Actors Don’t Create Themselves, They Just Think They Do
by Mr. Wrestling IVI can’t watch the Oscars. Before this year, I literally cannot remember the last time I did. A few years ago my wife had to have an Oscar party because a visiting friend insisted, so I set up a television in the garage and watched “Team America: World Police” with a bunch of friends. Of course, we had to watch it twice, since the slobbering, tongue-kissing self-congratulation went on for over 4 hours.
This year was different. My friends and I wanted to see two things. I wanted to see Jerry Lewis get his award in the hopes he’d come out with thick glasses, buck teeth, and make a “Why didn’t I win for THE PATSY, you putzes!” speech. Needless to say, that didn’t happen. Instead, they treated Lewis like a Great-Aunt at a wedding nobody knows but is allowed to make a toast anyway. I guess today’s egomaniacs don’t respect their elder egomaniacs.
I was ready to turn it off right then, but my friend insisted we see Mickey Rourke’s speech. I knew this was never going to happen, that the Academy would never vote for a guy who said he was “not one of those who blames Bush for everything,” and that they vote for Sean Penn BECAUSE of his political stances, not in spite of them, as Penn likes to pretend. But since “The Wrestler” is one of my personal all-time favorites (for obvious reasons), and since Mickey Rourke had created the best portrait of a professional wrestler since Henry Winkler in “The One and Only“ — OK, best portrait of a professional wrestler EVER — I allowed myself to get my hopes up a little and struggle through to the end. Maybe, just maybe, we wouldn’t have to listen to The Smug Little Prince’s sermon this year.
But as you know, that was not to be.
I don’t want to rehash Penn’s self-aggrandizing testament to his own bravery in being willing to stand in any room in Hollywood and say something that 99.9% of the people in the room agree with, as others have done that much better than I could. But one thing occurred to me as my eyes rolled heavenward listening to him congratulate himself.
Does anyone at the Oscars ever thank God?
Now as I say, I haven’t watched in years, but I have watched sports and seen countless athletes receive trophies and thank God for their abilities. Kurt Warner recently did so after his team won the NFC Championship. A lot of people poke fun at these athletes, claiming God has nothing to do with passing ability or a willingness to spend hours in the gym honing a skill, but as a former athlete (to a small degree), I’m sure most professional athletes know hard work doesn’t do it all. They’ve all shared locker rooms with guys who worked just as hard as they did, but didn’t grow to be 6′5″ with quick feet and a great arm.
I was a great basketball player – for a 6′1″ shooting guard who could barely touch the rim. I wish God had blessed me with another 8 inches of height and a decent 24″ vertical leap. But He had other things in mind, and I appreciate the humility of athletes who acknowledge they’ve been blessed.
Members of the military who receive medals frequently thank God. These men and women who receive little to no recognition in popular culture, who literally risk their lives in anonymity to preserve the freedom to make bad movies and obnoxious acceptance speeches, are the polar opposites of the “beautiful people” in Hollywood.
I’m an actor who thanks God I’ve been fortunate enough to make a living in this business for twenty years. In my first film where I had a lead role, after looking at the first dailies the director called me and said, “Good news. You look good on film. A lot of good actors don’t look good on film. You’re lucky.” I’ve known countless actors over the years who were terrific, maybe even better than me (if such a thing can be imagined), but who never got anywhere.
Why do I have a career and they don’t?
Actors and actresses don’t give themselves the ability to empathize and project their imagination into the lives of others and they don’t make themselves beautiful (at least before they can afford plastic surgery, and even then, it doesn’t always work). And yet, they thank their agents, writers, directors, dogs (which I understand completely, Mickey), wives, children and on and on — as if they created their own beauty, brains, physical grace and everything else required to be award-winning objects of public adoration.
But they didn’t create themselves. None of us did. And maybe by not watching all these years I missed all the Oscar winners who thanked God for the gifts with which they have been blessed. But somehow, I just don’t think that’s how this town works.
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87 Comments
You know, I've been reading through this site for a couple days now, mainly because it's nice to get a Conservative perspective on things even when I'm not Conservative myself (although I wouldn't consider myself Liberal either). However, this is a rather silly article. Maybe these actors don't believe in God? It is as simple as that. If they don't believe in God, why would they thank him? It would be like you thanking Buddha or Zeus when accepting an award.
