The Right-Wing Tango
by Joseph C. PhillipsQuiet as its kept Hollywood is filled with conservatives. I am not speaking of republicans. You can turn over any rock and find an Arlen Specter waiting to crawl out. I am talking about real dyed in the wool constitution loving, God-fearing conservatives.
I meet them all the time: at auditions, on film sets, at parties. Generally speaking they are rather reserved. We engage in what I call the right-wing tango for a bit, dancing around each other giving vague answers to questions until one of us finally gives the secret password. Following the discovery of shared ideology there is usually a great deal of back slapping and genuine excitement at finding a brother in arms.
Part of this reserve is innate. By nature conservatives are generally not given to loud talking and frenetic displays. After all one of the hallmarks of conservatism is a desire to live ones life the best way one can without interference or hindrance from our neighbors or the state. Miki Grant may not have intended to, but in her 1972 Broadway musical “Don’t Bother Me I Can’t cope” she gave voice to the conservative mantra when she wrote, “all I need is less fat back, more greenback and YOU [government] off my back!”
There is, however, a part of this reserve that is learned behavior and has become necessary because the Hollywood left, so tolerant and loving of diversity that they have embraced cop killers, child molesters and Marxist dictators are not so tolerant of conservatives.
A brief conversation with any show business industry conservative is to be regaled with stories of lost friendships and business associations and being professionally ostracized — scripts that go unread and phone calls that go unreturned; Liberal berating for so much as hinting at conservative sympathies and leftist inattentiveness to courtesy and decorum. I can personally attest to having experienced all of the above at some time or another, which makes me about average among Hollywood conservatives.
To be certain there are those in this town that couldn’t care less what others think, have the courage of their convictions and let their thoughts be known on any number of issues. Some of these people are well-known in the industry, with money and power; others are, well, struggling to make ends meet. There are also many others with fame fortune and influence that are content to stay in the shadows doing the dance too fearful to utter a sound.
I understand that most folks have little interest in activism, but all of us desire (and ought to demand) the freedom to be comfortable in the expression of our quite reasonable attitudes about our country and our faith. That is true even among the glitter and glamour of Hollywood. The question then for Conservatives in this town is can we afford to remain silent in the face of repugnant liberalism? There is a conversation taking place about the direction this nation is going to take: are we going to abandon free market capitalism for European soft socialism? Are we going to sacrifice our freedoms in order to save the planet from carbon dioxide? Are we going to banish Christianity from our public square? Are we going to tear down all of our social institutions and rebuild them with post modernist cement? These questions and others are confronting our republic and we in Hollywood occupy a unique platform from which to influence the discussion.
It isn’t necessary for everyone to pick up a placard and take to the streets. It is however, essential that we speak up if only to defend our good names from accusations of bigotry and ignorance. The excuse for standing silently by while the left runs roughshod over our culture is wearing thin ESPECIALLY when that excuse comes from those fortunate enough to be enjoying the generous fruits borne of labor in the Hollywood vineyards. What is there to fear? Unemployment? Unpopularity? Most of us familiar with the daily grind of show business life are used to periods of unemployment; unemployment is part of the job as is the sound of crickets clapping.
It is worth remembering that the declaration of Independence -the keystone document of our republic-was a very public document. The signatories were mostly wealthy men that pledged their “lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor.” John Hancock is rumored to have said that he was signing his name in large script so King George could read it without putting on his spectacles. Are the convictions of the Hollywood beau monde so easily purchased? Has sacred honor suddenly become cheap?
There is strength in numbers and there are many more of us in Hollywood than most imagine or the left ever feared.
And for whatever it’s worth consider my name writ large. Far be it from me to demand that anyone in this town be forced to put on spectacles.
Joseph C. Phillips is the author of “He Talk Like a White Boy” available wherever books are sold.
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66 Comments
Shhh! Don't let the lefties hear you or they'll brand you "crazy," "out of touch," "ignorant," "Uncle Tom" and "brainwashed." Shhh. Keep it on the under.
