WASHINGTON, Nov. 11 — If you’re an American, chances are there’s a celebrity who thinks you’re dumb. Maybe even stupid. Or an idiot. Or something worse, which we can’t print here.
YES, SHOW A celebrity an American, and that celebrity will show you an ignoramus. Too sweeping a statement? Perhaps. But what about this Michael Moore screed about Americans in the London Mirror earlier this month? “They are possibly the dumbest people on the planet. ...We Americans suffer from an enforced ignorance. We don’t know about anything that’s happening outside our country. Our stupidity is embarrassing.” Until Michael Moore pointed it out, you probably didn’t know how embarrassingly stupid you are. In fact, you probably have so little intelligence you didn’t know that Moore isn’t the only celebrity who thinks you’re dumb. Indeed, Moore has colleagues in the celebrity kingdom who think the same thing. MSNBC.com's Politics section
So put on your well-worn dunce cap and check out what other celebrities say about your intelligence. And if the celebrities are correct in their analysis, you’re moving your lips as you read this. Johnny Depp said a few months back, “America is dumb, is something like a dumb puppy that has big teeth that can bite and hurt you.” (Depp later claimed he was quoted out of context and offered: “I am an American. I love my country and have great hopes for it. It is for this reason that I speak candidly and sometimes critically about it.” But still, we’re like dumb puppies?) Ted Turner once said this about television-watchers: “The United States has got some of the dumbest people in the world. I want you to know that; we know that.”
JANE SOUNDS OFF, TOO Speaking of Ted Turner, Jane Fonda was in Canada this past April and said: “I don’t know if a country where the people are so ignorant of reality and of history, if you can call that a free world.” Also in Canada, Martin Sheen said recently: “Every time I cross this border, I feel like I’ve left the land of lunatics. You are not armed and dangerous. You do not shoot each other. I always feel a bit more human when I come here.” Lunatics, ignorant people, dummies — even dumb puppies. Yes, we got ’em all here.
Where does this superior celebrity intellect come from? It’s actually part of a larger phenomenon, one involving the president. Celebrities sneer at President Bush’s intelligence. And then they think we’re all the same, just dumb Bush-boosters. MSNBC's Campaign Embeds
For evidence of how much smarter celebrities think they are than the president, we start again with super-smart guy Michael Moore. A year ago, he told the London Mirror (he loves those British papers), “I really do believe Bush is dumber than s@?*. What’s odd about all this is that Blair is a smart guy. What’s he doing hanging out with a dumb guy? Back at school if you were smart, you hung out with the other kids that were smart.” Sticking with the European press, earlier this year Larry Hagman told a German newspaper that Bush was a “sad figure: not too well-educated, who doesn’t get out of America much.” And Sheen told the BBC after Bush became president: “George W. Bush is like a bad comic working the crowd. A moron, if you’ll pardon the expression.” I’m not sure which expression we should be pardoning there, mind you. Maybe it’s because I’m a moron-American (we’re such a hyphenated nation these days). But the hits continue. In April, Edward Norton said of Bush: “As an actor, I know in my mind, watching him, what a low-quality mind he has.” And during the 2000 campaign, Cher said, “I don’t like Bush. I don’t trust him. I don’t like his record. He’s stupid. He’s lazy.”
SNAP OUT OF IT! Yikes! Stupid and lazy? C’mon, Cher! Snap out of it! Also during the 2000 campaign, Rob Reiner said, “We have the single most unqualified man running for president in our lifetime. I’m not making this up! I’m not making this up! The man has no experience, and worse than that, he has no intellectual curiosity.” Gee, he makes Bush sound like a, well, like a meathead. No celebrity said it smarter than Sandra Bernhard. She asserted her intelligence and belittled Bush at the same time to the Washington Post in March 2002: “I’m an intelligent person from America. I was born in Michigan and raised in Arizona, and while I do reside in New York, I travel the country extensively. Any thinking person who lives in the world would be disturbed at what’s going on right now. I think Bush is amateurish and self-serving, and, frankly, it’s disgusting.” I would offer a retort to Bernhard, but I can’t think of anything smart to say. I’ve never been to Michigan.
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posted
We might be stupid, but we can kick any other country's a** riding on the short, yellow bus any day! Plus, we were at least smart enough to have the Camaro. And Michael Moore? OMG. Never mind. Wasted flesh. The original Mr. Hankey, the talking poo.
It's so sad that all these people that know best how to run the U.S. weren't even in the running for office.
