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Chris Hicks: Redford shows little class with LDS comment

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Stormy | 11:12 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Looks like Mr Redford had a run-in with some cliquish Mormons or something. It seems to happen everywhere nowadays. What is going on with the LDS members nowadays? Can't they just be genuine with those who are a bit different or don't fit into their yucky snob-groups?... Try to get along people!!

Oh good grief | 11:15 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

D News are you guys gonna milk this story again? You've got to be kidding. Can't you find some real news to report on? What are you thinking, this one got a lot of attention last time so let's run it again to help boost our ratings? This is pathetic.

the holiest candidate | 11:21 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

What worries me is that the people of America focus on what candidate is the "holiest."
Bush "taking direction from a higher power" played a huge part in getting him in office.
We not get to hear how sanctimonious and family-values oriented the candidates are until they're blue in the face.
I really hope the American people can see through the Elmer Gantrys of politics.

Comments continue below

big deal | 11:36 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Sundance No More lighten up!. he didn't kill anybody. I will ski at Sundance regardless of your crusade.

Paperboy | 11:46 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

When I read Redford's comment, I see some admiration about the public speaking and presentation ability of returned missionaries (which is absolutely correct. I am a returned missionary and received fantastic preparation for my life and learned the envious ability to present to various audience in a public or private forum) and some disdain for the maybe a bit too-perfect and too polished persona of Mitt Romney (which others have commented on.)

I don't agree with everything that comes out of the mouth of Robert Redford, or any other person, for that matter. The fact that he has a public forum and is widely quoted should make him be a bit more careful about his remarks and how they might be taken in or out of context

I'm wondering if maybe the defensive sounding, knee-jerk reaction I'm seeing here from the LDS community to Redford's remarks is not quite justified? Maybe there is a bit of truth and something to gleen? My take is that being authentic, open and genuine is a positive trait that puts others at ease and helps to build relationships and help gain the confidence of others.

is plastic really an insult? | 11:56 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

I remember Reagan was called the "plastic" president, referring to his ability to let things bounce off of him without causing a dent. They also used "Teflon" president to describe the same thing. Isn't that what Redford was saying? It seemed he was referring to Mormon's ability to not let things knock them off course, and not being fake.
Of course, after reading these comments from so many people who choose to be offended so easily, he was wrong

Anonymous | 12:08 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

plastic, teflon, when it comes to politics outer coatings are used all the time. Deflect would of been a more proper word.

It's one word Chis, and a mistake many outside the church make about male members. Much worse was said about Kennedy, and I think you were old enough to know that. Pot stirer

Jack Mormon | 12:09 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Way to circle the wagons, automaton.

Anonymous | 12:11 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

I am of the belief that people always go too far in everything they do.
Including religion.

Iron Axe | 12:14 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

For Rob Redford to say that all Mormons are plastic is unacceptable regardless of how you slice it, but who care sometimes we need to see where the comment comes from, He is the one that is plastic even if the River Runs through it, all his movies and his acting are full of plastic acting, it's got more plastic then a tupperware party...just like the Madame speaker of the House from Calif. where he should be...they all look like Joan Rivers/Kenny Rogers.......lol

One Nervous Utahn | 12:15 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Iï¿½m shocked at this hostility. Several have suggested that Robert Redford should leave the state simply because he said some Mormons are ï¿½plasticï¿½.
Good thing he didnï¿½t name a Teddy Bear ï¿½Brigham.ï¿½ Perhaps we should all demand Redfordï¿½s execution, as well.

Talk about a persecution complex!!!

Dave | 12:21 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Just a Person - If you have a problem with religion reporting, why do you read the Deseret News instead of secular newspapers?

Free cheap shots | 12:27 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Had you substituted "Mormon" for any other group of people Robert Redford would have to go to ReHab for sensitivity training.

Taking a cheap shots at the mormons has always been fair game in the media.

WHO CARES | 12:35 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Robert is an idiot. who cares what he thinks about mormons

I met him | 1:08 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

I was delivering candy to a service station on 800 North in Orem by the freeway...He had stopped for gas and came into the station to pay for it.