You are a brave man indeed. My conservative views have next to no affect on my ability to earn a living, even though I live in San Francisco. But that's the nature of my business. Yours is quite different, and I'm glad that I'm not in your position. I also think your stance is praiseworthy. It's easy to be a vocal conservative when it doesn't affect your ability to put a roof over your head and food on your table. Your political beliefs directly affect both of those abilities. For what it's worth, you have my thanks and my highest respect.
Wheee!
The day after tomorrow, we'll be at the point where being insufficiently enthusiastic in our public pieties and obeisances to Leftism becomes probable cause to suspected of non-Leftism!
There was a document around that told what happened to most of the signers of the declaration of independence – most paid heavily for their involvement. When you look at how the modern left views its opponents it is anything but civilized discourse and respect.
I don't believe that anyone who doesn't work in the industry should judge any conservative until he's walked in their shoes – those who have "come out" and aren't powerful – like a Charleton Heston – certainly get my respect.
If conservatives could get their own vehicle for movies – have their own studio – where EVERYONE would be welcome – that would be a huge step forward. I'll bet you'd see people flocking to it out of the woodwork. The trick of course would be to have a management that stays conservative – the left didn't buy the Hollywood studios; they simply took them over.
It takes a lot of guts to swim against the school. As Burt Prelutsky said yesterday, try being a conservative Jew. Or a conservative Black. Or for that matter, a conservative in any of the "higher" universities
But that which doesn't destroy you will strengthen you.
in 40 minutes only one response to this. Interesting how we cower before being called out — so much at stake and yet still we hide in the shadows. Phillips is right. Though it be contrary to our nature and our desire for quiet lives, it is the silence we must kill first before taking on the control of the ideology. Conservative is the new "gay" in this town and there is a strong case for conservatives to be "out & proud."
In the words of Joe"Diarrhea mouth" Biden. You are a very articulate man for a conservative……lol
I would venture to say that you are a courageous and principled man as well making a living in what is basically "Political Sodom and Gomorrah". I wish you well and the knowledge that there are hundreds of thousands of your fellow conservatives that wish you well in Hollyweird !!!!!!
I can only imagine what hollywodd conservatives go through.
In my world (I won't tell you exactly, but I do governmental contracting) I Usually can pick up the code words and than respond with "I usually take the evil Republican side." that either gets a few laughs and a response of "me too" or a few laughs and "Well not me."
It is a good way to clear the air. It usually does not get me in any arguements. You have to establish a common ground of some sort and then most see you as reasonable.
After doing that, I am surprised how many self identified Liberals agree with me when one on one. It seems that labels are really improtant and most people are just not willing to give them up.
Very nicely said; direct and to the point. Thank you for writing it. Dead on.
The Right-Wing Tango is perfect for cocktail parties, formals, employee get-togethers and class reunions.
The Right-Wing Tango is not for everyone. Do not attempt the Right-Wing Tango if you have been drinking, if you may be pregnant, if you have a history of heart disease, or if you've had surgery within the last six months. Please contact a doctor if your Right-Wing Tango lasts for more than four hours.
Joe "Diarrhea mouth" Biden. . . classic. That would explain the hair too, wouldn't it?
…there are many more of us in Hollywood than most imagine or the left ever feared.
Careful Joe, you're shattering a pet illusion among Andy's Acolytes! Don't take away conservatives' precious victimhood!
Well said Joseph…no need to say more
Joseph,as a non industry guy I respect those who have the courage to step up.The point about having a non liberal slanted piece to the movie industry would actually benefit all the players.As of today I have to go through a checklist before I give a dollar towards any film that has a liberal/fascist slant.As you might imagine,I rarely pay for a movie.
I work in academia, which, in terms of being a bastion of leftist orthodoxy, is almost as bad as entertainment. I've discovered three people out of a department of about 80 who identify themselves as conservative; they, like me, are low profile about their views. Except for the American flag in my office, little that I do or say identifies me as conservative here. Part of that is, as Mr. Phillips points out, our nature as conservative people. But part of that is also the desire to avoid the nastiness that goes along with being identified as a political heretic, and I'd prefer to keep my job.