I think Mr. Wrestling IV's point is far beyond whether these people have a belief in God. It is that it appears that the people who win this award are the people who come out and deny the existence of God, or ridicule those who have said belief. All in all it doesn't matter what you believe in, but unless you are trying to win an Academy Award. I mean, check out Gran Torino. Where is the Academy Award for this outstanding film? Because the point is a conservative, God fearing one, it was deemed unacceptable for an Oscar. But Sean Penn, who, I am certain 68.32% of America, whether Liberal or Conservative, hates, can ridicule religion, associate with terrorists, and be a complete moron (which is his Constitutional right) all while playing a homosexual (because that is a lot less controversial than overcoming racial biases) and win an Oscar. This Award is a farce.
Note to Dylan – it is not as simple as that. Undoubtedly many of these people DO believe in God. They know however that God is not held in high regard in the elite, liberal bubble they travel in. So, they cowardly refrain from saying anything that might be counter to the group think. Hollywood is like a large, grotesque high school clique. The really cool people set the tone and the rest must nod and applaud accordingly.
The Oscar winners were probably afraid to mention God, since he and his followers were persona non grata due to the theme of the night. I mean, show tunes, Busby Berkley-like numbers, numerous film scenes of men kissing, Sean Penn winning for "Milk?" These are the people who cheer the people who protested and vandalized churches. It would have taken real courage to even mention God in that room. Unless you were muslim, which apparently the song winner for Slumdog Millionaire was. He mentioned his god. That was perfectly OK. Diversity, you know.
DylanG,
Welcome to Big Hollywood. Guess you missed the whole point of this article. Whether a conserative or a liberal, you are certainly no intellectual.
"Does anyone at the Oscars ever thank God?"
In so far as they worship their own self-righteousness, yes they do.
This is probably going to sound crass…but so be it. It drives me nuts when athletes thank God. It just all seems so disingenuous. Hey, I like Kurt Warner. But can we leave God and Jesus out of the MVP acceptance speech? Be humble, fine. Thank your teammates or pit crew…fine (this happens in NASCAR a lot). Thank you're family…heck, go the Mickey Rourke "I'm pretty sure I should check myself in to a psych ward" route and thank your dog…just don't do "dog" backwards.
Just once, I'd like to hear someone say "And I'd like to thank me for being so awesome…"…just don't let it be Kathy Griffin…then it's not funny.
Well to put it bluntly, they are their own gods. They have no need for the real One.
Religious expression used to be a private affair; I know I was raised to 'not talk about it'… so, too, was abortion.
These were things genteel folk kept to themselves unless solicited, and even then they would demure.
It's just now everything is highly politicized. Kurt Warner is a devout, born again Christian with an amazing wife.
They walk the walk, as well. So, if you'll excuse me, God Bless them… I never referred to my beliefs but now they are so under attack that I feel compelled to at least offer a token response. It is those who live the life of the godless heathen and then invoke the Lord's name- any number of NFL stars come to mind- that hack me off…
Excellent article. To Dylan, who everyone seemed to disagree with but didn't truly respond to, it doesn't matter whether or not they believe in God. You're missing the point of the article. Athletes and soldiers were mentioned who often thank God, but they don't necessarily believe in God. The point was that actors refrain from mentioning/thanking God when so many other people do. They have an anti-God agenda. Hollywood needs people who aren't afraid to mention Him.
Yes, it is crass, but that's probably you in general. Are you really so thin skinned that you can't just ignore something that you don't like? Is it really that grievous an injury to your very being? You are probably the kind of person that wakes up in the morning looking for something to be offended by. My advice to you? Grow the hell up and realize that there is more to life than your little narcisistic worldview. Don't like someone thanking God for their award or whatever? It's real simple, bub. Change the damn channel, you little twit.
Oh and I'd like to thank God for the good life He has given me.
Sure Dylan you aren't a liberal. But you are here pointing our you are not a conservative and then you launch into a post about how you think the writers entry is silly? Well if that doesn't sound like every leftist that has posted on BH since its birth then I don't know what. Dylan, be yourself. If you are a leftist and you can deny it but your own words out you then be the best darned leftist you can be.
