The profound wisdom of Chris Rock

You might know Chris Rock best for his stand-up comedy, or his tenure on Saturday Night Live. Maybe you know him from hosting award shows, or starring in sitcoms, or helming huge blockbusters. But the longtime comic has some serious insights about life in America in 2014, and his latest musings are turning a lot of e-heads. In a good way.

In anticipation of the release of his new film, Top Five, Rock sat down to talk with journalist Frank Rich for a New York Magazine interview, and the results are fascinating. Rich and Rock covered everything from Obama, to Dennis Miller, to Ferguson. The most interesting parts of the interview are Rock’s takes on what it means to be a black celebrity in America today. We’ve pulled out some of the most thought-provoking moments from the interview, but it is very worth doing a close read of the whole glorious thing.

Consider Rock’s take on race relations:

Or when Rock addresses race more specifically in both Hollywood and the country: 

Here’s Rock on gay rights:

Despite it all, Rock’s interview views the future with hope:

The entire interview is a fascinating read. You’ll likely have new respect for Rock’s sharp perceptive powers after you read it. We did.

Read the full interview here.

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