To say African-Americans don't make it a race thing is hypocrisy at it's best.....come on....you want honesty from us at least give honesty in return....I imagine you probably feel even more slighted because Eastwood had an Indian in his movie....

Sandra, Indianapolis, United Staets

It's a shame that we as African American always have to open our mouths just to get the same respect as any other American. We don't make it a race thing, others do when they try to exclude us from anything good happening for America. If it's something bad we are seen. good . ignored. shame.

Donahue Johnson, snellville, United States

I am no lover of Mr.Lee but his point is valid. But then think how we limey's feel as we watch Hollywood 'win' our wars for us.Hollywood tells stories but no-one in their wildest imagination thinks they are true do they?

miss m, bristol,

Why think in black & white terms? Racists highlight the perceived difference between human beings based on skin colour, which only serves their cause by perpetuating the deluded notion that there IS a difference. There isn't, so why make it a issue of it?

Yoda, London, UK

Hollywood has never been a bastion of historical correctness . Although , usually they jump on the Bandwagon of other countries achievements , so this makes a refreshing change .

Benzo , Nr Chelmsford,

Spike Lee the Al Sharpton of Hollywood

Howard, Savannah,

T. Andre -

Yes they are. Watch the Rememberance Sunday parade on the television.

Caroline, Aberdeen, UK

Yawn, I guess Spike must have a new film coming out and wants to get his face in the press. Although I hear that the Venus and Saturn ambassadors are making official compaints to George Lucas over how their assistance in otherthrowing Darth Vader was completely overlooked.

Frankly, Exeter, UK

At least the men had an opportunity to serve--women were made to stay home. Hey, we were the last to be allowed to vote, own property and have an identity outside of our husband\father's household. There are others that have been disadvantaged as well and it isn't just about the black man.

Mary, texas, usa

Every peson who serves their country honorably in the military desrves respect, but I suspect Eastwood was showing the battle reflecting the numbers.

30,000 Marines invaded Iwo Jima. The black 8th Ammo Co., 34th, 35th, 36th Marine Depot Cos landed with them. This would have been about 900 men.

Terry L. Walker, Ladson, SC / USA

if you watch the film Spike my friend, Mr. Eastwood does show some Black Marines on a troop ship while listening to the brass discuss the Iwo landing and objectives.

Fred blowns, Philadelphia, USA

Greg, understand that this is not a first instance of popular culture whitewashing history. This is similiar to casting a cowboy and indian movie with white actors playing all the indians.

Luis, Willimantic, USA

Eastwood needs his own history lesson

Black Marines on Iwo Jima:

Black Marines of the 8th Ammunition Company
Black Marines in the 34th Marine Depot
the 36th Marine Depot
16th Marines

Read about it from one who was there:
google: "Black Marines who both fought and worked and died on Iwo-Jima"

Sid, Atlanta, GA, USA

II have never seen a Spike Lee film but I know that Clint Eastwood has hired and worked with many African-American actors in films such as 'Unforgiven' - have you heard of Morgan Freeman Mr Lee? By the way, I would like Barack Obama to be the next President of the USA.

Merlin Ward, London, England

Equality is important, so is accuracy. There were black soldiers claimed to be in the 900s. There were a total of 110,000 US soldiers present on Iwo Jima. Thus blacks were .8%. This partial % is not cast; there were not 110,000 actors. I'm sure Spike's version is coming with the new plublisity.

Greg Schexnayder, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America

Eastwood's film is historically acurate, 70,000 US Soldiers landed on Iwo Jima 900 were black, and in all black units. My Father served on the USS Indiana in WWII and told me the only black sailors on board served in the officers mess. Better than being a snipe where my father served.

Peter Stella, Lunenburg, MA, USA

The person who said tha Spike Lee only works with black actors is obviously misinformed or doesn't see his movies. And in Spike's 2006's "Inside Man" portrays a white character in an positive manner. Unfortunately I think Spike should have held his tongue for Clint Eastwood has a different vision

Ron, Los Angeles, USA

Eastwood wanted to be historically accurate. There were only Marines and sailors on Iowa Jima, no soldiers. At the time, the Navy and Marine Corps were highly segregated with blacks in separate
support units only. The U.S. Army did have
black combat troops, but they were in Europe.

Mike D., Sioux City, Iowa , USA

More than 900 Black Marines from across the South trained at Montfort Point on Marine Corps Base Camp LeJuene in North Carolina. These Black Marines fought valiantly on Iwo Jima with the 8th Ammunition Company, 34th Marine Depot and three Amphibious Truck units. Black Marines sacrafice their lives.

ROGER PARRISH, Ramona, California, United States

As a British actress, it gives me pleasure to defend the lengendary Clint Eastwood. I have met Clint Eastwood at his homestead, he is honourably ,gracious & has a staff of all nationalities working for him. Clint is no racist. It`s obvious Spike is pulling a publicity stint...Home`s where the heart

Jeannette Slavinski, Cheadle, England

As dispicable as the segregated military was, the reality of WWII is that there were NO black soldiers in combat on Iwo Jima, so why should they be depicted in a film about the battle? The crew of Apollo 13 was white. Should Tom Hanks have made Jim Lovell black just to satisfy Spike Lee?

Paul Kahn, Edison, USA

Guys,
It seems to me that all Spike Lee is doing is running his mouth so he can generate interest in his next film, nothing more. As to Spielberg, get off his back. Criticize U-571 for being inaccurate and dumb. Ryan was just the point of view of an American unit, NOT the entire battle.

James B., Kernersville, USA

In reply to Ella of Aukland, the MOVIE "Flags of Our Fathers" is an adaptation of the BOOK by the same name, about the men who raised the second American flag on Iwo Jima, specifically John Bradley, who won the Navy Cross. It'ss not a remake of a 1960s film. Read the book, then make a comment!

Paul Kahn, Edison, USA

Search:
1941 Roosevelt declared men of any color were to serve;
August 1942, a training camp at Camp Lejuene was built for the purpose of training Black Marines;
At Iwo Jima, Black Marines of the 8th Ammunition Company & 34th Marine Depot fought.
DOD Pics (USMC) 111123, 113835 prove their existence.

Jennifer Parrish, Dallas, USA

History rewritten by someone who has never studied it...
White, Black green or orange...lets stick to the facts: the units involved in the Pacific Theater of War were not "integrated " nor were they "segregated". They just happened to have very few Black Americans in combative roles.

RDB, schelley, God's

Spike is allowed to have his say, as irrelevant and uninformed as it is, but he should not do it in a way to criticize other extremely talented directors. He is just trying to generate hype for his new film.

Cat, NY, NY,

Does Britain show the non white colonial troops in war films? One million troops from the Indian subcontinent fought and many died for Britain in WW 1 and 2 - they were barred from parading in Britain after the war (fighting for whos freedom?) Are these troops remembered or invited to parade in 2008

T.Andre, London,

Clint may have various reasons for casting as he did; I suspect that if a black actor had been given a key role, it would merely have been a token, and would have looked it. I find the PC mix of actors in current productions to be very tedious. Clint, at least, has some historical backing for this.