Dennis,
Perhaps some people acknowledge the fortune that was athletic ability which was bestowed upon them the moment conception occurred. And, since Christians further cede that anything accomplished is done through Christ, thanking the almighty isn't necessarily a shout out to him for making him throw 4 TDs in one game, but rather giving thanks for putting him in that situation. Kurt Warner realizes that he's not awesome all by himself or his teammates, but rather through the gifts that were given to him which he honed throughout his life.
Sorry it drives you nuts, but unless you think you got everything without the assistance of God, then you should realize that you've gotten EVERYTHING through God, and praising his name is only a small illustration of your thanks.
Just a thought: This comment instantly brought to mind the Heisman Trophy award ceremony. Those 3 kids all thanked God first and that apparently annoyed you. If I may present an idea: Perhaps their "God" played just as much of a role in their life as their coach, teammates, parents, agents, whatever… Perhaps, in their mind, He played an even bigger role in their success than any other of the aforementioned groups. So please, before you start playing with the "fake" card, think about the fact that these people might want to thank God before anyone else…
The best acting is achieved when the actor does not act; so in this way great acting is a God-given talent.
The best thing an actor can do is stay in shape and read then when it comes time to work get out of their own way and let the God-given talent shine through.
I know it may seem crazy… but often God really is someone's main inspiration for achieving some goal. So it is not "disingenuous". It's real.
Actually that is not the point of the article. I think most people would agree that saying "thank God" when you don't believe in God would be silly.
I think he is merely pointing out that Hollywood lacks gratitude towards God. They don't believe in God, so of course they won't be showing gratitude towards God. However whether they believe on God or not, many would argue that God exists, and is due gratitude.
As the Apostle Paul instructed in Colossians 3:17
~ And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
I'll confess that oft times it does seem to be autopilot or not so genuine when I see this at public events. And even at times a bit overbearing. But then I remind myself to judge a little less and try to concentrate more on my own good works. Maybe a few more public good deeds accompanied by public proclamations of God's blessings would do us all a little good.
Lastly, would we rather hear an athlete thank God for his blessings after a Superbowl win or Bill Maher ranting that anyone with religious faith is mentally ill?
my apologies, I did miss the point of the article.
Personally I find it phony when everyone at the Grammys thanks God for their award. I think if everyone who won an Oscar HAD thanked God, you'd be writing a piece on how dare stupid Hollywood types think God has any stake in who wins a trivial award when there's so much strife in the world. I suspect for many here that if every recipient sincerely thanked God and the troops there'd be twenty posts on how they couldn't possibly mean it and were saying it just to look good. But it's ok Wrestling IV–when you wins yours, you can do a George C. Scott and refuse to accept it.
Lemme get this straight. Big Hollywood seeks as it's primary goal to increase the influence of conservatives as content providers within the Hollywood mainstream, but columnist after columnist complains that not only are they bothered by how the Oscars are run and produced, they go on to claim they CAN'T BRING THEMSELVES TO EVEN WATCH THEM.
It would be like saying "I have a plan to bring more conservative plays to Broadway, but I personally don't ever go to Broadway shows."
The Republican resurgance starts…NOW!
Oh and that is a great oscar photo by the way
Why yes, as a matter of fact, someone did: AR Rahman.
I am not a particularly religious person but Mr. Wrestling raises an interesting point. Thanking God after some achievement or upon receipt of public recognition has traditionally been an expression of personal humility rather than overt "religiousness." All of the world's great faiths have recognized that inordinate pride is personally harmful and, at worst, a sin. Giving "Thanks to God" (or to Allah, Jehovah. Zeus, Odin etc.) is intended to keep the event in perspective and to prepare us for the inevitable disappointments that will take place later in life. It is a reminder to ourselves that time swallows every achievement and is a "monster of ingratitudes" as Shakespeare had Ulysses say in Troilus and Cressida. I think that many people find Kurt Warner's post-game prayers to be alien because these are an outward manifestation of personal humility that take place within a forum normally given over to chest-thumping braggadocio and screaming "attitude."