-------------------- Mike '02 #6906 pewter/M6/leather/hardtop Posts: 577 | From: Aiken, SC | Registered: May 2002
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quote:Originally posted by Steve da Wrench: Well, I agree. Most of america is stupid. And I dont disagree with any of the things stated regarding politicians either (especially Bush). JMO
Just curious, but would you be consider one of those "stupid Americans"
-------------------- #22 Tom Henry Camaro Monterey Maroon Red Posts: 122 | From: Fort Carson, CO | Registered: Aug 2003
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FireChicken
11 Secret Herbs & Spices
Member # 2067
posted
Personally, I have always found it very interesting that people with no college education, or at most, an acting degree, appear to be very qualified in criticizing the intellect, decisions, and authority of people who spent years getting multiple college degrees, and who are working in a field where their degree is applied. Most of these hollywood celebrities have some college, until they dropped out and went into acting, and a very limited few have some kind of candyass degree in acting from a drama school (which I think explains their propensity to create drama). The people in charge of this country have multiple college degrees in things like business, law, political science, economics, etc.
So... the people with no education are calling the educated people stupid? Right....
Now, in my personal opinion, I think that President Bush is doing a pretty good job. I supported the war in afghanistan, I support the war in iraq, and I believe that he is working hard to help the economy (things are getting better, after all). I also know enough about politics, economics, law, etc, to be able to recognize BS political maneuvers by democrats to make Bush look bad for the upcoming election. I also know enough about warfare and military history to understand that things are going VERY well in Iraq, despite what celebrities and democrats are saying. And while I respect their right to free speech, I also understand that they are not being honest or correct, so I look up facts, read, and find as much information as possible before making up MY OWN MIND, rather than letting a news channel do it for me.
I think bush is a good president, and some people call him an "ignorant cowboy". First off, he's obviously not ignorant. Second, I think calling someone a cowboy is a complement, not an insult, and I think Bush feels the same way; most Texans do. People like Johnny Depp and Charlie Sheen, while respected as ACTORS, do not have education or experience in politics, economics, warfare, ethics, or law, so Im still a little fuzzy on why people pay attention to what they say. I prefer to listen to qualified people who have been to school, and shown that they know what they are doing, rather than people are uneducated (and therefore ignorant) and just spend their time telling you who is to blame.
Celebrities and democrats are telling America who to blame for their problems. Bush is solving the problems.
THAT is the difference, or, as Tom Clancy put it...
A bridge is built, collapses, and kills people. Conservatives want to find out why the bridge collapsed, and prevent it from happening again. Liberals want to build a pretty monument to the people that died, and tell you who is at fault.
Ok... i'll get off my soapbox. Have a good Friday!!!
Posts: 686 | From: Texas: Hullabaloo, Caneck! Caneck! | Registered: Aug 2003
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posted
There are those who must feel superior to something. What's pathetic is that those who speak the loudest are the least educated.
I was reading the Constitution the other day and no where does it qualify that any politician let alone the president have any level of education. They simply have to be elected.
-------------------- 2002 Camaro SS Hardtop, NBM, 345 HP Dual-Dual, 6-speed w/Hurst, Ebony Leather, 1SD, Traction Control Mods: DGOETZ Fabrications - SFC's, STB and Tunnel Brace SLP - CAGS & Y-Pipe Hotchkis LCA, Dynamat Extreme, Chevrolet 35th LE front and rear lettering Posts: 298 | From: Mason, OH | Registered: Feb 2003
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Fbodfather
They don't make songs about Volvos.
Member # 1119
posted
hmmmmmmm......(let the fun begin........)
I DO believe that many Americans do NOT pay enough attention to important issues. (one example of proof: look at the dismal turnout in most elections....) (second example of proof: ever watch "Jay Walking" on "The Tonite Show?")(ohmygawdithurtstowatchthestupidity......)
Now..with that said, my question to Mr. Sheen and Cher and that sorryexcuseforamanMrMoore would be this: And so how many governments have you tried to head?
As those of you who have been so unfortunate as to see me go into rant mode in those late night parking lot discussions at Fbody shows can attest to, one of my philosophies is this: There is NEVER one simple answer to a problem.....invariably, there are countless forces involved....and the answer, if there IS one, is full of tradeoffs. Just as President Bush probably sucks as an actor, thus would Cher or Mr. Sheen suck at being president.
now...with all of that said, I'm DAMN PROUD to be an American.............and for those celebrities who think this is such a terrible country, I say "how 'bout I buy you a one way ticket to Iraq or Iran or any number of other countries?????"
quote:Originally posted by Fbodfather: hmmmmmmm......(let the fun begin........)
I DO believe that many Americans do NOT pay enough attention to important issues. (one example of proof: look at the dismal turnout in most elections....) (second example of proof: ever watch "Jay Walking" on "The Tonite Show?")(ohmygawdithurtstowatchthestupidity......)
Now..with that said, my question to Mr. Sheen and Cher and that sorryexcuseforamanMrMoore would be this: And so how many governments have you tried to head?
As those of you who have been so unfortunate as to see me go into rant mode in those late night parking lot discussions at Fbody shows can attest to, one of my philosophies is this: There is NEVER one simple answer to a problem.....invariably, there are countless forces involved....and the answer, if there IS one, is full of tradeoffs. Just as President Bush probably sucks as an actor, thus would Cher or Mr. Sheen suck at being president.
now...with all of that said, I'm DAMN PROUD to be an American.............and for those celebrities who think this is such a terrible country, I say "how 'bout I buy you a one way ticket to Iraq or Iran or any number of other countries?????"
