RACIST - Bringing Down the House (2003) Discussion

[–] 21 years ago

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[–] butterfinger 21 years ago

Yes, but after he established his opinion as her attorney he had no reason to be embarassed around her. I am asking about the SPECIFIC SCENE in the office where the boss comes around the corner and Steve Martin tries to hide her. He didnt know she was an esaped convict and she was well dressed.

"I really do have love to give. I just dont know where to put it."

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[–] bakuyaku 21 years ago

She wasn't well dressed by 'county club' standards. Honestly, if someone showed up at a country club wearing her outfit--although I thought it was cute--it would cause a stir and she would be stared at. Anyway, in my opinion, this movie is not as RACIST as say it is. If anything, it shows just how ridiculous racism is. I am telling you SPECIFICALLY that if you find this movie to be so racist, quit complaining to a computer screen and get up and do something about it.

When first born we cry for coming into this stage of fools.
- Lear

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[–] kimmygill321 20 years ago

the film is trying to make us see how stupid racism is and the fact that some ppl have moved on and foregotten about the colour of our skin but others are still living in the past. Its not only the film that ppl should be commenting about what about some of the reply to this comment arent they racist or predujiced? If ppl keep looking to the past how can the future be any different for the next generation and it is up to us to try and make the future better than the past. I dont think that the comment about all white people being racist was a accurate comment or a fair one even when looking at the film as we see that not all the white ppl in the film are racist look at martin's friend he loves Queen.

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[–] huntergratzner 21 years ago

Correctamundo.

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[–] wity2k2 21 years ago

i guess it takes a racist to point out another racist. *sigh*

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[–] goldie_kiki 21 years ago

queen latifah didnt seem to have a problem with it so i dont know why anyone else should

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[–] zouple 21 years ago

Okay, can you imagine how little impact this movie would have if every single joke were polished, and sucked completely dry? It would be just another dull movie, but it's exactly "racist" comments made throughout the film that make the film interesting, and worth watching. I am by no means racist, and I abhor anyone who is, but this movie isn't racist, it's funny. If all films were filled with empty fluff, I wouldn't be very interested in movies. I think this movie was great, original, and the cast did an excellent job performing the roles. Stop whining that jokes demean a particular group of people, when we can all learn to laugh together, we've learned to overcome racism. Jeez, grow up.

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[–] Ryegye87 20 years ago

Correction, all of these jokes are polished and dry, and this is probably one of the most dull movies i have ever seen in my life....

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[–] brichard50 20 years ago

I came across this message board quite by accident. After watching “Bringing Down the House” on cable television a few hours ago, I accessed the internet to research the phrase “The cool points are out the window and you’ve got me all twisted up in the game.” While I’m still not sure what this phrase means, I believe I do understand the purpose of this movie… which is to make us all LAUGH. OMG, some of you took away from this movie much too much of its original intent. BDTH is a comedic SATIRE in its purest sense – and Steve Martin and Queen Latifah’s performances in this motion picture were brilliant. Some of you critics just didn’t get it.

Racism is forever present in this country and no one is immune from it. During my 52+ years, I have watched many documentaries and motion pictures which illustrate the injustices brought upon people of color in this country and I walked away feeling either sad and/or pretty darned angry, i.e., Rosewood, Tuskegee Airmen, Malcom X, to name a few. These drama performances were meant to educate and elicit a whole range of emotions when viewed. I can tell you quite honestly, I was reduced to a sniveling idiot after viewing a couple of the aforementioned movies and went through a whole box of Kleenex during one in particular. BDTH allows us to LAUGH out loud at racism – a topic which, in the real sense, is not funny at all. Some of you seem to have forgotten that LAUGHTER is therapeutic – and contains the healing powers for what ails this country.

I agree with Zouple’s comment above. Geez, you guys need to learn to laugh.

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[–] cossette729 20 years ago

By the way, "The cool points are out the window and you've got me all twisted up in the game" means nothing. It's was made-up "ebonics" specifically created to be used as a joke for the film.

