For general discussion and debate. Possible talking point: Don Rickles, who is the subject of an HBO documentary broadcasting this evening.
For those old enough to know who Don Rickles is, and who saw him regularly on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson, you understand that he is, in his way, the originally shock comedian. His schtick often involved race, religion, gender, sexual preference, and appearance, and was often done in an attack style. Question: In today's politically correct world, could a white man get away with Rickles' style of humor, or would he be deemed a racist, sexist, homophobe?
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The answer of course
December 2, 2007 - 12:00 ET by BlazerThe answer of course is hell to the no.
"You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious. "
- Ben Kenobi on Liberals, and the MSM.
My thought exactly,
December 2, 2007 - 12:36 ET by motherbeltMy thought exactly, Blazer:
Not just no; HELL, NO!
Oh, wait a minute! If he said hateful things about the Bush administration,conservatives and religious people, then said "haha just kidding! lighten up!!" he would be a big hit among the Hollywood elite.
You know, if he did "Liberal Comedy"
He did!
December 2, 2007 - 16:24 ET by scamoramaIf he said hateful things about the ... administration,conservatives and religious people, then said "haha just kidding! lighten up!!" he would be a big hit among the Hollywood elite.
Rickles would go after anyone. If you can find some uncensored recordings of his, you'll see.
You'll also laugh your ass off.
I meant now; today.
December 2, 2007 - 19:25 ET by motherbeltI meant now; today. Liberals would love him, provided he stuck to going after conservatives. But his jabs at the "protected" classes would get him in worse trouble than Imus.
I still remember his show "CPO Sharkey." He relentlessly made fun of the men under his command. But there was a Hispanic guy, and he made fun of his accent (especially the phrase "chower choes" for "shower shoes."
He wouldn't get by with that today. On the other hand, neither would "Chico ("thas no my job") and the Man."
Rickles
December 2, 2007 - 12:05 ET by iveseenitallHe probably wouldn't be successful today for two reasons: he's obviously not P.C. Secondly, it takes a brain to understand real humor; liberals have no true sense of humor and ,therefore, they revert to immature toilet comedy or "comedy" which attempts to destroy those with whom they disagree.
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
Never.
December 2, 2007 - 12:04 ET by ReformedLib Re-FormedConHe'd be run out of town so fast... in fact, the only thing faster would be the lawsuits filed against him by all the 'PC' organizations. I can see the ACLU, NAACP, and all the others with their blurbs running him over and over and over with their rainbow colored, PC buses.
I remember him as a child; my parents and grandparents loved him. I thought he was funny, if sometimes a bit mean, but may be that's because I was a child.
reformed lib
December 2, 2007 - 12:07 ET by botgno you remember correctly he was on the attack
GoHunter08
Rickle's style of humor
December 2, 2007 - 12:09 ET by zachlind“Get away with Rickle’s style of humor”, most likely not. Some years ago I saw one of Mr. Rickle’s lounge shows in Las Vegas. Most of the people there were from the Comdex show and sitting on the front row was a black man and his wife. I can only say, that poor man. Rickle’s went on and on for a good ten minutes about white sheets, watermelons, Africa and a host of other rich targets. The guy was a good sport and the jokes were hilarious. But no, I can’t image Robin Williams (joke) getting away with a routine like Rickle’s.
New Poll Ideas
December 2, 2007 - 12:14 ET by LighthouseJHow about a series of polls where NB readers select top Republicans and Democrats, then select the best ticket for each side. Obviously the "best democrats" will be the most likely to lose but that can be up to the voter.
"Boats are safe in the harbor, but that's not what they're made for." -- Maritime quote
Obviously not...
December 2, 2007 - 12:19 ET by ToaThere has come a whole new crop of critics and reviewers in the entertainment business since Rickles' heyday, and his tendency to "shock" without any partiality would not fly with today's pandering (and cowardly) Leftist entertainment industry. He would have to limit himself to targeting only White males, Christians, Conservatives, and the rest of the standard "Liberal" whipping boys.
Maybe a bit off topic, but
December 2, 2007 - 12:21 ET by DontFeedTheTrollsMaybe a bit off topic, but this is open thread, I have a sweet tooth and like this company not just for it's products (especially Chick-O-Sticks) but because in their own small way they support our guys and gals in uniform.