Posts: 1118 | From: Southgate, MI | Registered: Jan 2003
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posted
I agree with what Scott said. However I do not think that any of the "stars" will take him up on his offer. I may be to stupid to understand their reasoning however I'm smart enough to know not to buy any if their movies. Now does this affect them? Maybe in some small way, but it sure makes me feel better.
Posts: 1201 | From: Medina,Ohio | Registered: Feb 2000
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posted
I usually "lurk" on message boards and enjoy reading others' opinions on various subjects. This time I am compelled to reply. It's funny that when you don't agree with a Liberal, that you are mentally inadequate. (What a tired and over-used tactic - ranks up there with racial and class warfare)
There is a "silent" war raging in our country. It's a war that's even more dangerous than the terrorists from around the world. It's the liberals, socialists and communists that are right here at home. (Just pay attention to the courts that are legislating from the bench) The 2004 Presidential elections will feature some of the dirtiest, nastiest tactics every displayed in an election.
Americans aren't "dumb". The media has conditioned people over the last 30+ years to get their information through 30 second sound bites. (And for the most part it's been liberally-biased.) With talk radio and cable news channels, more Americans are getting the other side of the story. Americans are getting smarter, because of the information that's available through the internet and alternative news sources.
This is what scares the media, actors, educators and liberal elite. I know that if the Americans get both sides of the debate they will choose wisely, because I am confident in the priciples and beliefs that our country is based on.
I know this will offend some, but please think about it. Where did all of the pot-smoking, bra-burning, anti-government, anti-American, anti-Capitalism, make love not war hippies gone? They're not gone. They're running our schools, our media, actors, legislators, judges, etc..
Read the quotes above to see what liberals think of poor, stupid Americans. We all need the government, and them, to help us through our daily lives. All I need from the government is to provide a common defense, create laws that ensure fairness amongst all "citizens" and provide services only for those things that are Constitutional. (entitlements are another story)
God bless our troops and our first responders. God bless our president. (no matter who it is) God bless America.
P.S. Would Jay Leno show a segment that featured someone answering all of his questions correctly? Wouldn't make for a good laugh, would it?
-------------------- #M02-8812 '02 Navy Blue Metallic SS many mods.... Posts: 4 | From: Indy - Racing Capital of the World | Registered: Dec 2002
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quote:Originally posted by Mitch02SS: I usually "lurk" on message boards and enjoy reading others' opinions on various subjects. This time I am compelled to reply. It's funny that when you don't agree with a Liberal, that you are mentally inadequate. (What a tired and over-used tactic - ranks up there with racial and class warfare)
There is a "silent" war raging in our country. It's a war that's even more dangerous than the terrorists from around the world. It's the liberals, socialists and communists that are right here at home. (Just pay attention to the courts that are legislating from the bench) The 2004 Presidential elections will feature some of the dirtiest, nastiest tactics every displayed in an election.
Americans aren't "dumb". The media has conditioned people over the last 30+ years to get their information through 30 second sound bites. (And for the most part it's been liberally-biased.)
Very well stated; my thoughts exactly. Thank you.
-------------------- #22 Tom Henry Camaro Monterey Maroon Red Posts: 122 | From: Fort Carson, CO | Registered: Aug 2003
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Fbodfather
They don't make songs about Volvos.
Member # 1119
posted
Lotsa good stuff here.....
But let me clarify my position....
I don't think Americans are stupid....but my point is that I believe many Americans don't pay close enough attention to what's important......and that concerns me. I suspect that prior to 9/11, many would not know what the Taliban was...or that it existed..... Once they pay attention, I believe the inherent goodness comes out of the nation.....and we rally.
-------------------- Posts: 749 | From: Detroit | Registered: Aug 2001
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FireChicken
11 Secret Herbs & Spices
Member # 2067
posted
quote:Originally posted by Fbodfather: Lotsa good stuff here.....
But let me clarify my position....
I don't think Americans are stupid....but my point is that I believe many Americans don't pay close enough attention to what's important......and that concerns me. I suspect that prior to 9/11, many would not know what the Taliban was...or that it existed..... Once they pay attention, I believe the inherent goodness comes out of the nation.....and we rally.
The difference between stupidity and ignorance. Most americans are ignorant of the facts, while most celebrities choose to ignore what they do not know or understand. I believe that qualifies as stupidity.
BTW: Your earlier statement was right on the money.
Posts: 686 | From: Texas: Hullabaloo, Caneck! Caneck! | Registered: Aug 2003
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Plus, we were at least smart enough to have the Camaro. ![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
And Michael Moore? OMG. Never mind. Wasted flesh. The original Mr. Hankey, the talking poo.![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