I was really suprised at how short he was and how bad his complexion was...Perhaps his negative comments are an unconscious attempt at compensating for a poor self image?

I mean Romney is everything he is not...Family man, tall, probably more wealthy, etc.

Maybe he's just jealous!

Automaton | 1:10 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

I am mormon. I am RM. I am plastic. I am robot. I cannot think for myself, please help me Robert.

Hicks who? | 1:10 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

It seems to me this "news item" that was presented last week in this paper has been re-hashed by Hicks for some obscure reason.

Who cares what Hicks thinks about Redford?
One is an American icon the other a two-bit reporter.

CJB | 1:13 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Redford leave Utah-please
What a provincial comment! So we're to toss out anyone who's opinion doesn't match ours? My guess is that Redford, albeit with his imperfections, has done more for the state of Utah than you have. So when you go into your barroom rant about us not really wanting "Bob" in the state, speak for yourself. I think it's great that he spends so much time and energy here.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME, CHRIS? | 1:16 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

This is frankly a stupid editorial. Chris Hicks must have some kind of serious inferiority complex or acute paranoia, because I'm a Mormon and I don't interpret Redford's comments as negative to the LDS faith. He says Mormon males can come off as fluent and unfazed from missionary experience. This is probably true to some extent. I don't see how this is offense at all. When he says Romney is "plastic," I don't think he is saying all Mormons are plastic. Leavce it to Chris Hicks and his amateur editorials to make this non-issue an issue. Chris Hicks has a serious persecution complex. Robert Redford's comments equivalent to persecution?!?!?! Are you kidding me?!?! Chris, go find yourself a new profession or write about stuff people care about.

Ken | 1:20 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

All this angst over being called "plastic"? Easily offended or overly sensitive, apparently. Note to writer: you don't help your cause by writing a whole sniveling article about a lazy comment made by some washed up actor who should know better.

Let it ride, bro. Let it ride....

So Tired !!!!! | 1:27 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

I'm so tired of Mormons who immediately take offense to any "anti mormon" commentary. Many non mormon members of society are not privy to the details of Mormon doctrine and often make incorrect generalizations. Instead of being spiteful and resentful, like so many of you have expressed in your comments, I call upon you to lean on the strength you receive from your Faith in the Lord. It's a shame that so many are so quick to judge and set blame. If you truly believe in your Faith, you can easily choose to not be affected by remarks such as those made by Robert Redford.

Pathetic | 1:29 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

I guess plastic does not a thick skin make.

Redford's comments were benign, folks. You're reading way too much into them. Nice to crucify Redford the way you are. And we wonder why people don't think we're Christian? I am a Mormon (outside of Utah... THANK GOODNESS), and you guys embarass me.

Macey | 1:31 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Chris Hicks makes a valid point regarding Redford's comments about the LDS, but when it comes to Mel Gibson he forgot to mention that his ravings were due to inebriation and for which he publicly apologised twice and appeared on National Television to apologise again.
We have yet to see many other minority faiths, cultures and celebrities apologise for their (sober) insults and ravings which the media conveniently suppress because it doesn't suit their agenda.
The hypocrisy is disgusting.

ray | 1:33 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

I remember in the 1970's going to a play at the Sundance Summer Theater.

At the intermission, I went to get a snack & drink. While standing in line someone bumped into me and they said 'excuse me'. So I looked back to say thatï¿½s okay and I looked down onto the top of a head ï¿½ it was Robert Redford.

I am only 6' 2'' tall.

Who cares what that little ole dude says -you can't find 10 out of 100,000 people who are interested in his little-opinion.

Mormon Hypos | 1:48 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

To the mormon hypocrites who mock Robert Redford or call him an idiot (or castigate his films)while believing or claiming that he should be more measured in his comments: Lighten up, you're embarrassing the rest of us. You seem like ants running around like madness around an anthill.

Redford was lazy in his inaccuracy, but many/most (if not all) of us generalize occasionally. Also, keep in mind that what Robert Redford said was reported (in full or not) by the media and/or the press, a couple of dubious characters.