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[–] ctabor-1 21 years ago

I really wish that some people would get the stick out of their butt, loosen up, not get so offended, and be able to laugh at them selves and at others, that is true non-racism. This movie was one of the comedic classics that mocks the wall that is built between the races in America. The end showed us all that we are all equal and that we are all just people. I thought it was a very funny way to push for racial blindness by showing how really stupid people are who are too up tight, and too easily offended by each other just because of one small difference. It is people with opinions like butterfinger who help to keep the wall in between people and prevent true racial communion.

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[–] TheSausageKingOfChicago 21 years ago

why are all the people saying this movie was racist against black people not just as outraged at the fact this movie was racist against white people. they made it seem all white people cant dance, don't know any slang, that they are racist etc.

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[–] skprod2000 21 years ago

Um, I don't even know why I'm on this board but anyway...

(By the way I haven't seen this movie in a while so correct me if I'm wrong)

This is what I think was going on when they were pitching the story:

OK so we have steve who is the stereotypical uptight white guy and Latifah is the sterotypical "gansta" black woman. He lives in an upper class white neighborhood and she is an escaped convict seeking help from him. You see she was on this lawer chat room where she meets him and pretends to be somebody else. He has to "hide" her from all of his neighbors who are your stereotypical middle-aged, middle-class racist whites. So most of the movie is...

Woah slow down. This sounds like it could be pretty offensive. How do you justify racism against black people?

O, well in one scene, Steve's sister in law is making racist comments at Latifah, so they get into this big fight and, of coarse, Latifah wins. And then in another scene she invites all her black friends who are also stereotypical gangstas. Then Martin makes a rude comment and they throw him in his own pool!

Wow! OK keep going.

OK, so one night, Martin has a client who is an old white lady over. Since, of coarse, Latifah is too, how shall i say, black they must pretend she is there maid! Then while there she's over she makes some "unintentional" racial jabs at her and she even starts singing an old negro spiritual about slavery. Funny, eh?

Hold on. I can see how you are making all of these racial things against blacks in negetive context but how can you possibly justify the racism towards whites.

Huh?

Well it seems like every white character is uptight and racist. Don't you think that...

Oh, that's easy. We tossed in a character played by Eugene Levy who has a crush on her. So one character who isn't racist is enough right?

Oh yeah, sure. But what about the black steroetypes. I mean what seems to be a jab at stereotypes seems to be filled with stereotypical people. I mean, it seems like the main theme here is mess with black people and you'll get beat up.

O, cmon man. Have you seen today's hip hop scene. This isn't anything new. Don't you think that society has been numbed by now.

Well, you got me there. Besides, it's just a movie and people are who naysay about the "racism" won't have anything to say because...um why again?

Eugene Levy

That's right!

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And that my friends is how a movie that could have been a witty jab at racism and stereotypes turned into a racist and stereotypical movie.

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[–] Mindthegap05 20 years ago

THANK YOU

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[–] TheSausageKingOfChicago 21 years ago

no one ever thought she was a slave.

Re: RACIST
by - doggins25 on Thu Jan 22 03:49:05
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I actually thought there were several racist parts aswell... Like how she was either a Nanny or a Slave or how the ex-wifes sister thought it was discusting that Steve was dating a black girl, and also the neighbours reaction of having a negro in the house...

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[–] chanteuse_ar 19 years ago

Believe me as racist as this is, it's also reality...as an African-American woman who dates anyone who interests her, white, black, red or yellow...I can tell you I have been publicly taken to task by white AND black men AND women for dating outside of my race. Granted, it doesn't happen now as much as it did in the 80's, but it does still happen. One might expect this in a smaller town, but this happened when I was living in Boston and still happens from time to time now that I'm back in New York City.

As for the Latifah character showing up at the country club and getting stares and likely snickers...well that was also reality. I used to travel on business for the company I worked for and was often approached by male patrons of the upscale hotels I stayed in because they thought I was a "working girl" despite the fact that I was usually in full business attire and not approaching anyone other than to offer a polite hello when passing them in the hall or sharing an elevator.