Dan, Small New England town, US

Just because an individual talks about or criticizes things that are racial or involve race, does not make them a racist.

Niether Spike Lee or Clint Eastwood are racist.

Gerald W, VA, USA

Flags was about the original flag raisers on Suribachi; Letters was from the Japanese perspective. Neither was about the racial makeup of the army, so as to the subject, race was irrelevant. Ryan was about an American platoon sent to save an American, not an historical treatise on D-Day.

Bob , Royal Oak,

It must be pointed out the Spike Lee's films are casted with all African American Actors. So while he is critical of Clint Eastwood for not using any African Americans in his war films - Spike why can you not use any White Actors in your films. Lee is a bit Hypocritcal.

Amy, Hilliard, USA

US forces were not integrated until 1947. Any portrayal of an all white US unit is probably therefore accurate - a white combat unit may never have served with a black unit who were generally restricted to "menial" non-combat duties. An indcitment of US policy but not Clint Eastwood.

Jon, New York, USA

Spike Lee,

Blacks did not serve in the US Marines during this time period. Sorry that the facts of history upset you...US Marines opened up to blacks in 1949. The military by integrated long before the home did. I served for 6 years in the US Marines and we had only one color and it was green.

Daniel Rubadue, Las Vegas, USA

To Blair Cariah

My point relates to status and reasoning. Perceptions are individual entitlements, understanding is enlightened intelligence, much more so for the affluent. Imagine Barack Obama running for the presidency, campaining on a platform centred around race and discrimination.

Blanshard Meheux, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Hey Clint what's the deal?
It's not just about telling your story,it's about telling the real story!
This is not the 1950's or 60's when the world only saw white heroes on the big screen.You should tell it like it really was. African American and minorities should not be overlooked in history.

Anthony, phila, USA

Spike's right! I'm glad he's making a movie about the forgotten
WWII battles in Italy. I can't wait to see it. My Dad was there
and he told me about the treatment of Blacks at Frt. Rucker Al.
during basic and how those guys came into there own in Italy
could finally gain a measure of respect

Barry, Roanoke, USA

Spike needs to read up on things before he mouths off. There were no black marines fighting on Iwo, there were black sailors but they weren't on the island. If he is so sure of his facts let him produce some names and units and I'll be the first to say I was wrong.

Jim Walker, San Diego, CA, USA

There is the notion that anytime we intrude into another country or declare war on others, that the principal motive is the spread of democracy. Well, that was flagrantly flawed from the beginning - and eloquently demonstrated when Blacks were 'fighting for democracy abroad - whild being denied ...

Cliff, Mon-Repos, E.C.D, Guyana

I can't even begin to fathom how incredibly stupid Spike Lee's comments are. Only Spike Lee could turn a movie about the freedom of our country into a racist debacle and that's a shame.

Bradley Martin, Centreville, Virginia, US of A

Spike Lee has figured out what his next movie will be.

Mary Jo Gibson
USA

Mary Jo Gibson, Rockford, USA

In reply to Crom from Perth, Eastwood's 'Flags of Our Fathers' is a remake of The Outsider' (1961). And more importantly, Native Americans and African Americans are different peoples and Spike Lee's point is regarding African Americans.

Ella, Auckland, New Zealand

Morgan Freeman, an African American, was cast by Clint Eastwood in two outstanding roles in 'Unforgiven' and 'Million Dollar Baby'.
Mr. Freeman's performance in the latter, won him an Oscar for the Best Supporting Actor.
Clint's OK by me.

Prudence Eely Bond McGuire, London, England, UK

Every artist has a right to express his own vision. It is not Eastwood's responsibility to tell the story Spike Lee wants to tell, that story is Spikes story. Spike needs to do his own thing and leave others to do theirs. I thought Spike was an artist not a social realist.

bernard ross, st anns bay, jamaica

The world will never move past racial persecution if the ‘poor us’ card continues to be played.Races will only come together when the chips have been removed from shoulders and there is a common goal to work for – and there are many that are far more important than the colour of our skin!

Claire, Harare, Zimbabwe

Why is it that Spike chose fiction to tell his black war story, wasn't there a real story to tell that would express his vision?

bernard ross, st anns bay, jamaica

I wonder if Spike thinks Glory was racist. The movie shows a predominately black assault on Battery Wagner, but I am sure the majority were white
I know why Glory was made. I would have been surprised to see a majority of white soldiers, in a story about a black unit's contribution to the attack

Bruce Brewer, Tacoma, Washington, United States of America

Spike Lee is a Racist and an Opportunist!!! This controversy is to promote his own movie at Clint Eastwood's expense. According to the U.S. National Archives, 9 black marines died b/n Iwo Jima, Saipan, Peleliu and Okinawa. 6,821 Marines died at Iwo Jima. Notably a native american indian is featured.

johann, Philadelphia, USA

I might take Spike's point but why is everything divided into black and white in his films. When will he realise he is a human being and a fine film maker. Spike attitude is sad. Whenever I am asked to put what race I am on an official form i always write Human! I love Spike Lee films though!

Gavrilo Prinzip, Bromley, Uk

Go Spike. Black Americans have contributed to this country from day one and we have been left out of the history books but when we bring this to their attention, we are the bigots and the bad guys. Still trying to keep us (Black Americans) down.
We are not second class citizens white folks,wake up.

Freddie, Oceanside, USA

Has nobody seen "The Outsider" 1961. Tony Curtis was a native American, one of the flag raisers. A great performance. But he wasn't banned from serving in combat because of his heritage. For (now-called) African Americans that was a historical fact. The Tuskegee Airmen were greatly respected.

crom, Perth WA, Australia

In defense of Clint Eastwood, I'd add that he also directed Bird a biopic about Charlie Parker, which hardly ruined Forest Whittaker's career or brought shame upon the name of that great tenor sax player.

Artistic choices re: his war films, Spike. Don't legislate.

(I'm off horrored.)

Elan Durham, Santa Monica, CA/US

Dennis, Rob, Ronin,

Wow, it is exactly your attitudes that call Mr. Eastwoods interpretation into question. If you are going to tell a historical story do it accurately or don't do it at all. There were whites, blacks, hispanics, asian americans, and native americans who fought in both world wars.

beudreaux, AtlantaUSA,

Come on Spike, I hear what you're saying but our servicemen and women don't fight for democracy, they fight for the republic, they fight for the U.S. Constitution. Not the flag, not the president but for liberty!

Dennis, Williamsburg, USA

Lee is so obsessed with the color of his skin he sees Casper the ghost every night in his sleep.

Poor little spike - any white people in your latest movie?

Lee is a flaming bigot.

Rob, boston, usa

As an Hispanic-American, is there such thing as one? I read books on such hestoric events and we forget that we are geting the author(s) version of such events. "Letters From Iwo Jima", was about Japanese soliders on the island. How is that racist? Was there a black soliders in the Japanese Army?

Ronin, Los angeles, CA, U.S.A

I can find no record of black marines or black japanese soldiers fighting on IWO JIMA in 1945. Lee's movie is not about
Iwo Jima, so therefore, once again he is running his mouth to get attention for the movie he is promoting.