No one ever talks about "The One and Only," a fantastic comedy starring Henry Winkler and directed by Carl Reiner. Not only was I excited to see one of the site's contributors give it a mention, less than an hour after this post went up, my DVD copy of the movie showed up in the mail.
The movies gods are at work today.
The final monologue in the movie "Patton":
"For over a thousand years, Roman conquerors returning from the wars enjoyed the honor of a triumph – a tumultuous parade. In the procession came trumpeters and musicians and strange animals from the conquered territories, together with carts laden with treasure and captured armaments. The conqueror rode in a triumphal chariot, the dazed prisoners walking in chains before him. Sometimes his children, robed in white, stood with him in the chariot, or rode the trace horses. A slave stood behind the conqueror, holding a golden crown, and whispering in his ear a warning: that all glory is fleeting. "
It would be like saying "I have a plan to bring more conservative plays to Broadway, but I personally don't ever go to Broadway shows."
No, it's more like saying, "I have a plan to bring more conservative plays to Broadway, but I personally don't ever go to the Tony's."
Big deal. Even Jack Nicholson didn't drag his rear end to the Oscar's this year.
It would be like saying "I have a plan to bring more conservative plays to Broadway, but I personally don't ever go to Broadway shows."
No, it's more like saying, "I have a plan to bring more conservative plays to Broadway, but I personally don't ever go to the Tony's."
Big deal. Even Jack Nicholson didn't drag his rear end to the Oscar's this year.
I can understand an actor thanking God more than an athlete. I mean, acting (art in general) is so subjective and semi-mystical a thing, it's at least plausible to drag supernatural intervention into the mix. But sports? Athletes train HARD to be able to do what they do. Yeah, every once in awhile you get some amazing "lucky" shot that never should've happened, but 99% of the time great athletic achievements happen because the athlete in question worked really, really, REALLY HARD to get good at what they do – not because some invisible hand nudge the ball their way.
Dan, I am going to use your lovely answer to post the Jerry Lewis reason he was treated like Aunt at Wedding…Politically Incorrect statements Jerry made concerning……..homosexuals.
Excellent post, Mr. Wrestling IV.
Hope you plan to do more frequent writing here.
I think a lot of people (usually secular) misunderstand "thanking God" following a victory or an achievement.
Often times, the victor/recepient is actually thanking God for blessing them with their God-given talents/skills—rather than thanking God for "making them win."
Now, there ARE SOME misguided religious folks who may believe that God "wanted them to win."
But I think a majority of those (Kurt Warner, et al) whom thank God are thanking God for blessing them with skills…which is precisely what Mr. Wrestling IV is getting at—many of his fellow actors thank everyone from their hairstylist to their bartender for "contributing" to their winning performance….except for the entity that 'indirectly' contributed to making it all possible…God.
God may not write screenplays or jump on stage to enact Shakespeare, but he does bless certain individuals with the talents/skills. He also blesses us with the free will to choose how to enact those talents/skills.
Just so we're clear…I'm not here to play devil's advocate and "stir the pot". I just happen to be a non-religious conservative. I do not realize that everything I've "gotten" has been thru some celestial intervention or "God". Last I checked, I got it through education and semi hard work.
What do you do Cam? I mean for work? I guess it doesn't matter…let's pretend you sell mutual funds as a wholesaler for someone like Nuveen. And let's say you dropped a ticket for $1 million on a Wednesday afternoon. Now, you might utter to yourself "thank god"…but when the boss calls you with congratulations…do say "Well, first of all Jim, I'd like to thank God because without Him, none of this would be possible…"?
Ya probably don't. So why do athlete's feel the need? It's almost like they're embarrassed by their own success…and one way they assuage this "guilt" is to thank the Almighty. I'm well aware Kurt Warner is a devout Christain…and Tim Tebow…Jesus help me…around there parts he may as well wear a halo given he's viewed as the 2nd coming of Christ, the college football version. So, when he wins the Heisman (soon to be renamed The Tebow)…it would be nice just to hear him thank his friends and family, his offensive line and the Gator Nation…leave the deifying at home.