But I digress...I wasn't offended by the movie in the least, I loved it in fact, I suppose because I could relate to a lot of it and because it was just funny. I am glad though it got so many people thinking about these issues.

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[–] TheSausageKingOfChicago 21 years ago

the reason he went to hide her had nothing to do with what she was wearing it has to do with whenever she is in a room with someone she has a big mouth. and he was afraid she would stay something inappropriate and get fired.

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[–] DrusillaN 21 years ago

I didn't think the film was demaning or racist. If it was, Queen Latifah wouldn't have done it. I think it was showing that racism can be overcome to form great friendships. I mean, really, in the end, Charlene was the hero of the movie. Everyone was rooting for her from the start. If anything, it portrayed negative white sterotypes. We are supposed to roll our eyes at people like Mrs Kline the neighbour, the guys at the law firm and Mrs Arness and Ashlee. The only racism I saw was Widow the gangsta!

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[–] DA1NONLYSHALIN 21 years ago

"Okay, can you imagine how little impact this movie would have if every single joke were polished, and sucked completely dry? It would be just another dull movie, but it's exactly "racist" comments made throughout the film that make the film interesting, and worth watching. I am by no means racist, and I abhor anyone who is, but this movie isn't racist, it's funny. If all films were filled with empty fluff, I wouldn't be very interested in movies. I think this movie was great, original, and the cast did an excellent job performing the roles. Stop whining that jokes demean a particular group of people, when we can all learn to laugh together, we've learned to overcome racism. Jeez, grow up."

(applauds) Same here, I mean, I HATE when in movies (or in real life), people saying sh*t like "you f*ckin *beep*" or something, but to prove a point, wouldn't someone actually have to SAY something? In some form or another? I hate it even more if it's in person, but in movies, it's just to let people know that there's stupid people out there. And it's stupid how there's people that take movies and tv shows to the heart, and LEARN off of them, something they shouldn't be doing, and there you go: stereotypes. And once someone thinks a certain way, they claim everything is racist. Nobody really thinks for themselves anymore. This movie wasn't racist at all, it's funny. I'm not sticking up for any certain race or anything, but still, people need to shut up about racism when there IS no racism. It's like if on one side of the street there was one Chinese guy, and on the other there was a white guy. There's people on these boards that would go out and be like "that's RACIST!!! THE CHINESE GUY'S BEING RACIST!!!!" or some sh*t. I mean seriously, HOW???? If there's a movie where they PURPOSELY have tons of people start saying that African Americans are stupid and sh*t, and it's not trying to prove something, like in the movie American History X (they showed racism in there cuz they were proving a point - that Neo-Nazis exist in America), then I'll see what you all mean. But there's nothing like that. Don't watch movies to try and use that to judge people, to say that white people are like this, black people are like this, indian people are like this, chinese people are like this, and so on. Base your beliefs on personal experiences. No, I don't mean if let's say a Hispanic woman bumped into you on the street and started cursing at you or something, I mean serious experiences. And it's true, Queen Latifah wouldn't have agreed to acting in this movie if she saw it all as racist. Would she be like "sure you can all start saying sh*t or doing sh*t and be racist"?? Don't be like "sure, if it's for money" cuz not many people would be able to put up with that. I know I couldn't when I was growing up with like the entire f*ckin school saying sh*t to me cuz I was Indian, and I doubt she can either, even as an adult. It's just a f*ckin comedy, just take it as that, a comedy. All of you know that there are people like that out there, high-class white people that ARE that are a little prejudiced, and yea they made a movie involving that. So? It's funny. I hope none of you go on and start the type of sh*t they started on the boards for "White Chicks", where if they "made a Black Chicks movie that it would be considered racist" and *beep*. Just take it for what it is. Just laugh about it, don't get all pissed off and b*tchy about it, cuz all Hollywood will do is make more and more movies like this, even if they're good and you don't happen to like them. Pretty soon it'll die out, and you all will shut up. As for those of you that still think that these types of comedies are racist, you all need to do what that poster said: "grow up". Get on with life...