D
Keep the ILLEGALS out, join NumbersUSA to send free faxes to your reps.
What the heck is a
December 2, 2007 - 12:23 ET by Warner Todd HustonWhat the heck is a "chick-o-sticks"?
Check out the company link
December 2, 2007 - 12:37 ET by motherbeltCheck out the company link that he posted (I was curious too). It's got to do with peanuts, and that's all I'm sayin'.....
Chick o sticks
December 2, 2007 - 13:01 ET by ricklailI love them. The problem is that over the past 6 months I have developed an allergy to peanuts. I didn't realize how much stuff had peanuts in it until I had to start readin labels.
"May God have mercy upon my enemies, because I won't.” General George S. Patton.
Almost Everything
December 2, 2007 - 13:35 ET by Del DolemonteA lot of the problem is that even if something doesn't have peanuts in it, it was probably made on a machine that had at some point been used to process them. It's all Jimmy Carter's fault.
I heard a story recently that a woman in Canada who was allergic to peanuts died after kissing her boyfriend. He had apparently recently eaten a peanut butter sandwich.
I have to say that I never
December 2, 2007 - 12:21 ET by Warner Todd HustonI have to say that I never "got" Rickles. I just never could understand why his fake name calling was supposed to be funny. He didn't even use real insults.. I mean, why would anyone get mad at being called a "hockey puck" and how is that either an insult OR funny?
Though, his bit with Carson about the broken pencil box on the Tonight Show set WAS funny.
-
December 2, 2007 - 13:18 ET by dahliatraversI have to say that I never "got" Rickles.
Ditto.
In defense of us, we can modify our habits and our behavior. But there's nothing less susceptible to reprogramming than one's sense of humor.
It's funny because
December 2, 2007 - 14:30 ET by Nortonaleche said the things people wanted to say. PC was not around in the 50's and 60's, but it was not kosher to speak like he did in public.
Nortonalec
I never cared for him
December 2, 2007 - 19:28 ET by motherbeltI never cared for him either; mainly because of the "insult comic" thing. Not that I'm fanatical about it, but it's a one-trick-pony show. Some of it's funny at first, but after a while it gets to sounding hateful, and it makes me uncomfortable.
I agree with you. Small
December 2, 2007 - 19:31 ET by balboaI agree with you. Small doses for Rickles. As for "hockey
puck," it's just a funny phrase (because of the letter K, naturally).
"I'm Offended" (In whining tone)
December 2, 2007 - 12:26 ET by WoodyMLiberals would be offended at Rickles calling someone a hockey puck. It would be something like "Hockey pucks are black and get slapped around by white guys holding sticks. It's just like Rodney King all over again."
Woody
December 2, 2007 - 12:48 ET by motherbeltLOL!
"The Niceman Cometh"
December 2, 2007 - 12:30 ET by Del DolemonteThe most hilarious Rickles performance I can recall was in 1989 when he guest starred on his dear friend Bob's show "Newhart" (this was the show set in Vermont, not the earlier Chicago show).
Rickles plays "Don Prince", who is hired by Newhart's boss at the TV station to host a new show called "Vermont Tonight". The manager makes Dick (Newhart) his announcer a la Ed McMahon, and soon Don is off to the races. Each show turns into a forum for Rickles to insult Dick (they even develop a segment of the show called "Pick on Dick".) Of course, Newhart takes it all stoically, but you can see him starting to crack.
Finally, one night they're doing the show (with, fittingly enough, guest Ed McMahon) and Don finally issues the insult that breaks the camel's back. Newhart then turns to Don and blurts out "You're FAT!". Rickles looks stunned, then asks Dick what he said. "You're FAT...and you're BALD!".
Rickles falls apart on the air and walks off the set. Later in his dressing room, Newhart comes by to apologize, and finds out that Don had been trying to get out of his contract for weeks and had been purposely goading Bob into making such a response. But the problem was, as Don said "You're just such a NICE guy!".
As Newhart turns to leave, Don says: "Dick, just one more thing". He walks over to him and plants a big kiss right on the lips.
Sad to say,, this episode is from the second to the last season so isn't out on DVD. The first season is coming out in a few weeks.
