Four Historians Take On ‘The Butler’s’ Racist Depiction of Reagan

Four Ronald Reagan historians have slammed the portrayal of former President Reagan in the movie “The Butler,” saying that the 40th president’s “attitudes toward race” as shown in the movie are inaccurate.

They begin the article, “What ‘The Butler’ gets wrong about Ronald Reagan and race,” published in The Washington Post, by recounting instances in Reagan’s life when he decried racism and took a stand for the African-American community.

While serving as president of the Screen Actors Guild, for example, “Ronald Reagan called upon the entertainment industry to provide greater employment for black actors.” That position was controversial at the time.

When giving his infamous “evil empire” speech in March 1983 against the Soviet Union, Reagan also attacked the “the resurgence of some hate groups preaching bigotry and prejudice” in America.

These examples came after the historians recount the time when young Reagan brought two African American football teammates home from college to spend the night with his family.

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