Bob, Canyon,Tx, USA

"The fact is people with white skins are fundamentally different from people with black skins, and this comes from the indisputable scientific fact that the colour of black skins is in a different place on the colour spectrum to that of white skins. I think we have to just accept this." And?? So?

Brian Capaloff, Falkirk, United Kingdom

110,000 Americans took part in the Battle of Iwo Jima, but only "hundreds were black". So not including a black actor isn't racism, it is just not tokenism. Chosing to film a battle exclusively with black American soldiers however could very well be defined as racism.

Pauline Renton, Camberley, UK

I remember watching "Unforgiven" with 2 black Americans (incidentally, both ex-servicemen). They were both obviously moved in the same way that I was by the film. Clint makes films from the point of view of a human being. Am I missing something?

Gary, Sheffield,

Where is Spike's full-length theatrical drama on the impact of white men dying to give black people freedom? Haven't heard of it? It is called the US Civil War. Didn't happen *ANY*where else in the world. There's a bumper sticker that says it all: "

We should have picked our own cotton"

bigAL, Southern, US

Hollywood has tried to rewrite history so many times before. I'm all for artistic license, but Hollywood has damaged it's own peoples knowledge of historical facts in many of it's war movies.

Taz, Hampshire, England

Modern technology presents a solution. Eastwood could produce a 'Spike Lee Director's Edition' of Letters from Iwo Jima. He could use green screen to add african american actors like Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington to play the roles of General Kuribayashi and Shidou Nakamura.

Gary, Columbus, USA

I'm black, unAmerican, love Clint Eastwood and Spike Lee. They both can be worng sometimes, as in this case, but darn, they are good!

Bola, London, UK

What if Spike Lee just, you know, made his own war movie? Being a director and all.

Diane, NYC,

It sounds like spike is trying to promote his movie. In WWII most blacks fought in all-black divisions. They fought valiantly but to have a film about World War II and depict them fighting along with white soldiers would have been inaccurate. Armed services desegregated by Truman after WWII.

Nicky, Fort Lee, USA

Spike Lee, Al Sharpton, Jesse, Jackson, Rev Wright, etc, are the true racisits. Their constant race baiting and hatered are going to undo all of the hard work of Dr King. I think that Dr King is rolling over in his grave at the stupidity coming from the current socalled black leadership.

Tim, Oklahoma City, USA

I don't know how one can rightly portray the contribution of blacks as "insignificant", as even a single person can tip-the-scales in combat. Unity is the principle upon which respect for diversity is based. This philosophy will be central as the world faces its most significant challenges to come.

Andrew Mount, Santa Cruz, California, USA

What about the British, Canadian, Nigerian, Kenyan, South African, Indian, Australian, New Zealand, Jamaican, and other Commonwealth and Allied servicemen and women whom Hollywood completely ignores on a regular basis?

Jon, New York, USA

The holywood treatment of historical event is nothing new. If one claims a film to be based on fact, then it should reflect the event without any xenophobic or racist undertone. I doubt this will ever take place. It thrives on demonsing other and singing any xenophobic tune.

Nomad, London, UK

First of all, I am NOT a racist. It seems like no matter what white people do to prove that we are not racist, it is never enough. We can not breath without being called racists. All the hard work that Dr King did will be lost if Mr Lee, Al Sharpton, Rev Wright, etc, continue their race baiting.

Tim, Oklahoma City, USA

Black soldiers were on Iwo Jima, but their numbers were insignificant and the contribution minor. Had they not been there at all, the outcome would have been the same. I agree that they should have been represented in the movie, but I'm sure it wasn't deliberate. I wonder how fair Spike will be?

Daniel Roehm, Palmdale, US

Steven Spielberg made a film about D-Day (Saving Private Ryan) that didnt involve any British people. Even though there were over 60,000 of them storming the beaches that day. It's just a story being told in the way the director wants. Spike...get over it.

adam, london, UK

Clint can do no wrong Spike - he's a living legend and admired by everyone; all colours, all creeds. Best friends with Morgan, and how I wish I was in Cannes to cheer the master on!

Good ammo, wrong target

george, aylesbury,

America; Get over it. Nearly 150 years from the Gettysburg Address and you still want colour to be an issue?

Steve, London, UK

Who is Spike Lee? Are you kidding? 'Maybe Rent'!? If you're that ignorant of the industry then why are you reading this article? Yeah the guy bangs a drum, and he bangs it often, but he also has a point. Only thing that's concerning about it is he chose to publicise his own film off the back of it..

Felix Harrison, London, UK

I've watched films and documentaries on the African American man''s involvment in WWII. Spike is attacking Clint Eastwood to promote his own movie. Spike Lee would not be where he is if not for his color as his films aren't very good. He is a terrible director, even with the best actors he uses.

Pam, D.C., USA

Spike loves to bring up the race card as he ignores all the other races that are a huge part of America. I wanted to like his films, but they are terrible. He simply is all hype, and everything to him is race. He's very much a racist.

Pam, D.C., USA

how many white actors did spike lee use?
But as he tends only to exploite black issues that is not racst then

knight, aberdeen, uk

Its a pity he only speaks out now. The British have been dealing with the lies of Hollywood for years. According to Hollywood, only the Americans were at D-Day. Not to mention historical farces like Braveheart and Michael Collins.

Paul, Bucks, England

I do not think it is just Clint Eastwood who may be accused of "under-representation" of ethnic minorities.

During WW2 2.5million soldiers from the Indian Subcontinent fought for the British. They were of all backgrounds and religions; Sikh, Hindu and Muslim. Their contribution is never mentioned

Natasha, Manchester, UK

It's a movie, not history. Hollywood has made many movies that are loosley based on something. I stress the word loosley. Kind of like taking a green eyed brunette cop named Lucas Davenport (character) known for his good looks and make a movie about the book and his character becomes a black cop.

Linda, Columbia, USA and

I believe that Mr. Lee never saw either movie. "Flags of Our Fathers" was about the Marines on Iwo Jima. The Marines were not integrated until 1949. "Postcards from Iwo Jima" was from the Japanese point of view. There were blacks in "Flags of Our Fathers" during the invasion briefing scene.

Rich, Mercerville, USA

Spike as hard as you pray, the results are going to be the same when you look in the mirror the next morning.Accept it.

Chuck , Woodland Park , USA

There were hundreds and the media continues to omit and rewrite history, excluding all the Americans who contributed so much of their time and often sacrificed their lives to gain the respect of a country they loved. I dont understand why films like these continue do unaccurately portray history.

A. Kirby, Charlotte, NC, USA

One of our best actors, M. Freeman, is black and stars in Eastwood films. Flags Of Our Fathers shows bigotry to Native Americans who, along with blacks, remind us of our sad legacy in the USA. Lee should study Eastwood movies to remind himself that he once gave us movies as good as Eastwood makes.

jose, miami, usa

Dub & Jared what is your point? though US internment of Japanese or the potato famine (?!?) aren't shown, or Spike Lee allegedly doesn't fund scholarships the point still stands. Black Americans fought in these battles yet are not represented in Eastwood's film... and yeah, Barry; read a book!

