" Our experience getting to this interview, proves how important getting the whole story is! I can only imagine what the Book Burners and History deniers have in mind for Ms. Morrisons works and opinions. It's even more clear, that they shall not be allowed to pass!

[@leongardner710]

WOW...wow...being aware is awesome n she so wise. Her dad was prejudiced, but certainly not a racist( he had to control things for that to be the case) w/folks constantly flipping the script.

[@spiritual619]

producing is the best (blessed) place to be. Every creative person knows this to be true and yes it can also be painful at the same time.

[@naneeleo823]

@ min. 4:20 - 4:38 thankyOu

[@Bubzietown]

Her father wasn’t racist. He used his experiences and the history of white people to form a very valid opinion of them.

[@Iloveswedes]

And he didn't have the power to exact policies based on his views or to hurt whites financially, so it's irrelevant that he held such views. They always want our so-called "racist views" based on their racist behavior towards us to be equivalent to their racist terrorism.

[@waggna469]

Who said he was racist?

[@polandharr]

Not said explicitly, but deducible from TM's response at marker 12:17-12:18@@waggna469

[@sophiagarcia7232]

This woman was IT. Rest in power queen.

[@pd4887]

I teared up when she calmly said do you realize how profoundly racist that question is? She is amazing Tony, so happy we had her, and still hear her voice of wisdom, let alone enjoy her books. Every time I listen to her I get something out, some nugget of wisdom, some clarity.

[@lulibalumu]

She's the best!

[@CoolGirl-wf7nt]

10:57 same exact experience, I never forgot that look from her parents, but knew that this would be our last walk home from school

[@siddiqakhan4157]

This woman is next level! Wow 😍

[@mountainlinx]

This is one of the deepest moments on the net. This is for everyone……

[@kath1017]

Imagine with the tone of the interview and hearing all of Ms. Morrison responses and still proceeding to ask her a racist question. It's like not matter how painful and horrendous our experiences as POC it washes over Non-POCs.

[@donovanumbra9704]

It's very disheartening...

[@jopabr24]

One of my favorite parts about her responses is that Morrison recognizes that the interviewer genuinely doesn't understand that she is being racist, because so much of racism and bias is implicit and unintentional. It's ingrained into us white folks from birth. So many of us are raised in it, and to be actively anti-racist takes real work. So much of the racism we're taught is not something any of us would ever consciously practice. I think that's what is happening with this interviewer. She doesn't understand the racism inherent to some of the questions she is asking, and Morrison politely, but firmly and factually sets her straight. Beautiful, deftly done.

[@nickel8412]

I would need to be a writer of Toni Morrison’s genius to describes the genius of Toni Morrison.

[@linettewhite2122]

Love you Toni Rest in power

[@corrondatompkins2350]

This woman 🥰 rest in power Queen

[@Yewneehk]

The two times she took a sip of water were so intentional. She was illustrating a point not hydrating.

[@Iloveswedes]

I love how Ms. Morrison analyzes the racism to this "journalist". She breaks it down like she's a doctor explaining psychosis to a mental patient in therapy.

[@Anointed012]

Her father wasn’t racist he was right.

[@K--S]

Yep, he spoke out in the air something that's so ugly that it's easy to label it as an attack rather than what it is. The truth.

[@mtterzoli]

Doesn't this miss the point that Morrison was making? Humans have the capacity to behave reprehensibly to one another. The true victims of history are those who give up their humanity, especially as racism is not inherent it is taught. Those white people that Morrison's father had encountered were no doubt racist, but that is obviously not true of all whites.

[@JTScott1988]

He wasn’t right.

[@JTScott1988]

@@mtterzolibut it cwrtainly is true of MOST whites is it not? If it were not slavery wouldnt have happened. Trump wouldnt have happened.

[@jolenesimon6123]

​@@mtterzoliunbelievable. You could have this comment to yourself

[@nahumkantene5983]

Whew chile...incredible

[@sabinadesir173]

The ignorance of the interviewer...she is totally unworthy of an interview with Ms Morrison. Whoever decided she was?! Attempting to bring her privilege to the table. Ms Morrison was extremely generous to entertain this enquiry that was both condescending and at points accusatory.

[@DeepScreenAnalysis]

She's Australian, what did you expect? Notoriously racist country, founded on the oppression of its natural people.

[@shannonferguson5095]

I disagree. I thought the interviewer was compelling and at times understood the baggage she brought to the interview by Morrison’s honest responses. I thought it contributed to the magnificence of the interview. She was an excellent choice IMO. How could she not subconsciously bring her privilege to the interview. It was great that Morrison got the opportunity to address it. And, she graciously received Morrison’s education.