Amended to add: Not to say that I hide my views. I "outed" myself as a conservative in 2003 when we were asked to participate in a protest march, and I mass-emailed a defense of the Iraq invasion to the entire department. For the most part, my views are tolerated (I was only yelled at by one guy), but I don't voice them very often.
I would rather do the right wing tango than the liberal lock-step any day!
Very well stated, and I, too applaud any Conservative willing to speak up in Hollywood. In ANY circle, you hit the nail on the head about the *secret password*.
Yeah because victimhood is the main industry of the left and we can't be putting people out of work at a time like this.
I for one …and I am sure there are countless other citizens out there, would love a list of these conservatives. I would then support every movie or project they are involved in. As it stands now, the minute I hear something liberal out of an actor's mouth, I cross them off my list and will never….EVER….see their movies. I don't want my money going to support their wallets. However, the minute I find a conservative actor then I'm very inclined to see their project. A few names which come to mind: Patricia Heaton, Kelsey Grammar and his movie, An American Carroll (sp??) which contains a surprising list of conservatives!! I would venture to say that Kurt Russell is also a conservative based on an interview he gave to Cigar Afficionado a couple of years ago…which would leave me to believe that Goldie is also a conservative. I could be wrong on those two. Stay strong Mr. Phillips!!!
Mr. Phillips – you have earned my respect and admiration. You have put your 'life, your fortune and your sacred honor' on the block. And you've called out reticent (i.e., cowardly) compatriots to do the same.
I'm write screenplays. I am Catholic, conservative and patriotic. God bless America and all it stands for.
I thought you lefties were all about victims and how to exploit them? As a liberal you, of course, don't address the point, but offer your snide comments. Typical and I wouldn't expect anything less from you.
While not an Actor I moved to NY 20 something years ago to become one. I still live in the NY/NJ area and can say this tango is not reserved for the entertainment industry. Anyone that works, has business, friends, or deals with Manhattan or the parts of NJ nearest to it is very familiar with this tango.
the best single thing for conservatives has been the raw, naked grab for power by the left. Had Barry and gang been a little smarter about this they could have dealt a permanent and devastating blow to the conservative movement.
But they haven't been smart; they never really are. The verdict in California on both taxes and gay marriage indicate what they already really know- that the clock is ticking and 2010 is looming. The repeat of 1994 is nigh inevitable, with a conservative re-capture of the House.
Unless, however yet another 'good crisis can't be wasted'…
I second LawHawkSF!
The tango is much more fun. Don't you think?
Give'em hell, Joe! I'm here in L.A. with you too: a conservative Screenwriter and proud USMC vet, University of California graduate now developing a comedy feature – and my writing partner is the fiancee of one of the hottest young producers in town. It is actually VERY EASY to win political arguments vs. all my liberal friends- they are not used to dissenting opinions.
>>>>And don't get me started on the sorry state of America's public education!
I've turned entire cocktail parties into a political killing floor where liberals run for cover to hide from one man- ME!
(I just remind them why so few of their kids go to the same public schools as the children of their black and Latina maids- and which Left wing Teacher's unions and Democrat politicians are to blame for our pathetic school system)
Also known as Joe the Dumber
I have much more respect for someone in Hollywood "coming out" as a conservative. Considering the amount of opposition and possible damage that it can have to your career. Coming out as a liberal isn't courageous at all, just another lemming. Thanks.
This just shows what a fool you are, Blicklebutt. I am overjoyed to hear there are more conservatives than we thought in Hollywood.
so Mr. P,
What are your plans for the Fourth of July? Me and a few hundred thousand of my like-minded conservative friends will be celebrating at a few hundred locations across the country. Free free to drop by, and bring your friends.
I'm convinced we are reliving the '70s right now, with Obama as Jimmy Carter. Whether it's in the Congress, the Presidency, or both, we're going to win BIGTIME in 2012 and maybe even as soon as 2010, depending.
Enjoyed this piece, Mr. Phillips.