Ya probably don't. So why do athlete's feel the need? It's almost like they're embarrassed by their own success…and one way they assuage this "guilt" is to thank the Almighty. I'm well aware Kurt Warner is a devout Christain…and Tim Tebow…Jesus help me…around these parts he may as well wear a halo given he's viewed as the 2nd coming of Christ, the college football version. So, when he wins the Heisman (soon to be renamed The Tebow)…it would be nice just to hear him thank his friends and family, his offensive line and the Gator Nation…leave the deifying at home.
It wouldn't be cool in Hollywood to thank God. Not a huge shock.
http://the100mostannoyingthings.blogspot.com/
Astro turfing clap clap clapclapclap
It's indicative of the 'anti-God' movement that's taken place in our country by the left. Or at least, anti-christianity, because leftwing quacks have no problem defending radical muslims – in fact a proud muslim would probably receive glorious applause if he praised Allah after winning an Oscar.
I see what you're saying, but there's a noticable trend of people in hollywood being blithering idiots, who are completely one sided in their political views which they love to frequently press on everyone.
There's a massive double standard going on and this article is just showcasing a piece of that – if you're truly objective you'll see it quite easily.
Bill Maher is a mentally unstable sex addicted drug user who is only remotely funny and lacking in both insight and wisdom; yet he is so often quoted… being the poster boy for atheism has it's benefits, I guess. The best displays of faith in the NFL are the very quiet and respectful touchdowns when the athlete simply kneels, lays the ball down and returns to his teammates… displaying to all that the game, the crowd, and the moment are all bigger than one man. Humility does sometime display itself.
I'm not a liberal. Honest. I'm not a conservative either. I don't like to pigeonhole myself into one political party as I have many conflicting beliefs. But this article really makes no sense whatsoever. What's the big deal if they don't thank God? They probably don't believe in God. Mr Wrestling is criticizing actors for not thanking God, when in many circumstances it wouldn't make sense for them to, as they don't share the same beliefs as him.
That's a good point and if the author of this article touched on that, then I'd agree with him completely. However, his beef doesn't seem to be with Christian actors not thanking God, but with actors in general not thanking God. He never once touches on whether any of these actors even consider themselves Christians, just that they didn't thank God in their speech.
It's great to see the mask of Mr. Wrestling II, even if the author calls himself IV. He (II) was my favorite wrestler back in the late 70's, when the only wrestling available on my TV was Georgia Championship Wrestling on WTBS. What a great rivalry he had with the (Masked) Superstar.
I'm still waiting for Mickey Rourke's acceptance speech.
WTF??!! One does not thank A God when one is the pinnacle of 4 1/2 billion years of evolution on this planet, thank you.
http://www.alistz.net
Liberal/Conservative are political ideologies, not political parties. You can have conservative democrats and liberal republicans.
////I do not realize that everything I've "gotten" has been thru some celestial intervention or "God". Last I checked, I got it through education and semi hard work./////
That's fine. I applaud your hard work and determination. I won't be putting forth a list of people/things that I think you NOT to thank, which is why I included the "unless" above, as I didn't want to assume that you were a believer.
////What do you do Cam? I mean for work?////
Fancy title for computer nerd, and I most certainly thank God every night for my blessings. But as it pertains to this topic, back when I was younger & a pretty good regional basketball player I was interviewed by a local radio station right after a big game and, wouldn't you know it, the first thing I did was thank God. [BTW, at my workplace, we have prayer before work-sponsored meals (maybe 4 or 5 per year) and, yeah, we thank God]
I accept and respect your decision to be a non-religious conservative. Part of that respect includes the respect thrown your way as it pertains to where you give your thanks for the blessings in your life and I most certainly won't complain if your list includes something with which I disagree.
Well, unless you credit the Messiah, Barry O.
////It's almost like they're embarrassed by their own success…and one way they assuage this "guilt" is to thank the Almighty.////
I think it is more a case(s) of showing their humility and giving credit where they feel it is truly due. Actually, I'm pretty sure that's the case. There is a fine line between 'preaching' to the public (Jerry Falwell), preening your religion before the public for the PR (Darryl Strawberry) and simply doing what the good book says & giving thanks and in my opinion the athletes fall into the category of the last item.
This may (clearly) be a stupid question – but why don't the actors ever thank the troops – because without them defending our freedom, the actors wouldn't be able to attend the glitzy dog and pony shows and win the awards.
