He said: “Rage is justified under oppression. But it also can be really dangerous.
“You got to be careful not to be consumed by your own rage, and that’s something that I’ve worked really hard on.”
Instead, the Men in Black star thinks peaceful protests are the most powerful demonstration against oppression.
He said: “Peaceful protests put a mirror to the demonic imagery of your oppressor. And the more still you are in your peaceful protest, the more clear the mirror is for your oppressor — for the world to see and for them to see themselves.
“I was really encouraged by how powerfully this generation was able to hold that mirror, and then the response of the world seeing and responding. I was deeply encouraged by the innate connectivity of the protesters, globally.”
However, while Smith doesn’t think racism and prejudice will ever be completely eradicated, he hopes the next generation will use their votes and lead with love as they strive to make changes.
He said: “Don’t succumb to lovelessness no matter how much evil you face because [then] you poison yourself and you poison your own community.
“I am pledging my unending devotion to the evolution of my community and the evolution of my country, and ultimately the world, towards the greatest harmony that we’ll be able to create.
“I am happy to be alive during this time and to serve.”