Sophie, Glasgow,

Spike Lee is so right. I am so tired of Hollywood portraying whites as the great saviors. Hey, they even make Jesus the Christ into a Nordic dude even though he's middle eastern. A movie called The Last Samurai is about a white man. A movie called Last of the Mohicans is about a white man. LMAO.

YDLAFAMS, BROOKLYN, Brooklyn, NY, US

It is important that minorities are seen in films, because they were there. It is uncomfortable viewing to see movies from the 30's to the 80's where only white people mattered. Slavery has has divided fortunes from the US to Africa. The benefactors in Africa continued business during colonialism.

bee, London,

This is nothing new, Spike, the American film industry has been showing how they, white or black, won the second world war to the exclusion of all of the other allied forces.

Alan J. Heath, Aberdeen, Scotland

If there was no such thing as racism on this planet, Spike Lee and his like would have to invent it. Or else, they would not have an axe to grind!

Tony Cox, Liverpool, England

To Blanshard Meheux,

When a Black Man ascends to prominence, he must leave behind his color and history in order that he may be accepted. He must become a NEGRO.

Keep the fight going Spike!

Blair Cariah, Port of Spain , Trinidad & Tobago

Has Spike Lee ever portrayed a white male with any redeeming qualities? Who's the racist?

Scott E, Humble, Texas, USA

"They (the blacks) constituted only 5/7th of 1% (0.71%). You could easily miss 0.71% of *anything* in a crowd."

White American police in living memory wouldn't miss 0.71% in a crowd. In any group of 140 whites they spotted and arrested the one black guy every time.

joe, birmingham, uk

There are 2 separate issues. Clint has always used people of colour/native Amaricans in his movies

There IS however a general issue of Blacks NOT getting FAIR representation

People of colour have suffered against hidden racism.

Clint is hero of mine but Lee's general opinion is serious one.

Ayaz, Wakefield, England

Wasn't black blood or white blood that was spilled. It was red American blood. Unify for a change, Hollywood! In memory of our red-blooded heroes. Past and current wars.

Milton, Greenville, USA

Most whites in the USA have no problems with race .having had the pleasure to live there for 9 years. my opinion is that the whole race issue is deliberately exaggerated by non whites as a poor me syndrome . I believe Clint Eastwood to be a good director and look forward to viewing the movie .

bdgreenway, brisbane, australia

It appears some people don't like the fact that Mr. Lee is pointing out the fact that Mr. Eastwood does not have one black marine in his movie. If that bothers you then it is your guilt about the past. I am glad Mr. Lee spoke up. The old jim crow days are gone. we are not afraid to speak truth.

David, Sun City, USA

Barry Wiggins. That'll be lily-white apart from all the non white people who've been here for a couple of hundred years or more (since the abolition of the slave trade) or who were immigrants during the 1950's and 60's. That's Holloywood for you!

David Leslie, Perth, Scotland

Why doesn't Spike Lee just SHUT UP?

I'd like to know where are the WHITE heroes in HIS films? White people are always vilified in his racist movies, or portrayed as buffoons.

He's free to make his own film on Iwo Jima if he doesn't like Eastwood's version.

Carson Tingley, Reading,

White people always want to be heroes. They project themselves that way in pratically every film they make. They pretend to be great hot lovers in the romantic films and defeat the Indians and Mexicans in all those films. Clint is no different.

Joe, Moore, USA

Spike Lee has been a joke of a filmmaker since that atrocious "Son of Sam" movie. He's been a joke of a human being since he got upset TNN changed its name to SpikeTV a few years ago.

E.B , Hartford, CT, USA

Wow, what a timeley comment on these two films that came out two years ago. Good job...

Mike, London,

Spike Lee should thank his lucky stars that he is not British or Canadian. Spielberg managed to make Saving Private Ryan without any mention of D-Day being a joint operation with a majority British and Canadian fighting forces - but I guess Spielberg had his motives for this 'oversight.'

Alan Best, Haslemere,

Barry Wiggins you're wrong. There is evidence that there were black Roman soldiers at Hadrian's Wall and there have been black and other ethnic communities here for hundreds of years.

Robert, Manchester, UK

Hey Spike, why don't you put a little less effort into finding things to be "outraged" by? We're sick of your whining.

Wesley Lively, Yuba City, U.S.

Let Spike Lee have his say! He is a gifted filmmaker who is tops in his field, but is "misunderstood" by the majority (white) media who can't handle the truth! Where have I heard that before? I have seen all of his films and I can say without equivocation that he puts his heart and soul in his films

Charles Connor, Huntington Beach, usa

Typical Spike "Anything to Grab a Headline" Lee whining.

MIchael Kaufmann, New York, USA

It will take some delicacy to make a film about the 92nd division in WWII. It was not a very good unit. It may well have been poorly officered, but whatever the reason it's action was undistinguished to say the least.

Sal the Barber, Anchorage, USA

No Black Marines!!?

The 11th Marine Depot Company ,8th Marine Ammunition Company and the 33d, 34th, and 36th Marine Depot Companies..etc etc.......

Winston, Liverpool, England

When a man ascends to the level of prominence that spike Lee has, he must leave behind the dust and dirt that once engulfed his existence, and search for new ways to understand and be understood. Words ought to be a litte spicy, for they are like seasoning for thought to the unthinking. Grow up bud.

Blanshard Meheux, Freetown, Sierra Leone

This would seem more geniune if he was raising this issue at the release of Mr. Eastwood's movie and not his own.

Jack, Chicago, USA

now you know what it feels like to be English, every war film that has ever came out of hollywood has either ignore the British contribution or made us look like bit players. But talk abotu race is getting boring now

michael parsons, derby, england

Spike Lee is just trying to draw attention to his own film. To bad he is picking on Eastwood to do it.
As "Spike" wares his "Obama T shirt, Maybe he should be made aware that the racisim of the 1940's was led by a DEMOCRAT government who also interned the US Japanese Citizens in US jail/camps!

Mark, Dunnellon, USA

Honestly some strong research should fix all those problems. We have great documentation of who was where during the war. I'm sure you could find the names of everyone on the island. So considering the story, you just put the men who were there where they were and thats all you can do.

Mike, NJ, USA

Yawn, Spike Lee is a broken record. Flags of our fathers is about three, real life GIs and none of them were black. Truth hurts Spike.

Peter, London,

It would be nice if there were some black people in the film too. I am black british and sometimes find things more interesting when there s some other black people in the films too. Or black people in adverts. Because when growing up i never used to see any (except waiters and muggers etc!!)

Mike, london, uk

white people have the luxory of always seeing themselves on tv - you people dont know what its like - but to get an idea try watching crappy african tv all day and see how boring that gets lol

Mike, london, uk

Spike Lee? More like Spite Lee. African American soldiers fought well, and not so well, in Europe. Not in the Marines though. Revising history to make it what you want rather than what it was is just sad.

Greg, Ottawa, Canada

I m black british and I m suprised all you people are so opposed to having some black guys in the film....whats so bad about that ?? You people have to have it your own way all the time?