Hysterical! I never saw
December 2, 2007 - 12:37 ET by rimskyHysterical! I never saw that episode. I love Don's schtick. Is Don still working? uh.. is Don still WITH us?
Newhart - now there's another schtick that is unique. He was actually a guest on a late night talk show recently.. could have been Letterman.. his subtle humor is to die for.
Don's Still With Us
December 2, 2007 - 12:43 ET by Del DolemonteYes, Don is still working in Vegas and has no plans to retire. He's 81.
He and Newhart actually appeared on the Tonight Show together right after Carson died to reminisce about their many appearances on the show.
Anyone remember Don's short-lived sitcom, "C.P.O. Sharkey"?
Del
December 2, 2007 - 19:35 ET by Noel SheppardDel,
I didn't see that episode. Although I loved the show, I wasn't a weekly devotee. If I was home, and it was on, I'd watch. That said, I can envision the entire thing, and see Newhart in his deadpan just taking all the abuse.
Of course, it goes without saying that possibly the funniest Rickles moment was when Carson barged onto his set to complain about him breaking his cigarette case the night before. Maybe one of the funniest moments in television history: http://www.youtube.c...
:-) ns
Same Here
December 3, 2007 - 01:05 ET by Del DolemonteLike you, Noel, I wasn't a weekly watcher of the "Vermont Newhart" show, but just happened to catch this episode. I didn't really care for the "Larry and his 2 brothers named Darryl" bit.
However, Tom Poston was a national landmark, especially in that show. He left us this year.
Trivia: A lot of the opening credit scenic sequences of the Vermont Newhart show were in fact filmed in New Hampshire in the same vicinity where the Fonda/Hepburn movie "On Golden Pond" was done a few years earlier.
Anyone remember...
December 2, 2007 - 12:31 ET by ToaHA...good one, Woody- and quite true, I'm afraid.
Anyone remember Don Rickles' appearances as Maxwell Smart's old Army buddy on "Get Smart", or his role as a snake-oil huckster in "The Man With the X-Ray Eyes" starring Ray Milland? He did great in these, and other work he did besides his solo comedy acts.
Crapgame!
December 2, 2007 - 15:15 ET by Roger the ShrubberCrapgame!
Yes, see Doug Stanhope, who is f---in' HILARIOUS
December 2, 2007 - 12:36 ET by sarcasmowww.dougstanhope.com I just saw him in Orlando and Doug's as politically-incorrect as they come. But just to be serious for a moment, free speech is under attack and people here are saying nothing.
JMR
Rally online with fans of Dr. Ron Paul.
Hawaii Finishes 12-0
December 2, 2007 - 12:38 ET by Del DolemonteThe #11 Hawaii Rainbow Warriors came roaring back from a 21-0 deficit early this morning to beat Washington 28-21 and finish their perfect season. QB Colt Brennan had a Heisman night, throwing for 442 yards and 4 TDs-no interceptions.
Washington had the ball at Hawaii's 4 yard line with 38 seconds left in the game, but Ryan Mouton (there's an LSU name for ya) intercepted Jake Locker in the end zone with 3 seconds to go.
This pretty much guarantees Hawaii a major bowl-they may go play LUS in the Sugar Bowl, but Brennan thinks they'll end up in the Rose Bowl.
What a year in college
December 2, 2007 - 12:52 ET by rimskyWhat a year in college football! I've lost track of the number of times top-ranked teams got knocked off. Michigan fans have to be feeling pretty good right now, having been the first in a long list of upsets that continued to shock us all, week after week. Best thing is, there's a NEW YEAR COMING!!! College Football! I freakin' love this game!
What a year in college
December 2, 2007 - 12:53 ET by rimskyWhat a year in college football! I've lost track of the number of times top-ranked teams got knocked off. Michigan fans have to be feeling pretty good right now, having been the first in a long list of upsets that continued to shock us all, week after week. Best thing is, there's a NEW YEAR COMING!!! College Football! I freakin' love this game!
Correction
December 2, 2007 - 13:32 ET by Del DolemonteThe mental giants at Yahoo! had the final score wrong (I didn't stay up to watch the whole game).