DylanG, he's not saying that everyone should thank God, but that he's troubled that it's become so anthema to Hollywood that none of them do it (or dare do it), and that, at the same time, a guy like Maher could say fairly nasty things about religious people without anyone raising an eye.
Dylan, when someone's writing a short article like this, it's not easy to cover every aspect of what you're talking about. I've written hundred page legal briefs that have taken months to write and still had to leave out many things that I could (or should) have said.
By the way, welcome to Big Hollywood.
RE: Bill Maher
You do have to admit that he is one of the most condescendingly insulting, who makes some of the most outlandish statements most often from one of the higher profile venues in the entertainment field.
RE: The best displays of faith
Very well stated. I agree.
Comedian, Jeff Stilson, used to do a bit about just this subject.
"I don't like interviews after the games, though, because the winning players always give credit to God, while the losers blame themselves. You know, just once I'd like to hear a player say, 'Yeah, we were in the game — until Jesus made me fumble. He hates our team.'"
Funny stuff.
"However, this is a rather silly article. Maybe these actors don't believe in God? It is as simple as that."
I think this is exactly the point that Mr. Wrestling was hinting at. It seems like a majority of popular actors do not believe in God, whereas a larger percentage of athletes and soldiers believe in God, and hence give Him thanks. It IS as simple as that. Why this pattern exists is another question altogether. Maybe Hollywood is biased? Maybe you need to be that kind of person to win an Oscar nowadays? I'm not sure.
That is most definitely NOT a stupid question
Good point Ronnie. I guess it would be like being grateful for their success and riches during the dreaded Bush occupation.
Even if one does not believe in God or any particular god, "thanking God" also serves as a recognition of the many layers of good fortune upon which we stand. Particularly for those few of us who are fabulously wealthy and widely regarded.
It is hubris to believe that one has nothing to be thankful for. None of us made ourselves or created the circumstances of our lives that permitted accomplishment.
It wouldn't take much time or space to cover this issue. Ken Royall did in a short paragraph. If this is what the author was getting at, it would have probably been more important than whether he watched Team America two times in a row.
Nonetheless, thanks for the welcome. It's nice to see a site that offers an oppositional view to the left slant most media has nowadays. As a Canadian, it gets rather annoying to open the newspaper and continously read about how I'm sexist for being pro-life or a xenophobe for being for stricter immigration laws.
However the recipitants are thanking people, which is in itself an acknowledgment that they couldn't have done it by themselves. As well, most make it clear that they are really lucky (although this doesn't apply to Penn). As someone who doesn't believe in God (or at least isn't sure whether God exists), I would not thank God for winning an award. That doesn't mean that I'm not thankful for the talents, skills and luck I have been given. Just that I don't think God necessairly had anything to do with them.
I don't think Mr. Wrestling illustrated this point very well, but I do agree. I'm not against Maher voicing his dislike for religion, but on the same token, someone should be able to voice their appreciation for God or their religion. The ultra left-leaning stance of the Academy is especially annoying as instead of celebrating the best in cinema, they often celebrate films that promote their ideals (i.e. Milk, Brokeback Mountain, Crash), but that aren't necessairly great films.
Totally agree, well said on the Academy.
On Mr. Wrestling, I cut him some slack. I've see lots of written work by supposed great writers that is ultimately lacking, and he really is only posting a relatively quick piece — not a treatise. Still, I agree he could have said it better.
You're Canadian? Oh, well in that case….. (just kidding, you're still welcome). I think you'll find we're a pretty interesting group with a real variety of opinions. As long as people stay away from the insults, most people here are actually pretty enthusiastic about talking to people with different views.
Yeah, I'm Canadian, but everything is centered around America over here. Obama stopping by for 6 hours was bigger news here than the whole Canadian national election…no joke. As left-leaning as Hollywood is, it has nothing on Canada though. If you are pro-life, or pro-death penalty, or pro anything right-leaning, you're considered among the ranks of a murderer or pedophile. Of course, Omar Khadr, a Canadian-Muslim teenager who was in Guantanamo Bay for killing a Canadian soldier, is considered a hero here for some reason, so what can you expect.
