CRAZY OR RACIST?
“The Gods Must Be Crazy” was blatantly racist and paternalistic in its attitude toward blacks in South Africa, which was evident from every frame. The film left me dazed, angered and depressed. All the more so on seeing the long lines outside the theater to see the next show.
The film’s promoters have used Charles Champlin’s enthusiastic praise to help build up bigger audiences for this movie. As business people, their attitude is understandable.
And, while I don’t favor banning any film, for any reason, an informed debate is needed to help turn around public perceptions of this picture, which Benson, quite rightly, characterized as being “insidious.”
WALTER LIPPMANN
Los Angeles
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