Was out two-stepping at a country bar two nights ago. Danced with a new guy. Within minutes, we were arguing about the merits of socialism vs. capitalism, Obama vs. Cheney, worship of the sun-god Ra vs. worship of the O. While he did not ask me to dance again, we both walked away having said our piece, egos intact.
My point is this, perhaps a beer swillin', gun-totin', religion clingin', redneck infested atmosphere allowed him to process facts and real discussion. Just a thought.
This article dovetails nicely into Andrew's Part II interview. I was appalled at his story that Hollywood Lefties sought out and succeeded at getting a cashier fired for donating $100 to Prop 8. Hollywood is repugnant.
The Tango exists in heartland,too. My husband knows a good number of his coworkers are of like mind with us, but there are a few obnoxious Obamabots in a foreign (European) company that are willing to turn people in to HR for creating a "hostile work environment" if they overhear them talking criticism of his O-liness.
Yep, it's a universal thing. I experienced it in a bar just last night. There's this young guy who comes in who I've known for several years now, but only as a fellow patron. He has very long, straight hair and a goatee, which makes him look something like a '70s-era Gregg Allman. So my natural inclination was to think he was just a hippie-type, and that's the way I've always regarded him: nice enough guy, but not worth expending any effort on. However, last night in talking about California's drunk driving laws we somehow got into the tango and, come to discover, he's not only conservative, he's an actively engaged conservative. That's not the first time that's happened, but I was still amazed, and of course we were both happy to have discovered a fellow traveler.
A "tolerant" liberal means that they don't personally try to stab you in the back or front, at least to as far as you know. This kind of intolerance is practiced in my own family. Any number of the reasons that Napalitano wants to brand us as a danger also works with snobby libs.
Gun owner? Crazy vicious killer. Right to lifer? Crazy religious zealot. Pro legal immigration? Crazy racist hater. The list is unending.
Joe S! YOU give'em hell, brother! Must be that Marine training combined with your gift of words that makes you so effective at cocktail parties! Semper Fi, sir! Unless you were an non-com then please forgive the "sir". You worked for a living!
I once had a liberal business contact say in public that Condi Rice should be hanged…Of course I blew it off as him being out of his mind. Had I said that as noisily and crazily about Obama, Id be investigated. We are quiet about our views in most cases…liberals like to spew, its their nature to scream it out so we all know their views…just look at garafalo and her whacky comments.
Heston said years ago that there are more conservatives in the closet in Hollywood than gays. I suspect he was right.
Leftists in any country do not tolerate dissent. Stalin didn't, Castro doesn't, Chavez doesn't, Kim doesn't, Mao didn't…– why do we think American Marxists will be any different?
Problem with Hollywood is most are too dumb to realize that by supporting Marxist cant, they're NOT being tolerant. Of course, the American Bolshies count on that — that's why Lenin coined the term "useful idiots". They are and they are.
"There is a conversation taking place about the direction this nation is going to take: are we going to abandon free market capitalism for European soft socialism?"
I suspect in Hollywood, as in the bastions of the superRich, this is not something they think will affect them. Socialism is for the middle classes, not the privileged. Even in the Socialistic Utopias of Europe, you have the rich and the rest.
<<Are we going to sacrifice our freedoms in order to save the planet from carbon dioxide?>>
It was never about carbon dioxide (which, incidentally trees love and suck up to release oxygen, so it would stand to reason the more CO2, the more 02). Nope, it was about middle class prosperity in America which was a poke in the eye to the rest of the world, including "prosperous" Europe. Count the cars in the middle class driveways – usually 2 or more. This frosts Europeans who take the bus as well as poor Asians and Africans who can't afford food. The "environmental" solution is not to elevate the Europeans, Asians and Africans but rather to decrease the living standards of American middle class. There's a reason we call environmentalists "watermelons". (They're green on the outside but red on the inside).
By the way, Mars is heating up, too, tho't to be the result of heavy solar activity the past decade. No talk about that, however, since America couldn't have done it and it wouldn't help "the cause".