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[–] ThoseLittleRabbits 10 years ago

just because a black person is apart of something, doesn't mean it's not racist. black people, as is, have a hard time finding work in the industry, so most of the time they have to take what they can get.

i've got feelings too, ya know - inbetweeners

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[–] dfp71379 21 years ago

Correction, that WHITE people still are racist.

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[–] ChiaJesus 21 years ago

I find institutional racism more so in blacks than in whites. If you think that alot of black folks don't teach their children that white people are the devils, then you are definatly in la-la land and surely in sociological denial.

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[–] Ryegye87 20 years ago

I most definitley agree with this user. I think that what we need to realize here is that there is a differnece between being stereo-typical, prejudice, and racist. As a racist you believe that another person is below you and that you are better than them because of the color of your skin. Not only that, but if you're racist and white, then you hate blacks for the simple fact that they are black. However, this movie seems to be more stereo-typical, it seems as everybody is saying oh well they stereo-type blacks, and make them all "gangstas" and violent. Well i think the point MOST of you are missing is that they are stereo-typing whites here as well. Not every white person is rich, middle aged, passive-agressive, and scared to death of people in another race (namely blacks). Yet you dont see me making a big deal about this, because honestly i could give two *beeps* less about this two-bit, low rate, horrible comedy. Back to the point though, more blacks tend to be more STEREOTYPICAL than whites, as for racism, i think that's a little overdrawn. If you are white and hang around blacks, they always compare the differences between blacks and whites. Guaranteed if you turn on BET to a black comedian, 99% of the time he is going to be talking about how black people do this, and how white people do that. For you to say that it is all white's being stereo-typical, then that would be arrogant and ignorant.

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[–] hello_my_name_is 20 years ago

Thank you! You are very correct. Probably the only one on here who seems to know what the movie is stating. Also, I don't think they meant for you to annalize so critically. Sure, they want you to get the message that everyone is the same, but you are supposed to enjoy it and laugh at the funny parts. It's a comedy movie, remember? Stop picking at every little detail and just enjoy the movie!

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[–] 20 years ago

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[–] leomorena2002 19 years ago

I think you meant to say institutionalized racism and it is improperly used here in this context if that is indeed the term that you were referring to. Instutionalized racism is systematic racism such as slavery, such as preventing people of color equal access to education, jobs, housing etc. I think a lot of people throw around the word racism without really knowing what it means. Racism is prejudice plus power...meaning that the person or persons who are prejudiced against others also have the power to back it up..to take away land from Native Americans, decimate them and put the remaining survivors on reservations etc. The power control the economy and the systems of education etc. What we do see most times is bigotry and prejudice being dubbed as reverse racism....i doubt that there is such a thing. As for what black folks teach or dont' teach their children about whites...one cannot deny that whites have done many terrible things to people of color all around the world in the name of money, power, and so called superiority. From decimation of the Native Americans, slavery, the placement of Japanese Americans in concentration camps etc. Even in 2005 racism is alive and well and to pretend that it no longer exits is ludicrous. Many of the negative attitutes that people color may harbor towards whites are due to many of the things that whites have done historically to oppress others. While there are people of color who are prejudiced, that prejudice cannot be mistaken for racism...this i find too often is the case. The movie does offer some social commentary on racism and racist stereotypes but i think some people in this forum are taking it too far.

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[–] XBlackOrchidX 17 years ago

White People as well as blacks are racist and white people are more racist than Blacks watch the movie hairspray and other films and have facts before you make stupid assumptions about black people whites and blacks are racist so dont sit there and say black people are more racist unless you know for sure.

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[–] ThoseLittleRabbits 10 years ago

do you even know what institutional racism is? in what way can black people ever practice racism against whites?