Mike, london, uk

Some of our 'white' colonial cousins should read Marc S. Gallicchio's, "The African American Encounter with Japan and China: Black Internationalism in Asia, 1895-1945". Or even visit online their own Government archives for proof . www dot archives dot gov

Winston, Liverpool, England

Maybe we need the gov't to step in and require affirmative action apply to all movies and shows were each race has their token representative whether it represents fact or not. would that make Spike Lee and everyone happy?

Dean, VA,

Mr Barry Wiggins from New Haven, Indiana... I was intrigued by your assertion that the UK was "lily-white until thirty years ago". If you had even the faintest grasp of history, you would know that there have been black people in the UK since Elizabethan times, before your country even existed.

Sam, London,

At least Eastwood made an reasonable attempt at historical accuracy. Miracle At St. Anna is pure fiction. It's too bad that Lee has to resort to race baiting and historical revisionism to promote his upcoming film. Still, I wish him well.

Bill Brown, Helotes, Texas, USA

Harry from London said the USA was the second last nation in the world to end what is correctly spelled apartheid. Well Harry, the UK and western Europe were lilly-white until the last 30 years, so it was very easy for you guys to be enlightened on the race issue--since it didn't exist for you.

Barry Wiggins, New Haven, Indiana, USA

Spike is just mad cause the American Indians and Japanese were the ones discriminated in that movie. He thinks that blacks were the only race to be discriminated against . What about Japanese concentration camps in US? What about the British enslavement of Irish in the potato famine?

jared, Jacksonville, USA

What is a Spike Lee? How many scholarships has he given to inner city kids to let them chase the dream the men on Iwo fought for? What is he doing every day when he gets up to help his fellow black neighbors live the dream?

What is a Spike Lee?

Dub, Houston, USA

If you make a movie based on HISTORY. HISTORY should be nothing but factual.If may hurt to bring up issues,but if you ignore the facts, after 1 or more times ignoring them,they get lost. Lee not saying the movie should've been based on the(1% or .07% or 1/3 of 1000)soldiers just don't ignore them.

Lynn, Houston, Texas

Since when has Halloywood not re-written history?

David Leslie, Perth, Scotland

During WWII, the Marines had no black combat troops. the Navy used blacks for steavodores, cooks and waiters. they also did the laundry. Depecting black in a Marine combat role during WWII in the Pacific would be REWRITING history.

Bill Snyder, Columbia,

There goes Spike...jumping on the Race Baiting Train, again....all on board..the train...as small as that one is, bashing a white iconic actor. *Yawwwwwnnn

Gee...I wonder who (what color) He's been voting for of late?

claspur, Laporte, USA

My Dad's combat engineer battalian in Europe of 1944 were ordered to exchange their clean rifles with the black outfits. Later the black outfits began shooting anything that moved from their troop trains. They were only saved from annihilation by other US troops by a single general.

R Raley, Houston, USA

Who cares what Spike Lee has to say? If he doesn't like Mr Eastwood's movie then he can make his own. This constant victimhood and whining is more indicative of his own personal problems then any indication of Mr Eastwoods mindset.

Ernest, Roanoke, VA,

if i make some film, real or not, about myself or anyone and i don't include a person of color, then i too am a racist. what if i include black people or it is about people of color with or without whites? AH HA, then i would still be a racist as it would not be a black man making it. Lee, GROW UP!!

Mr. Didlot, Webb City, MO,

What would make Spike Lee happy? A token black soldier for the movie? Yeah take us a few decades into the past Mr Lee, Eastwood just made a movie about the flag raisers - It happened none we're black - but it's not like they were all white (Ira Hayes, Hello?!). Film is Art, not Affirmative Action.

Peter, Portland, USA

I hope that Obama wins the presidency, because if he doesn't the race card will be played and riots may ensue in the urban areas again. Claiming that an election was stolen from Obama may become a national disaster compared to the issues that the Gore and Kerry supporters railed about.

Ken, Sausalito, USA

First off, the USA is not, nor has it ever been a democracy. It's a Constitutional Republic. Get that straight, Spike. Second, the so-called African-Americans he refers to were/are for the most part, Americans. Most have never even been to Africa, let alone been born there then emigrated to the USA.

Taijiguy, Newington, USA

How many non-whites would make the film racially sensitive? 1% 10% and what happens if that token non-white is shot? That would be very insensitive....

Get some perspective and start celebrating success rather than riding people to make noise for the sake of it.

I am sure its as inaccurate as U571

Ross Walker, Kingston uber Thames, UK

Maybe Spike should put a camera where his mouth is? Wonder if he is up to the task of finally making a good movie?

duane, billingshurst, uk

Maybe Mr. Lee should bother watching both films instead of moaning about the lack of an "affirmative action" program in their casting. Better still, maybe Mr. Lee may want to DIRECT a movie we may actually want to watch and not be bored to tears by it.

Joe Q, Plantation, USA

Hollywood reflecting reality? Let's see, Braveheart with a Tartan Aussie versus a classic stereotyped parody of an English psycho fop. Then The Patriot with a Yankee Aussie versus a whole bunch of classic stereotyped parodies of English psycho fops. Ah, if only life was fair?

BwIlliamson, Stockport,

The fact is people with white skins are fundamentally different from people with black skins, and this comes from the indisputable scientific fact that the colour of black skins is in a different place on the colour spectrum to that of white skins. I think we have to just accept this.

Kevin Straw, Leicester,

I find it funny how the vast majority of americans still haven't gotten over their racial divides. Passing their ideas from father to feckless son. Please prove me wrong, however this would seem to be the state of affairs to the rest of the world.

Dan, Manchester, UK

I treated a Marine who survived the whole Iwo Jima campaign and he didn't recall a single black Marine in the whole battle. Maybe Spike doesn't want actual history to influence his own racism. Too bad. He might want to read Flags of our Fathers by James Bradley as well.

Rick Reuss, P.T., Madison, Indiana, USA

Spike made a decent film or two, now long ago. Too bad he can't get past his whining about race. He would do better to use his time and talents to make another movie. He has had a life of ease, and all he can do is complain about how tough his grandma had it.

David, Action,

All of the photos and news reels taken at that time show the servicemen involved. Why any confusion? Look at the news images taken at the time. The marines were white. Period. The Spikester just makes up his own reality. A shake and bake race hustler from head to toe.

pokenhorn, flint, mi. USA

Who cares?!?!?

Robert Hite, New York,

Yeah, yeah, Spike Lee, blah blah blah. Same crap every day. You'd think he would have learned a new song by now.

J Smith, Fredericksburg VA, USA

I think the most important piece of work he is known for is a Nike commerical with Micheal Jordan.

Scott White, Peachtree City, GA, USA

I just wish black americans who still feel like they live on another planet would "get a life". When will this crap ever end?

Ted Strickland, baton rouge, usa

Jeez, Spike touched a nerve! Im not saying he is right. Im just noting that the US was the second last nation in the world to end aparteid. Dont any of you guys suspect that if there was a problem in the 60's, there might still be some of that attitude around today? How do you feel about Muslims?