<<Are we going to banish Christianity from our public square?>>
Already done. Christianity is a problem to Bolsheviks. It's a religion that doesn't readily accept "submission". Christians worship God, they don't grovel. Pagans grovel, Muslims grovel. (Jews are the exception to the rule. They don't grovel but then they do worship communism for the most part.) Secondly, Christians are stubborn.
Most will accept the almighty dollar as a lessor god, but not a human or "the state".
<<Are we going to tear down all of our social institutions and rebuild them with post modernist cement?>> Already done. Have you taken a gander at the tatooed "next generation" who are pumping the most godawful music into their ears in a decibel level that will make the future leaders of the country as deaf as a rock?
Great article. Very thought provoking.
Blockhead.
I would agree with you in academia. Even happends in Business Schools!
"The Right Wing Tango" goes on outside of Hollywood, too.
Mr. Phillips: God Bless you….I'm not a Hollywood actor, I'm a Seattle actor so perhaps the pressure isn't as great as down there but there is pressure to comply and an inherent bigotry against anything that speaks of God and morality, freedom, or making sense! I've not danced "the Tango" but "the Waltz": a little three step ditty of point, question, counterpoint (repeat) with everyone regardless of where they stand politically because most of the time I ain't sure. I know others up here aren't sure either. One guy I worked with had a Marine seal tattoo so I asked him if he was indeed a Marine at one time. He looked rather witheringly at me as if to say, "Brace yourself" then answered that he had been. When I held my hand out to shake his and thank him for his service, there was a visible sigh of relief. It was refreshing to talk to him. Be strong and thanks!
Why would anything Hollywood does surprise. While Joe McCarthy was a knothead, it doesn't mean he didn't find a wellspring of Communists in HW. That is why these guys refused to testify;they didn't want to perjure themselves. Why wouldn't Marxism be alive and well.
Marxism for the rest of us that is.
OMG they might call you close-minded, homophobic, and have antiquated or archaic values. I know because I dealt with some perverts who think sexualizing 15-16 year old girls is funny. This is a brave article, and I applaud you.
you are correct- the only difference was we didn't have the finacial crisis we have now; there was very little personal debt. However, there are many similarities except for one salient fact- Obama is worse, far worse that the Peanut from Plains…
Just let me say that I recently bought your book and love it. Great writing and stories.
pssst….hey…..
I think this guy's trying to use humor….
yeah, I'm pretty sure…….
Joseph- I believe you that there are far more conservatives in Hollywood than we would assume, but they need to put their money where their mouth is and not hide about it. Seriously, you can't live your life in fear of what others think about you. Yeah, I can understand fear that you won't get roles, then maybe it's not meant to be. I just feel if you feel threatened to voice your opinion in America, then honestly, we're screwed. It's the same for a lot of us "regular folks" if our boss or co-workers don't like our views. I'm not saying you all have to go all "Sean Penn" and castigate liberals but why hide? It would be understandable in the Soviet Union, but in America, it is totally inexcusable.
Thanks
Command me, O, wise one, for:
I am one of ANDY's ACOLYTE's!!!
a Quinn-Martin Production.
*cue 70's Detective Drama Theme*
dcase, I think you're right, I really do. Since these clowns are out in the open now, they can no longer point fingers with any credibility whatsoever. Eventually, they are going to have to shoulder the enevitable blame for the economic destruction being waged. People are finally getting educated as to just what these people are all about. I'm kinda glad all this happened. My only question is: Can it be fixed?
What a wonderful article! Amen to this and CHEERS to you! Quite frankly I'm getting sick and tired of conservatives being such cowards wherever they go. We can't speak up at work. We can't speak up in our families. We can't speak up even on stupid places like blogs and other internet sites. Meanwhile, we keep getting overrun and the country continues to go down to hell in the proverbial handbasket.
I lost my last job because I could not treat my customers the way my boss wanted to, which was like crap. I tried my best there, but in the end, I had to decide to leave. Guess what? I've not been able to find another job in a year. Has it been horrible? Yes. Would I do it again? In my weaker moments I would like to say no. But deep underneath the fear is that sense that you do what is right because it is right – regardless of the price you must pay. I couldn't live with myself otherwise!