Final: Hawaii 35, Washington 28. 5 TDs for Colt.
well considering that's entirely what i do
December 2, 2007 - 13:02 ET by lunaticcringeradiolunatic cringe radio is nothing but inappropriate, offensive, and just plain wrong. even though i've been too damn busy to do a show recently i go out of my way to offend, and i will not appologize for it.
lunaticcringeradio
Hillary praised-for what?
December 2, 2007 - 13:18 ET by ricklailHillary is being praised for her handling of the hostage ordeal. What did she do? She didn't direct the SWAT team. She didn't do any of the negotations. It is the same as her qualifications for president-she has none. I doubt that she knew the names of the campaign workers in that office. Are we going to have to listen/watch BS like this for the next 11 months?
I admit that I get my world/national news from Fox. Carl Cameron just flat out sucked on his coverage of that incident
"May God have mercy upon my enemies, because I won't.” General George S. Patton.
Come on, Rick
December 2, 2007 - 13:21 ET by BlondeShe's getting praised for "being Hillary".
Sheesh.
Now...what do you hear about Phat Phil this a.m.?
That play in the 4th quarter...classic. Phil looked like a 400 lb imitation of the old Ball Coach. LMAO.
And yeah, we should probably take THIS discussion over to the open thread.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Phat Phil
December 2, 2007 - 16:14 ET by ricklailI haven't thougth much about him this morning. I was looking at the Yahoo Sports projected bowl line up. I didn't see the Gamecocks in there anywhere. That is really a slap because all 8 bowl eligible teams from the ACC are going to bowls. Clem's son is playing Auburn in the Chic-filla (?) bowl. They deserve each other. Like Hillary and O'bama.
They are picking LSU-OSU in the national championship. The Sooners are making a pitch because they beat the #1 team last night. Don't matter. There are going to be a lot of pissed off coashes who think their teams need to be there.
"May God have mercy upon my enemies, because I won't.” General George S. Patton.
Bowl Games
December 2, 2007 - 16:23 ET by BlondeSo who is Florida playing, and where? I'm too lazy to look it up.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
-
December 2, 2007 - 13:23 ET by dahliatraversExactly.
In fact, it turns out that the hostages themselves did far more to diffuse the crisis than H.R. Clinton.
Authorities said Friday night that hostages played a key role in getting convicted rapist Eisenberg, 46, of Somersworth, N.H., to surrender during the hours-long ordeal. At times Eisenberg refused to talk to a police negotiator and the hostages took the phone, relaying information to Eisenberg and keeping lines of communication open.
http://www.bostonherald.com/news/2008/view.bg?articleid=1048283
Not only did the Hildebeast not participate in the negotiations
December 2, 2007 - 15:27 ET by RJ...she had absolutely nothing to do with organizing or directing them. So much for showing leadership.
But, given her famous mean-spirited vindictivness, the New Hampshire Bomber and his hostages should be thankful she was kept away.
Hildebeast is booed after "acting Presidental" in hostage event
December 2, 2007 - 18:41 ET by RJLooks like the Hildebeast didn't convince the audience in the Heartland Forum that her positions on illegal immigration are "Presidental." The audience booed her several times, according to this ABC news blog.
No White Person Ever Could Do What Comedians Do
December 2, 2007 - 13:39 ET by Lame CherryThe main reason is the "comedy" clubs all promote the comedians who are Jewish like Rickles or black like that obnoxious Chris Rock.
Whoopie and Rosie O can spew F word foulness at Bob Dole and Bush, and it is ok.
Allot of this does go back to the Jewish entertainment promotion which started this from the beginning in owning theaters and clubs. There is not a organized push, but just like the Jews all Hannakah together they just are comfortable and give comedians of like minds the chance others do not.
Those are the first reasons and the second reason is you must be liberal to get the job, because as one schmoozes with the cocktail crowds one has to agree with all the America bashing going on.
Sure you will get Jackie Mason etc.... doing the schtik but they talk to kids who show up at the club circuit whose club owners are all comfortable with each other.
If one takes the redneck white comedians, they are of course allowed to be rednecks as it fits into the stereotype of bashing poor white folks.
Drew Carey advances because he became the stupid white hick from Ohio and it fits the image Hollywood likes to portray of redlands people.
