MovieChat Forums > Rocky III (1982) Discussion > Paulies Racism

Paulies Racism

posted 9 years ago by TriviographerOfTrivialities
3 replies | jump to latest

Despite being from “The City of Brotherly Love” (which is nearly 50% African-American), as well as, being friends with Apollo Creed and Duke Evers, as soon as Paulie steps foot in Apollo’s 'hood' in L.A., his racism is very blatant. For example, here are a few quotes I remember him saying from the movie:

Paulie: [referring to African-Americans] I don't like these people.
Rocky Balboa: You don't like em'? Well maybe they don't like you either Paulie.

Paulie: He can't train to this jungle junk music.

Paulie: You can't train him like a colored fighter. He ain't got no rhythm.

Bonus: In 2006’s Rocky Balboa, Paulie was quoted saying that "Italian food cooked up by a bunch of Mexicans ain't so special."

[–] Sparty627 9 years ago

He was NOT friends with Duke and Apollo before Rocky 3. Also I think his racism was very realistic. You can tell he had stereotypes had not interacted with Black much. Also, most cities have de facto segregation, so I wouldn't expect him to have interacted with blacks. It was a nice subtle message in the film because by the end he clearly got over a lot of his prejudice.

The Almighty says "don't change the subject, just answer the fuggin question."

[–] J-Street1 9 years ago

In the original script of the first movie, it was Mickey that was written as a bitter old racist but they decided not to go with it.

I think Stallone carried that over and gave Paulie the signs of racism, instead.

🏈

[–] hurricane_greg86-596-716877 9 years ago

I've seen pages from the original Rocky script and Mickey dropped n-bombs constantly.