That's because both of you missed the point. I don't care about Maher, and I'm not concerned with the personal beliefs of actors in Hollywood. The point is not that I think they should thank God. The point is that none of them do. NOT ONE. With the preponderance of athletes, soldiers, and even Grammy winners thanking God, it would seem that the odds are that SOMEONE at the Oscars would. But NO ONE does. Don't you think that's weird?
That's the point.
You are a man after my own heart! And I call myself Mr. Wrestling IV because there has already been a Mr. Wrestling III. As far as I know, I am the first Mr. Wrestling IV, and I wear II's mask proudly!
Bet not having Jack there was a burden to the guys doing the telecast. He probably noticed what they were doing to him the past couple of years or so — every time somebody told a joke that fell flat, the TV crew would cut to Jack and his permanent grin, hoping to convince the audience that it had to have been funny because someone in the auditorium was smiling.
I can't tell whether or not you're being sarcastic.
Yep, in crunching (excuse the term) the numbers, %'s would bring forth at least a few…but none? Weird…agreed!
They do thank God. They just happen to think his first name is "Barack".
As a Canadian, it gets rather annoying to open the newspaper and continously read about how I'm sexist for being pro-life or a xenophobe for being for stricter immigration laws.
I'm a little surprised to hear that. I saw a segment on a news program that showed how illegal aliens from Mexico have begun crossing into Canada because they offer better social programs (they actually had a woman on camera who could barely speak English saying how much happier she was to be collecting welfare in Canada because they paid more). The mayor of the town was discussing how something like 10,000 immigrants had entered, and it was seriously taxing their resources. He made a statement (for TV) that said 85% of people requesting asylum would be turned away, so illegal immigrants shouldn't bother. I just assumed that sentiment was common in Canada (despite the obviously Left tilt to the country).
I do not realize that everything I've "gotten" has been thru some celestial intervention or "God". Last I checked, I got it through education and semi hard work.
Actually, everything you got had nothing to do with your education and hard work, unless you were given the gift of talent and good fortune of birth first. If you'd been born in Iraq, Iran, or Kuwait (or God forbid, Afghanistan), your hard work would likely amount to nothing (and the education you would have been exposed to could have convinced you that radical religious fervor was the only answer). If you'd been born with mental impairment (like Sarah Palin's child), nothing you could have done would have overcome that handicap.
Often people who give thanks to God are well aware that it was their hard work that put them in position to win, but they are thanking God for granting them the opportunity to make that happen. It's fine if you don't believe, but saying you are sick of hearing it is you asking them to not be grateful for the most wonderful gift most of us could imagine (or just amazing cosmic luck).
I do not realize that everything I've "gotten" has been thru some celestial intervention or "God". Last I checked, I got it through education and semi hard work.
Actually, everything you got had nothing to do with your education and hard work, unless you were given the gift of talent and good fortune of birth first. If you'd been born in Iraq, Iran, or Kuwait (or God forbid, Afghanistan), your hard work would likely amount to nothing (and the education you would have been exposed to could have convinced you that radical religious fervor was the only answer). If you'd been born with mental impairment (like Sarah Palin's child), nothing you could have done would have overcome that handicap.
Often people who give thanks to God are well aware that it was their hard work that put them in position to win, but they are thanking God for granting them the opportunity to make that happen. It's fine if you don't believe, but saying you are sick of hearing it is you asking them to not be grateful for the most wonderful gift most of us could imagine (or just amazing cosmic luck).
No, it's not a stupid question. Dennis Miller mentioned it as well as several other commentators. Now that Bush is out of office, you'd think they would mention the troops just to earn themselves some brownie points, but the truth is that a lot of the really despise the military. People don't get the concept of how bad it gets in Liberal echo chambers. I heard one of the Berklee City Council twits say that they were trying to run recruiters out of their town because, "Male soldiers rape Iraq women," and "If female soldiers join, they'll be raped too."
While I'm sure this attitude is somewhat muted, you can guarantee that something similar gets said when they know no one but their Liberal friends are listening. If you doubt it, go to a Liberal blog and talk about how much you respect Israel. Take the level of hatred towards the Israeli's and especially their soldiers, then remember that they feel the exact same way about our soldiers (but realize that saying so too loudly is still slightly verboten).