In none of this do I want to sound like here am I coming down on Don Rickles or any Jewish comedian. Mr. Rickles is the last of the showmen of an era of George Burns and Jack Benny. They knew how to become one with the audience and by doing that they could get away with Rickles comedy in insulting everything.
Mr. Rickles never has bothered with his public persona, but everyone knows like Jack Benny, he is a generous, very good and decent gentleman. While Chris Rock goes foul, you will never hear one swear word coming out of Rickles as he learned how to perform like Rodney Dangerfield without the foul language.
It is wonderful that he is being honored and I pray he finds Peace and God blesses the life He gave him. In His Name. Amen
*HIC IACET ARTORIVS REX QVONDAM REXQVE FVTVRVS
Rickles Article
December 2, 2007 - 14:50 ET by Guy Arthur ThomasTo answer the question: Sure a white man could get a way with the Rickle's style of humor, as long as he's black.
Shut up and blog! If you claim to be a conservative, please don't disgrace yourself and conservatism by thinking and arguing like a liberal. Go Rudy!
-
December 2, 2007 - 15:12 ET by dahliatraversAnd speaking of potentially un-p.c. entertainers, for listeners in the Northeast, Don Imus is back on the air tomorrow.
http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2007/12/02/2007-12-02_all_eyes__and_ears__are_on_shock_jock_do.html
No, you couldn't get away
December 2, 2007 - 15:13 ET by kevcadNo, you couldn't get away with it if you're a white guy. Heck, try selling Blazing Saddles in it's original screenplay today, and you wouldn't get any takers.
Start each day with a smile, then get it over with. - W.C. Fields
Anyone here ever see Brad
December 2, 2007 - 15:20 ET by balboaAnyone here ever see Brad Garrett when he did standup? About as politically incorrect as you could get. Those kinds of comedians will always be around, and there will be success stories.
No Don Rickles would not
December 2, 2007 - 15:37 ET by ConservativeRexNo Don Rickles would not get away with his jokes these days. I actually did not think he was that funny anyway. I saw him a bunch of times. I did like Rodney Dangerfield however. Even Henny Youngman was funnier than Rickles, to me.
Like these days, people laugh at Robin Williams. I honestly don't think I have ever laughed at a single thing he's said. Just not funny to me.
I hate to be a stick in the
December 2, 2007 - 15:36 ET by msh1973I hate to be a stick in the mud but...what is up with the new ad for RationalResponders.com?
Rickles isn't a shock
December 2, 2007 - 19:31 ET by Howard_BealeRickles isn't a shock comedian; he's an insult comic, very possibly the best and certainly the most successful. A real shock comedian was Lenny Bruce, and he paid dearly for his approach. Just ask the FBI.
Everlasting schtick
December 2, 2007 - 19:32 ET by JDWAfter the more well-known and prestigious comedians, of course, names like W.C. Fields, Laurel and Hardy, and the Marx Brothers, where are the fans of Wheeler and Woolsey, the Ritz Brothers, Olsen and Johnson? Who else survives from that lost world of two-reel short comedies in which so many of the comedians in movie history made their mark?
And why, with their 50 year-old routines, are the Three Stooges fresher than Leno or Letterman?
JDW
Sen Clinton: Distinguished Founder of Media Matters
RICKLES COULD HAVE TONSOF FUN WITH THIS...OR NOT?
December 2, 2007 - 19:38 ET by reelman46BLACK “HATE PRANK” IN MARYLAND: REACTIONS?
Firehouse incident with noose was a hoax
BLACK Firefighter admits placing rope, note
By Justin Fenton | Sun reporter, December 2, 2007
A firefighter who reported finding a knotted rope and a threatening
note with a drawing of a noose in an East Baltimore station house last
month had placed the items there himself, city officials said yesterday.
The man was suspended last week for performance-related issues and will
likely face additional punishment, fire officials said. Sterling
Clifford, a spokesman for the Police Department and for Mayor Sheila
Dixon, said the man admitted to the hoax and will not face criminal
charges.
Officials identified the firefighter who they say acknowledged writing
the note as Donald Maynard, a firefighter-paramedic apprentice who is
black. Maynard could not be reached for comment.