Harry, London, UK

Is Mr Lee just responding to Mr Eastwood, after Mr Eastwood said he felt sorry for Sen Clinton. I think so. Folks are always trying to rewrite history.

Ed, Enid, USA

Clint,
Just go ahead and show Spike how a good movie is made using a cast of black actors. I think that's his message anyway... Then, Spike can go away.

Oh, and thanks Wayans brothers for such quality portrayal of white women in White Chicks. Nothing racist with that flick

Johnny, Hollywood, USA

As one of the only successful African American directors the onus on Lee to be a voice for his people must be immense - if he didn't make these films or try to reflect the voice of his people exactly who would/ could? The comments above are exactly why he should keep going, however lonely his road.

Amelia Ideh, London, England

Now we will rewrite history to appease the God of political correctness and Spike. The practice is routine now, if your over 50 you wont recognize the "history" detailed in your kid's history book from school. The pages are full of important people never heard of before in this new, old world.

Karpy, Jacksonville, USA

Yawn, it's the R word debate once again. And if Obama wins the Presidency it will be a nightmare - race, race, race, race, race will be all we'll ever hear.

Russell , London,

Yep & those white men said they were 'Americans' not White Americans...and the black soldiers also said they were Americans, not African-Americans. Lee's movie's doing the same thing he's accusing Eastwood of, but no one will bring that up or they'll be called racist.

MaryAnn, NY, USA

Who is Spike Lee? What has he done? I think I've heard the name once or twice, but I have never heard of him doing anything of note. Maybe Rent? Which lost a ton of money. And yet those white executives who hate blacks so much keep giving him financing. Strange. Talk about biting the hand that feeds

Richard, Bullhead City, USA

Well, I get pissed everytime I turn on BET or listen to a urban station and all I hear and/or see is black faces. It goes both ways. Get over it.

A. Morris, smallville, USA

The story of African Americans in WWII has yet to be told. They did wonderful things for their country. Spike Lee should recognize that a man of his power in the movie industry, is more productive by making movies on the subject, than by criticizing others.

Libertasdon, Orange, CA, U.S.

I was living in Tokyo and watched this movie in Roppongi Hills. After the movie, someone actually asked where the black people were and guess what..They were Japanese! Just goes to show you that most other countries are ALOT more racially cognizant and they never had a civil rights movement!

Kevin, St. Louis,

I hope Spike's movie about the Buffalo Soldiers division in Italy is both educational and entertaining. As others have noted, Spike has made junk since Malcolm X. However, this story holds a lot of promise. Minority Americans who fought and died for a segregated country embody nobility and honor.

Brendon Carr, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Why don't we start by becoming color blind, if you want to to be equal, color should not matter, we are all one nation, regardless where you come from.

Lenka, Cheney,

My memory is not the best, but i recall the film showing some black Marines unloading supplies on the beachhead. That is historic. Black men in the USMC at that time were segregated into support companies. I'm not sure if ANY black Marines served in rifle companies.

jaz, florence, USA

Actually, I didn't think there were any soldiers at Iwo, just Marines.

H Palmer, Fredericksburg,

Tell me after all these years, isn't everyone tired of all this?

Hestrold, SanJose, US

this is so ridiculous and stupid. This obsession on race is getting out of hand. Already im hearing people say that if Obama loses its because of his skin color. I dont understand. Am i allowed to vote for McCain of Clinton without be labeled a racist?

jeremy, howell,

Regardless of their particular role during the war, they should all be honored for their contribution. If, in fact, there were african american soldiers that were supposed to be included then I can see the problem. We need to stop focusing on race and look at content of a persons charactor.

Mark, Atlanta,

I arrived in the US in 1962. I had no racial prejudice then; looking for a dentist from the Yellow Pages I found one close by and went there. The dentist did an excellent job and I recommend him to a fellow worker; he was aghast, saying the guy was black! After the affirmative action - no more!

Marc Jeric, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

I am of Mexican Descent but my family immigrated to the States. I am a former Marine who became a History Teacher in CA. Clint has it right, he was actually VERY groundbreaking by showing a very human side of the Japanese. Yes, African Americans have done great things, focus on those rather than

Jose Zamorano, San Diego, USA

So let SPIKE LEE make his own movie with all black soldiers. Enough of the knit picking already. Last thing I heard it was a free country and people pretty much have the right to express themselves anyway they see fit. Where was SPIKE when they were PROTESTING the Miltary recruiting offices ?

Kristy, MICHIGAN, USA

Spike "Malcomb" Lee is just working the circumstances for his Obama push. Let them eat cake.

Dirk, Tarzana, CA, USA

Leave it to Lee to bring up slavery again. He always asks where is the black actors, where is the black directors, where are the black ______? Everything to Lee is black and now he stands there in support of Obama and brings up slavery like anyone alive had one thing to do with slavery.

Brian, Arlington,

Just did a bit of web research.Only 2.5% of Corps was black. The only black units on Iwo were 1 ammunition company & 3 depot companies. All unloaded supplies on the beach & were not combat troops. There were 110,000 Marines on Iwo, with roughly 400 black support troops. 1/3 of 1%. Spike's the racist

John, San Antonio, TX, USA

This is just a movie.
I do complain when the history books ignore the contributions of Americans of African, Spanish, Japanese hell of every nationality that has ever contributed to the greatness of this country. All of them have, and that should be prominently noted in our history books.

agm, miami, usa

Hey Clint,
Why did you not have any Jews, Irish, Indians mixes, in this movie? I dont know about others out there.But I am sick of the Obama style, racism being played in this country. Hands off saying ANYTHING negative about black folks.
BUT it is all whiteys fault!
Take care, be safe
God Bless

Chris, Lost in, Alaska

My father, who is a black man entered the U.S. Marine corps on 10 Mar 44 and was separated on 25 Mar 46. So the individual who stated the Marines had no blacks is very wrong, and I am sure there were many more blacks in the Corps along with my father.

Lincoln G. McNeil, Sr., Wesley Chapel, USA

"Spike Lee accuses Clint Eastwood of erasing black GIs from History"?

How about "Spike Lee tried to remain relevant while making movies no one will ever see and believing he is an expert on race relations because one of the few movies he made that people saw was about race relations". Much better

Jake, Windsor,

Clint Eastwood is not an ignorant man - he is greatly respected by black and white actors - he simply refuses to give Spike Lee free advertising. I wish The Times would do the same.

OBAMA 08!

Catherine, Atlanta, USA

Spike Lee only seems to see race in everything he does or see; instead of concerning himself with the substance of the movie or event. He is so concerned about racism - he ought to shun the likes of BET and all the other groups he is with that are for black participants only.

Mark Edwards, Rome, GA, USA

If all racism, real and imagined, were to magically disappear tomorrow, demigogues like Spike Lee, Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, etal, would rush to "reinvent" it. Their financial fortunes were built on, and depend on it. If they want to see racists, they should look in a mirror.

lee Fowble, Edmonds, WA, USA

Spike Lee is a total hypocrite. The majority of his films portray white people in a negative light, to say the least. Just watch "Do the Right Thing" to see what I am talking about. Spike Lee accusing anyone of bigotry is a total joke that should be brushed off, just like Eastwood did.

