I loathe Steve Martin. The only tolerable films from his massive catalog o' crap are "The Muppet Movie" and "Prince of Egypt."
Billy Crystal is worse. "The Princess Bride" might be one of the great films of the '80s but it's not because of him.
And Whoopi Goldberg is best when surrounded by Xs and Os.
So when the Oscars finally selected someone with talent -- the great Chris Rock -- oh was I thrilled.
It's not surprising that with the selection of a more edgy emcee, conservative activists would take a few stabs at Hollywood.
According to BBC News, "Concerned Women for America said the choice proved Hollywood was 'out of touch' with the rest of the country."
This oft-repeated accusation belongs between two pieces of bread with a slice of Swiss and some mustard like the bologna that it is.
The press release from CWA states that the selection of Rock shows "Hollywood's disconnect with most Americans, who really just want good, clean entertainment."
First of all, most of what Hollywood puts out is stuff of which I doubt CWA would object. Check out 2004's Top 10 box office earners and the only film with which to take issue is the bathroom humor--laden "Meet the Fockers." (However, they might be against the witchcraft in "Harry Potter.")
It's a point that's been said before but deserves repeating: If one has a problem with the occasional vulgar or offensive film, the supposed liberal amorality or disconnectedness from mainstream America is not the culprit; rather, conservative free market capitalism is. If filth did not have a market then it would not exist.
Furthermore, why are they targeting Rock, specifically? Since his first major role in 1998 with "Lethal Weapon 4," more than half of his films have been PG-13.
Robert Knight, director of CWA's Culture and Family Institute, said "Hollywood seems intent on spreading vulgarity far and wide, so the f-word-spewing Chris Rock might actually be the perfect Tinseltown ambassador."
Am I the only one entertained by Knight's absurd conspiracy theory of a Hollywood on a crusade to spray tasteless entertainment across the nation like an exploding septic tank?
So it's Rock's comedy routines where he uses the f-word. That's their beef.
This seems odd given that our Christian president and vice president both use plenty of profanity.
Of the many examples of President George Bush's vulgarity, according to the Washington Post, on Sept. 4, 2000: "As Bush stood on the podium waiting for music to finish, he turned to running mate Dick Cheney and used an obscenity to describe reporter Adam Clymer in the nearby press area. Cheney agreed with Bush's assessment. Both men thought their remarks were off-mike."
What's the phrase? "Character is what you do when nobody is looking"?
Vice President Dick Cheney is of course well known for his frankness with Sen. Patrick Leahy. According to CNN, "In response to Cheney, Leahy reminded Cheney that the vice president had once accused him of being a bad Catholic, to which Cheney replied either 'f--- off' or 'go f--- yourself.'"
Smell that? Looks like CWA is walking around with a stinking piece of hypocrisy on its shoe.
So, what if, come Oscar night, Rock's presence pushes up the ratings? Then we'll see who's out of touch with America. I doubt it'll be Hollywood.
Write to David at swimminginbrokenglass@gmail.com
Visit http://www.bsu.edu/web/dmswindle
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