CRAWFISH NOTE: Cue the hypocritical police! Will this
black man be hammered by the libmedia for a week? Will he lose his job
for “hateful” acts? The smart money says he will probably get his lunch
break cut in half have to sweep up one day. Will Jesse and Al go public
with a condemnation? Did I mentionMaryland is a lib-dominated state?
Guess not.
Doug Schexnayder, Ph.D. (theconservativecrawfish)
Numbers USA get's it...
December 2, 2007 - 20:24 ET by Clear thinkerRoy Beck at Numbers USA said that Fred Thompson's Illegal Immigration plan "blew him away". He said it will work. But that message is being ignored.
Rush Limbaugh stated that of the top 5 Republicans running for the presidency, only one was a true conservative. http://www.fred08.com/ Rush then stated that the conservative was Fred Thompson.
Imagine...
December 2, 2007 - 21:07 ET by JDWKATC3- Suite over hurricane predictions?
Aljazeera- Chavez 'wins Venezuela referendum'
Funny?
JDW
Sen Clinton: Distinguished Founder of Media Matters
Ohio State vs. LSU? A
December 2, 2007 - 21:29 ET by Roger the ShrubberOhio State vs. LSU?
A two-loss team might be national champs? Bah.
IA lib
December 2, 2007 - 21:52 ET by JDWDes Moines Register Poll
·Obama - 28
·Clinton - 25
·Edwards 23
I do not think Mrs Clinton can afford to lose IA.
JDW
Sen Clinton: Distinguished Founder of Media Matters
News media
December 2, 2007 - 22:10 ET by JDWUnwillingness to accept risk results in risk
News media takes risk!
Clinton News Network evolves! Introducing Corrupt News Network!
Delivered daily to the Clintons.
JDW
Sen Clinton: Distinguished Founder of Media Matters
Freds Border Security Plan...
December 2, 2007 - 23:15 ET by Clear thinkerThis short video says it all....
http://fredfile.fred08.com/blog/2007/video-freds-solution/
Rush Limbaugh stated that of the top 5 Republicans running for the presidency, only one was a true conservative. http://www.fred08.com/ Rush then stated that the conservative was Fred Thompson.
CNN Slammed from the LEFT!
December 3, 2007 - 00:10 ET by BritcomThe LA Times has printed a hit piece on CNN for "corruption" and "incompetence" in its recent CNN/YouTube Republican Debate, BUT, not for the reasons you might expect. Apparently the LA Times thinks that CNN's apparent agenda in selecting the questions for the candidates BACKFIRED and helped some GOP candidates at the expense of some Dem candidates. That's not what they said, but it is apparently the message they were trying to send to CNN. Basically LAT was telling CNN, "You idiots! You amateurs! Your debate played right into the GOP's hands and now that it comes out that your questioners were all Democrats and not nutcase Republicans, people are asking why Democrats would be asking such crazy racist sounding questions about the Confederate flag, and illegal aliens;... and OMG, Guns, and the Bible!"
Here is the story in the LA Times >>
H/T Drudge
Chavez loses! No dictator
December 3, 2007 - 02:20 ET by wiwfChavez loses! No dictator for life! :DDDDD
The Rocky Mountain Collegian: Illustrating Idiocy
Stump Grinder Meets 30 Buried WWII Mortar Shells
December 3, 2007 - 03:46 ET by BritcomYou won't believe where these were found.
Where is the last place on Earth you would ever expect the government to bury WWII munitions and then forget about them?
That's right... Key West! More >>
Source: Local6
War movie prediction (you heard it from me first!)
December 3, 2007 - 05:13 ET by sarcasmo"Charlie Wilson's War" will be a hit if it's 1/10th as good as the book. The movie will make money. Hell, I'm not much of a movie-goer, and I might even buy a ticket, if only to see yet-another congresscritter snortin' blow with hookers, since THAT part of the movie's definitely true to life...
JMR
Rally online with fans of Dr. Ron Paul.
ANOTHER threat to freedom of speech...
December 3, 2007 - 12:13 ET by sarcasmoThis time it's Paul Jacob's speech instead of mine, thank Heaven...I've got plenty of excitement in that department already.
JMR
Rally online with fans of Dr. Ron Paul.