Mark, Louisville, Ky,

How about the replacement of three white guys at the world trade center, with a black, brown, and white.......pic's show all whites,
spike is a entertainer and he piggybacks his blackness. ALL americans know of black contributions to America, on and off the field of battle

robert miers, dallas, USA

Obviously this is about the only way this little twerp can get noticed anymore. In fact, it's about the only way Al Sharpton and Jesse (remember him?) Jackson have been able to get noticed for the last ten years.

John, Phoenix, US

Heres some facts..there were over 110000 american soldiers at Iwo Jima....over 26000 were killed or wounded...if there were 900 black soldiers...that would account for less than 1 percent

Ted, Palm Harbor FL, United States

Spike Lee's is having a laugh if he thinks it's Hollywood's job to tell the historical truth! He's trying to plug his new film - that's all.

louise, guadalajara, mexico

It really is a travesty that Hollywood, along with some of White America continue to ignore downplay the efforts/contributions of other ehnicites to the growth of this nation. Most recently look at the Marine,a Black Man, who risked his life to save others, 9/11/01, yet he was played by a white man

Leroy, Cincinnati, USA

Eastwood didn't make any films about "Iwo Jima." He made one about the Marines who raised the FLAG (no blacks in that group) and one about the Japanese defenders of the island (see the previous answer).

There were blacks milling around Philadelphia too, but those racists left 'em out of 1776. . .

Karen, Ashland,

If as Phill says, they weren't there in and during those particular events, then surely their inclusion would be hypocritical and undermine the work of many to have African-Americans viewed as equals?

KM, Brisbane, Australia

The Dirty Dozen was a ficticious war movie in the first place. Funny how the one movie Spike uses as an example is the one that uses the criminal element as its heroes!

Russ Patterson, Stevensville, USA

Look at the numbers. If there were (say) 500 black US soldiers involved in the Iwo Jima operation then, since there were 70,000 marines involved in the landings, that would mean they (the blacks) constituted only 5/7th of 1% (0.71%). You could easily miss 0.71% of *anything* in a crowd.

Marty, Mobile, USA

what is spike lee complaining about? hollywood let morgan freeman be in "robin hood prince of thieves", how many of the merry men were black?

Scott, Leitchfield, USA

If a movie does not have a preponderance of black actors it is automatically deemed to be racist. The old cliche about give an inch and they will take a mile holds true for the attitude of many blacks in America.
For a better point of view about race relations I suggest reading Thomas Sowell.

Richwill, Cataldo, USA

Amazing. We can't celebrate a victory that cost this nation thousands of men without some imagined racist undertone. Simply pathetic. If the Italians love you so much Spike, do us a favor, go live there and make your overated movies. Now we have a movie with, count e'm, four soldiers! Whoopee!

Scott E, Humble, Texas, USA

Looks like Spike is beginning to believe the politically correct history being taught in the schools now days. It's a fact that black soldiers were confined to traditionally non combatant roles in WWII, due to the racist beliefs of the military officer corps at the time.

Doug, jasper, ga

How many movies has Clint casted Morgan Freeman?

Jim, Bolingbrook, USA

Someone should ask Lee, "either Blacks are heroes and should be honored or they are victims of "whitey" and more extortion of America needs to be forced, which is it?"

Just asking.

Greg, Scottsdale, USA

Spike Lee should know about racism..... People should be careful about inferring that others are "racist". Easy to use the term, hard to defend against, especially when it comes from someone who's opinions on race are questionable at best.

Steve M, Oviedo, USA

Lee is a whinging jerk who would rather history be fictionalized to suit his own agenda. The fact is that the Yank forces were segregated until 1948. There were no, repeat NO "Negro" fighting units in with the Marines on Iwo Jima. Lee and others like him would rather expunge "all-white" films.

Bob Evans, Anaheim, California

Not true about the Italians completely accepting black people. Unfortuantely throughout most the world, black people are not particuarly liked. I've travelled the globe and I think that simply too many people have have negative encounters with us and therefore do not really like us.

Rick Shaw, New York City, USA

Spike Lee....is that what it's all about for him? Checking to see if there's any black actors represented in the movie? Eastwood probably hired more blacks in his movie then this two bit race baiting cheap director/producer's lifetime.

Geeze, when will auto black entitlement end?

Ojisan, Seattle,

You can't swing a dead cat these days without somebody claiming racism.

mat, IL,

Is Lee still amking films?

bill mathews, Jacksonville, USA

110,000 American troops fought at Iwo Jima. Spike Lee claims evidence of bias because the few hundred black soldiers were not represented. Then, to compensate, he makes a move about an all-black unit.

Hey Spike, maybe you should make fewer movies and work on your arithmetic instead.

Doug, Tampa,

"Hundreds" of black soldiers out of a total of approximately 70,000 marines took part in the battle. That equates to no more than one percent of the U.S. forces. Putting blacks in the Eastwood films based on these numbers would be most likely be seen as political correctness, Spike..

Kelly, Huntington Beach,

Eastwood didn't control the casting on Dirty Harry, but the director, Don Siegel. I don't remember any African-Americans in any role of consequencein that film. Also, the line "Make my day" was not from Dirty Harry, but from Sudden Impact. You obviously have internet access; why not use it?

Kurt, Amherst, USA

110,000 Marines fought at Iwo Jima. 3 black companies (8th, 34th and 36th) fought at Iwo Jima (in supply) . They took casualties from enemy fire, but they did not take part in the events depicted in the movies. To put blacks in the units shown in these movies would be a PC revision of history.

Phil Ouellette, Columbus, USA

Many movie goers are afraid of black people, this is one reason they unfortunately do not get roles

Steve Kerber, Ojai,

So because there were only 900 African American "supporting" soldiers, it's perfectly excusable to have them absent on the big screen?

I don't blame Clint either since every other director didn't include them, but Spike raises an important issue, albeit an old one.

Larry, Pasadena, CA

Can someone dispute this with facts? We all have "feelings", but facts are facts.

Why would you not include someone not in the majority ethnicity who helped build and fight for this GREAT COUNTRY?

Gloria, Plano, TX, USA

Eastwood is a pretentious filmmaker. Most of his films need a good editor. I don't think he's a racist, but like most wealthy out-of-touch-with-reality Americans, he essentially could care less about those who have substantially less. Spike needs to dig the fact that lot's of white folks do care.

DT, Las Vegas, NV, USA

Clint Eastwood is anything but a racist. The racist is the one who can't see anyone for what they are beyond the color of their skin.

Spike Lee should listen to, and adopt, the teachings of the Rev. Martin Luther King. He could start with the "I have a dream" speech.

Jim Peel, Longmont, CO, USA

It's too bad that people like Lee, Wright, Sharpton, Jackson, and others focus so much on whining about the past, race-baiting in the present, and avoid progressing towards the future in a society that now affords them so many opportunities and avenues of esacaping the cyclical pattern for AA's.