[@heavydownn2962]

@@shannonferguson5095 I, too, thought that the interviewer--given the fact that she was, perhaps, interviewing one of the great literary minds anywhere--managed to embarrass herself terribly in the process. I do, however, believe that Ms. Morrison absolutely did the right thing--in making the interviewer aware of her own proximity to her own racist thinking...unbeknownst to her. I've often wondered: "How seriously--do the Whites who read Morrison's works--take the complex issues and circumstances her novels present? And...do those people stop thinking about that world she created, when they close the book?

[@shannonferguson5095]

@@heavydownn2962 Excellent question.

[@maziochendu5258]

I agree...

Beautiful Interview with words of wisdom. Having touched upon the tenets of white supremacy, which is still applicable today, Thank you Toni - who is now at rest with "The Ancestors" !!

[@sea1song]

What a goddess.

[@nkosinathimkhonza2332]

@12:21 - 21:38...... Wow..... 👏🏿🤞🏿

[@paulamitchell1653]

Ms. Morrison talked as a matter of fact on topics: racism, sexism, classism, etc. that would make the majority of Americans feel uncomfortable… I can understand and feel an uncomfortablity between Ms. Morrison and the reporter on topics however she expresses her rationality smoothly and with a smile… very cat and mouse-- 😂… especially while discussing the Noble Peace Prize…❤❤❤ Ms. Morrison a great influencer interview…

[@sefoainuu2499]

what a great insight. to put into words what we can only feel but could not articulate or thought was not capable of being articulated. I am saddened that I've now only discovered her writing and her as a person after her passing. 😢 what a great soul and a gentle and wise woman.

[@leomarilyn4232]

Her audience is within, in this place of her work speaks to you and I know where we stand in our humanity we breathe and bleed the Truth the boarder in the edge I tell it The American History We are

[@lwandzemathaz1100]

"it's a naive question " loool

[@kiralynae6998]

lmao

[@lar2090]

American treasure !!!

[@sanasomo8458]

Here in 2020!...

[@nahumkantene5983]

Mee too

[@MrsShaw-Morgan100]

2021...:-)

[@MrChrissybaba]

I have history to back me up 🎤

[@wolfgangvonuce9615]

The interviewer really got offended by Toni's question "You can't understand how powerfully racist that question is can you?" She was gobsmacked and just could not process what she was hearing! It's like you could see it in her eyes.

[@onedirections1172]

Mother love me keep me warm Mother loves me, keeps me warm, nurtures me, cares for me, and calms me through the storm. To help me mother, help your baby to be strong, nothing more. No Money, is A Mercy, can The Bluest Eye find a Rainbow a Home? For Frank and his Sister here's a poem. I love you, Mother, I thank you everyday, love me, keep me warm, nurture me, care for me, show me what is right and wrong. Your love has kept me, in the light, words that make a man cave bright. And when I go to her at night, she rocks me in my cradle, so I sleep tight. I love you Mother. I Thank you everyday. Mother loves me, keeps me warm, nurtures me, cares for me, and calms me through the storm. To help me Mother, help your baby, to be strong, nothing more. Thank you Toni, for I've been torn, and my mother left me in the storm. By Eddie Campagnola Edward Campagnola, "Directions to the Dumpster" & Pen name "One Directions to Mercy Street"

[@VictorOruru321]

It must've been hard for the interviewer considering the nature of the conversation hehe

[@jabrilhasan5335]

My favorite part of the interview

[@ThirdEyePerspectiveMedia]

It was only hard for her because she did not come to Terms with her own whiteness. She thought she was an “ally” , but failing miserably.

[@lisasapp2466]

E.t. TOTALLY AGREE 👍🏽

[@amarbyrd2520]

She was really struggling

[@laurafoster9076]

Miss her so much...

[@larissabrewington9065]

...this interviewer... is soo condescending.

[@K--S]

I think she was trying to "poke the bear" so to speak. I love how Toni handles her tho, she schools her and at the same time lets her know who she's talking to without really saying it.

[@spiritual619]

@@K--S She took her "to school" LOL

[@K--S]

BTW, the reporter's name is Jana Wendt. Highly respected as having interviewed some of the most dangerous people in the world. Her M/O is to poke the bear. lol

[@mwaambigmbuui874]

Condescending yet compassionate? And teachable. I'd say.

[@K--S]

@@mwaambigmbuui874 Most certainly teachable.

[@Polycarbonate-m3v]

Calm beautiful goddess of truth and reality ❤thank you faafetai

[@eyeszvii]

Powerful

[@acomedybyec1437]

R.I.Power Queen

[@drterrancetaylor]

slay queen

[@SA-sm8ys]

Could you please upload the cspan in depth interview with Toni Morrison from 2001? Thank you.