Downey: ‘Nothing is above satire’
August 19th, 2008From the CBS Early Show:
Robert Downey Jr. responds to the controversy over “Tropic Thunder.” When asked about the film’s use of the word “retard,” Downey said:
“My response to that — it’s interesting, because at different phases I can have different takes on it. One is like, well, isn’t that the whole idea, the country is based on we can express this and that. It’s all kind of business as usual. It’s strange to me we’re taking flack from a disabilities support group with all the other archetypes and stereotypes we tended to address and lampoon and al that. Nothing is above satire, last I checked.”
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August 19th, 2008 at 7:55 am
Not even human dignity or self respect?
The lesson learned here is that when faced with making a decision between defending the human dignity of our children OR defending the almighty dollar, we can tell exactly on what side the dividing line many people stand.
In the real world, we should be standing together. We should be standing for those 750 people in Rochester waiting for housing and medical care instead of throwing away our money at an industry propelled by idol worship.
“Nothing is above satire?” How about apathy?
August 19th, 2008 at 7:21 am
Really? Then why do you pat yourselves on the back in interviews about your very careful use of racial humor? Specifically, there were changes to the script to eliminate the “n” word that was to have been spoken by a white actor. The movie was screened by African-Americans. And with regard to racial humor, Downey was confident he never “crossed the line.” They just never gave it even one thought that might be a “line” with regard to disability humor.