Jay Terry, Long Beach, CA, USA

While I don't agree with Spike Lee's political take on race, it is his perspective and he has a right to it. Hollywood in particular and this country in general needs to both get real & lighten up on race.

J. Jackson, Columbus, USA

During World War Two,,, tha Corps din't have any blacks...

As usual,,,

Spike (S)Leez Fulla Crap___!!

Will Reeves, Lawrenceville, United States of AMERICA

Lee is so very important. We should all jump to attention when he has an issue. (Oh wait, I'm white and white men can't jump.) Clearly white America has blocked his success and Clint Eastwood has not helped a single black actor: see Lawrence Fishburne, Forest Whitaker, Morgan Freeman...

Kevin J Whelan, Pasadena , U.S.

Flags of our Fathers was based on a book. Has Spike Lee read it? My guess is Eastwood was basing the script (written by another) on the non-fiction book. Were there black men in it? Probably not. Eastwood was being faithful to the material...as usual.

Jim, Los Angeles, USA

No soldiers (Army) participated in the assualt of Iwo Jima. This battle was fought by the U.S. Marine Corps backed by the U.S. Navy. Marines are not soldiers they are "Marines". If you don't understand the difference it is because you were never a Marine. Spike should read some history books.

Adam, San Diego, Calif., USA

White people don't care that history is reinterpreted on film. Only if their race is portrayed as cartoonish and over the top, they cry in droves. From 1918 Birth of A Nation until now racism is in full effect in Hollywood.

OT, Los Angeles, USA

Black GI's? There were black GI's? DOH! Darn you Clint Eastwood for erasing them from our memories! I did not realize that you learned how to use amnesia-inducing subliminal messages in your movies.

Bob Barnes, New York, USA

Anyway, the 92nd Division was noted for its poor performance in Italy. So its a mystery why he'd want to highlight them. As for Clint's movies. he probably didn't feel the need to highlight the service troops and cooks. Blacks were denied many combat roles in the war.

Bruno, Atlanta,

Don't want to rain on anyone's parade, but the Marine Corps was the major force on Iwo Jima. Until 1949 the armed forces were segregated. Korea was the first war in modern times, to my knowledge where blacks fought in infantry companies as combat soldiers and Marines. There were no black USMC on Iwo

Ray Walker, Franklin, TN, USA

One out of every three Black soldiers that died during WWII died as the result of an explosion at Port Chicago in California.
Because of racism, the Black contribution during WWII was negligible. Blacks were not put into combat units. That changed during the Truman administration.

Fritz Scherf, Bend,

70,000 marines took part in Iwo Jima. So if 200 black soldiers were there that is 3 per 1,000. If Clint used 200 white soldiers in the film...he needed 0.6 black soldiers. I guess no black actors volunteered to be amputated to make the 0.6 quota. The only racist is Spike "I See Only Color" Lee.

tim rebar, new york, usa

If I remember correctly black soldiers were portrayed in 1950's "Sands of Iwo Jima" with John Wayne. But not in a fighting role.

Charles, Tampa,

Letters is about the Japanese side, perhaps more african-japanese? What a dolt.
Flags was specifically about the individuals that raised the flag, and the propaganda machine, I guess Ira Hayes shouldn't have been Pima, quick change history, and cast Don Cheadle.
Spike Lee, ever seen Bird?

jimmy ragsdale, cordova, tn

Clint's movie Unforgiven featured the great Black American actor Morgan Freeman. Yes, the Black American played a vital roll in the war,at home and in the field. The percentage of Black soldiers were very small compared with White or any other race. Spike,shut up and stop complaining.

Ottis Harmon, Birmingham,Al, U.S.A.

In 1944 the US military was segregated. I do not recall any US Marine Units that were all black. This operation was made up as I recall of US Marines. As a former Marine myself I know of no unit that had blacks serving on Iwo. So who were these men attached to?

john j ferry, wildwood crest, usa

Around 70,000 American's were involved in the operations at Iwo Jima.

Spike is complaining about a couple of hundred people not being represented in two movies from 2006?

Hum......Sounds more like he is trying to create controversy to get publicity for his new movie.

Macon, Birmingham, AL, United States

No one pretends that there were even 1000 African Americans among the more than 110,000 Americans who fought at Iwo Jima, representing a percentage far less than one percent. The critics should be questioning the racism of Roosevelt and Truman, rather than Eastwood.

Al Shrepton, New Orleans, LA, USA

Coming from one of the most racist people in hollywood (Mr, Lee). I wouldn't even listen to the drivel that comes out of his mouth. Where is his movie that actually portray's the average white persons role in helping to erase racism, oh that right he only makes films for and with African Americans.

D Morrison, Iowa City, USA

Whenever Spike Lee's career needs removal from the toilet he attacks Clint Eastwood. Easy publicity to attack a well respected white film maker who is too much of a gentleman to stoop to Lee's level. Make a decent film Spike and you won't need to demean yourself so obviously.

Doug W, Portland, US

let spike make his own film about it. Its a free country,
for a little while longer at least. Just because someone did not do it his way he has a fit. get over it spike

wade mitchell, enterprise, alabama

less than 1 in 200 soldiers that fought on iwo jima were black....spike lee is making a fool of himself and detracting from what all of the good soldiers, black and white, did in WW2

Jim Williams, LA,

It's all very well publicly insinuating that Mr. Eastwood has been racist, but where is Mr. Lee when Mr. Eastwood is casting people of colour as cowboys in say Unforgiven. Or does this not suit his agenda of promoting his movie?

SImon, Hong kong, China

That was written about in Oct of 2006.. it has been almost 2 years, and he brings it out like he was the one who noticed it. What a waste of time.

Ben, philadelphia,

African Americans deserve respect and acknowledgment for their participation in World War II. That said, the 900 African Americans who fought on Iwo Jima are less than 2% of the 70,000 men who fought there. Cut Clint some slack.

Pete, LA, USA

Besides, there were only around 900 black marines along side 10's of thousands of white marines, and due to the segregation of the military at that time, the black soldiers were 'typically' only allowed to fulfill the roles of support soldiers.

Ben, philadelphia,

This is just sad. A once promising director who hasn't made a good film since "Malcolm X" attacks America's greatest living film icon solely to promote a movie that nobody would otherwise care about. He's become Hollywood's version of Al Sharpton. Pitiful!

Eric Santangelo, Springfield, PA, United States

Everything is about race with this guy. He has very little imagination for a filmmaker.

Carlos Aguilar, Guatemala, Guatemala

Interesting Sike Lee would include "The Dirty Dozen" as a war movie that included African Americans. While Jim Brown was a hero in the end, running and dropping dynamite into the vent shafts, all the dirty dozen were criminals.
Clint Eastwood being called on racial issues is idiotic.

Scott, Laguna ,

Spike Lee has become a parody of himself.

Lashawn Williams, Los Angeles, USA

How many hundreds of African-Americans took part in the battle out of how many total number of soldiers?

Clint has a good record of casting African-Americans. For example, in the movie Dirty Harry. I'm sure Clint would like to recast it with Spike. "Go ahead, make my day."

Bill Cox, Austin, Texas, USA