It may not be on the same level as someone working in Hollywood, but the principle is the same. Standing up for what is right and doing the right thing will COST you.
well, 98 Zulu, the gloves are off. They know what's coming- poll rating in the 40's or worse by years end.
The curve between his popularity and his policies will meet sometime late fall. That's why the rush to do everything at once. All things being equal, they will lose big in 2010. Unless,of course, we get the mega-crisis that FDR got- World War.
These are intense (we think insane) ideologues who believe not in God or country or family but in a secular utopia with half of the world's population 'going away'… Soros is perfect example of the bad seeds
that define this lot. And our enemies are laughing and lying in wait. This can, and will get treacherous…
Well said. And so true. Not just of Hollywood or in academia, but we must all stop being so laissez-faire and speak out and up. We are being ruled by a minority of people, really; but they dominate because they are loud and brash. When they meet no resistance, it appears that what they say must be true.
LOL! I've got to remember that one.
LOL! A Quinn-Martin Production! Awesome.
Another great read Joseph. It’s been my experience it’s never wise to talk politics or religion in mixed company, that extends to business. It almost sounds like a poverty vow to be a conservative in Hollywood. Hollywood likes a trend, make conservatism hip, which isn’t a stretch, freedom is the buzz. Big Hollywood is the proverbial crack in the dyke, and I know I’m preaching to the choir, but movies are serious business, so goes the money, so goes Hollywood. Us folks in flyover country can help by voting with our dollars. Good luck Joseph, just remember we’re right behind you, ha.
I wouldn't say all libs like to spew – but they are more inclined to do so – at least the far left.
Tango huh? Sounds kinda gay. I thought conservatives were against such non-traditional stuff.
Wonderful post, especially since it describes a situation I understand very viscerally (and wrote about at American Thinker some time ago: http://www.americanthinker.com/2005/12/confession... The fact is, we know that liberals are extraordinarily vindictive. As a liberal in Texas twenty years ago, I was much less fearful of any type of backlash than I am now as a conservative (worse, a neocon) in California. Conservatives pity you for your views; liberals hate you.
I am trying slowly to change the situation around by using an approach that doesn't even require me to tout my own political views. I just drop unpleasant facts and watch liberals gnaw at them. People who are die-hard get defensive and obnoxious. People who are thoughtless liberals, just because they've always been liberals, start thinking. (More on that at another American Thinker article published today: http://www.americanthinker.com/2009/05/how_to_tal... )
Thank you, Mr. Phillips, for your article. You are a strong voice for conservatives. Thank you for having a back bone. I pray that God continues to bless you, your family & career. God Bless America.
Suck rope.
I came out of the closet this year and it has been nothing but tzurus. Seems like I am now the Spokesman for the Opposition. it has bee an exhausting and nerve wracking year.
Good point, especially: "If conservatives could get their own vehicle for movies – have their own studio – where EVERYONE would be welcome…" I can give a microcosm example of this. Former tween heartthrob actor Chad Allen had a solid career on shows like "Our House" and "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman." The latter ended in 1998, shortly after Allen was outed as gay by a tabloid. The liberal network CBS pretty much cast him out as a pariah in the guise of being family friendly. Even after years of (no doubt ratings boosting) work with the studio, they wouldn't even let him audition. But where did he get work then? As a Christian missionary in the Christian movie "The End of the Spear." They didn't care that he was gay, didn't discriminate. They gave him a job and a chance.
Exactly. I do the same as you – will not pay to see a movie with a liberal in it, will not pay for or listen to a song by a liberal, will not watch liberal's TV shows, will not watch or listen to network news programs, will not pay for liberal newspapers or magazines.etc. They can have their own opinions, but they will not have my money with which to strew it about in public.
This is just a bunch of partisan crap from a bunch of whiney wimps. Stand and fight, you pussies!
You should check this out…
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