Unless he's a euro or from one of their former colonies.
Are you really so thin skinned that you can't just ignore something that you don't like?
Well, of course, that begs the question "if such is the case, why are so many people here bitching about Sean Penn's speech?"
someone should be able to voice their appreciation for God or their religion
And not get completely mocked and shut out of the Hollywood industry? It would never happen.
It's my opinion, they're so terrified that they're going to be blacklisted by the power-brokers if they were to do so, so they're not going to risk it.
Condescension is a by product of selfish ignorance; of which Mr Maher has in bountiful supply… thnaks for the kind words….
I don't think it's that surprising, to tell you the truth. First, I think that the word went out years ago that Hollywood will not tolerate pro-Christian sentiment any more than they will tolerate pro-conservative sentiment. You really risk your employment sentiments by making such statements.
Since you can give an acceptance speech without using either, the path of least resistance is to avoid such sentiment. As fewer and fewer people make such statements, there is a form of pressure that builds against saying such things. So even though some may want to, there is considerable pressure on them not to.
Other fields do not have the uniformity of thought that Hollywood has these days. Thus, people are free to express themselves in many more ways. That allows people (like athletes) to make such statements.
I've heard strage things about Canada. Sorry for ya man.
As for being America centered, I think that's unavoidable. I've spent time in Germany and even they're America-centered, and they're not even as closely linked to us as Canada is.
How do you think these speecehes would go if the Oscars weren't televised?
Would people like Penn say even more outlandish stuff because they aren't being watched?
-OR-
Would people like Penn say less because no one can hear him spout off?
It might depend on the area of Canada. At least in Toronto, there is a very pro-immigrant stance. Now, I'm not against immigranta, but it's a little alarming when the third major political party in Canada, the NDP (which usually gets about half the votes in Toronto) has spoken out against screening immigrants to ensure they are not crimminals. In fact, they said that it was wrong to only let immigrants in that will be beneficial for the country. I mean, this is just ridiculous. We're supposed to let in immigrants that will be bad for the country? Of course, anyone that is against this notion is labeled racist or a xenophobe, which is why I always have to specify that my own Dad is an immigrant.
They were televised!?!?
Gee, I must devote more of my limited time away from my family and friends to listen to spoiled, self aggrandizing idiots tell me how wonderful they and their friends are, and what schmucks we are for not paying attention to their superiority.
Personally, I think I saved four hours.
So your point is that it's weird that they didn't thank God? So, back to my original assertion then: who cares? If the point is that no one could or did voice their beliefs during the very left-leaning ceremony, than I understand that. But it seems as if you are simply pointing out that no one did, with no point or conclusion based off this observation. I don't get it.
So your point is that it's weird that they didn't thank God? So, back to my original assertion then: who cares? If the point is that no one could voice their beliefs during the very left-leaning ceremony because they differed from the norm (essentially what AndrewPrice said), than I understand that. But it seems as if you are simply pointing out that no one did, with no point or conclusion based off this observation. I don't get it.
Gee, sorry you didn't like the column, dude! Many others did, and I'll take refuge in that. Maybe now that you know that I suck, you won't waste your time on my next column — and I am certain there will be a few who don't get that one either.
And many thanks to all those responding who did get it. I guess DylanG is just smarter than all of us.
Dylan, a majority of Americans identify themselves as believing in God, a majority also identify them as religious. Yet we have an awards show where NO ONE mentions God. What are the odds?
I, for one, find that highly revealing.
It's been obvious from your first response that you don't "get it', as to who cares…anyone that perceives themselves as no longer free to express, no matter the field, I care.
Mr. Wrestling, I'm not with him (Dylan)… I just ran into him…. I liked your column…. Don't pile drive me bro….
Mr. Wrestling IV, why are you so gay? You'd like to tebag Mickey Rourke, wouldn't you? Admit it, man. You'll feel better if you get it off your chest.
Well, I would say it's one thing to watch an interview with an athlete who briefly gives thanks to his Creator, it's another to be lectured to by an egomaniac who believes in his own greatness so much, that he thinks other people should just sit and be scolded by him. He's an actor for goodness sake. Last I checked, he makes his living playing in lala land.
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