If you think that alot of black folks don't teach their children that white people are the devil

give one example why black people shouldn't believe white people are devils? and maybe you should look up the doll test, you jackass

i've got feelings too, ya know - inbetweeners

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[–] la_chilindrina_0 20 years ago

" by - dfp71379 on Sun May 9 2004 11:16:29
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Correction, that WHITE people still are racist. "

ok... it's been like a year but...
do u think only white people are still racist?????????
please! go back to your planet!

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[–] xredgarnetx 19 years ago

Any black person teaching his child that white people are the devil has automatically doomed that child. American remains a white man's world, unless the white hater wants to move to Africa and experience first hand how effective black leadership has been.

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[–] ThoseLittleRabbits 10 years ago

except white supremacy is global, and effected africa even more with colonization/imperialism

i've got feelings too, ya know - inbetweeners

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[–] Clarke-6 20 years ago

And black people aren't? To say that only whites are racist only shows your ignorance of racism.

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[–] 20 years ago

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[–] aceof_spades19 18 years ago

b-itch no effin way did you just say that "WHITE" people are the only ones still racist. do you know how many times my very liberal father has walked down the street in PA and been called a CRACKER? or how many times ive been called a *beep* or white trash by black people who dont even know me? get your head of of your a-ss and quit bitchin

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[–] stands_tall_with_a_fist 21 years ago

Your comment made absolutely no sense. You accuse the movie of being racist, yet this is a movie (a lame movie) that satirizes upper-class racism. You may as well accuse "The Producers" of endorsing the Nazis because of the "Springtime for Hitler" musical number.

To understand satire is to allow minor offences; because a film describes racism, does that honestly qualify it as racist?

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[–] danstrator 21 years ago

This movie was SOOOOO racist. It was embarrassing to see any black actor or actress actually appear in this trashy movie. Until Black hollywood stands together and refuses to perform in such trite racist movies, stereotypes will always be perpetuated.

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[–] WhiteStripeschik 20 years ago

People! OMG! Itz a freakin movie! Yeah it may seem like this kind of stuff really happens, but itz a movie itz not like the actors are that way. This movie is suppose to make fun of people that are racist. Itz suppose to make you laugh not criticize it and be mad. It shows a process of a person moving from racism to being acceptant of all races. SO if you can't laugh about the movie then don't watch it so it doesn't bother you so much.

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[–] m_anthony23 20 years ago

Survivorchild, Perfectly said... I agree.

[email protected]

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[–] WhiteStripeschik 20 years ago

Thanks!

*~*Je suis le gars fou*~*

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[–] 20 years ago

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[–] WhiteStripeschik 20 years ago

Ok yeah you have a good point. I know they're showing whats really happening in the world, but you gotta open your eyes to see that they are making fun of people like that! HELLO!?! Key words: Suppose to make you laugh at our world today. It's not saying avoid it, it's just a way of relieving all the stress from our world in a humorous way. Don't get all butt hurt!

*~*Je suis le gars fou*~*

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[–] Ol_Gaffer 20 years ago

You people do know that Latifa was the producer of the movie, so she had the final OK in nearly everything to do with the script. So if there's racism in it, which there is, she Ok'd it all!

*Death is an aquired trait - Woody Allen*

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[–] redpixie 17 years ago

thats what i was wondering about.
if Latifah wasn't involved in the production of the movie it would be racist, but because she is its okay?

i hate when people jump all over everything these days with over-the-top PC shyte, and over-reaction racist accusations. but when i was watching this terrible film last night i couldn't help but notice an awful lot of stereotypical racist bull towards black AND white people (and that feckin slave song part was soo cringy.....jesus wept)

anyway, in the end, the film was soooo bad that it over-shadowed the racist stuff for me.

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[–] ailes81 20 years ago

After reading everyone's post and seeing both sides of the issue, I felt like it was time for me to comment. First and fore most, I am all for Denzel but couldn't you say that his character was stereotypical in Training Day and he won an academy award. I think people are being very judgemental about this movie when it is just a comedy and yes they use stereotypes to do that.

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[–] 20 years ago

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