Let's not take things too seriously, just take them for what they are.

Hicks comes across as petty to write that Redford is "being phony" because he is an actor and "pretending" to feel emotions in the context of a fictional story - potentially offending all actors. Chris Hicks, that was embarrassing. Haven't you made a large piece of your living from the entertainment industry, particularly films? Hicks comes across as defensive with quivering lip, saying in his last couple of paragraphs "Oh yeah? Well you're a faker!" Chris Hicks is a good writer on many other occasions.

No fan of hell-ywood | 1:51 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Why are any of you surprised?? What has Bobby Redford ever done positive for this nation? ACTING like a jerk when you are one isn't talent! Sodom & Gomorrah had nothing on California values & we're seeing a trend in all major forms of media people who reflect the semi-hidden agenda of debasing folks for their faith. Just don't support his ilk & stand true for what you believe in. Render unto Ceasear that which is Ceasear's & unto God the things that are God's. (loosely translated) Give God your attention & turn your ears & wallets away from Satan's training camp=Hollywood.

banker_1 | 1:53 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Dear Mr. Redford, I've noticed that when far left liberals don't understand something [like Mormons] they go on the attack. But I must admit that I'm the same way. I always thought that Redford was just like his ilk: Harry Reid (a mormon with a small m), Nancy Pelosi, Ted Kennedy, Dick Durbin, Steny Hoyer, James Webb, big mouth Joe Biden, Rahm Emanuel, Chris Dodd, John Murtha, Hillary, John Kerry...well you get the idea. I thought these guys were nothing more than well trained artificial automatons; go figure. I'll try and do the best to understand the hateful, venomous, and slanderous vitriol that these morons spew daily if Redford will do his best to understand highly ethical moral (non-plastic) people that encompass the people that he loves to live around and also hate.

who cares | 2:24 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Who cares what redford says. Wasnt he an actress in the 70s.

Offended | 2:24 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

He has time and again insulted LDS members and the people of Utah. I am fed up with this guy.

Sidewinder | 2:25 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Hey! if the Christians aren't stoneing the Mormons than the Mormons are stoning their own. They can't even get along with each other. TOO MUCH GOSSIP IN THE LDS CHURCH!! GRIPE GRIPE GRIPE!! BAaaa HUM BUG!

Jimmy | 2:26 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Most of Redford's contact with Mormons has been in the Utah valley area. I'm LDS and I can't stand 80% of the people in this area. Not sure if it comes from the whole "BYU is the Harvard of the West" mentality or something else, but I can say that every other area I've lived in members of the church are honest, hard working, friendly people. Here in Utah valley you have kids that treat non-members children like second class citizens and then have their parents get confrontational when I say I don't want my kids hanging out with theirs.

caustic comments prove point | 2:30 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

To the mormon posters who talk about Robert Redford's wrinkles, height ("little old dude") moles, divorced from a mormon woman, and call him an "idiot", "fool" and a host of other names -
I can see where there is no shortage of shallow people in this culture.
One might even call it plastic.

Former Fanatic | 2:31 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Thanks for reminding me of what Iï¿½ve always hated about ï¿½religiousï¿½ people, whether they are ï¿½plasticï¿½ or not. All the personal insults and demeaning of others with opposing view points, and the calls for others to leave the state, are simply not nice. And then thereï¿½s that irritating ï¿½if it was anyone else but us, nobody would say a wordï¿½ attitude. (Like they are the ï¿½onlyï¿½ ones who have ever been picked on.) So glad my ï¿½churchingï¿½ days are long over.

Outastater | 2:36 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Chris is right on target when he writes: "Although, on this subject (being plastic/superficial), Redford is the expert. After all, he made his millions primarily from acting ï¿½ being phony, pretending to feel emotions in the context of a fictional story." I am quite tired of actors, those who spend their lives pretending to be someone greater than they truly are, promoting themselves as the end-all, be-all experts of any and everything. And the public believing them! How does being an actor make you a sage for our times?

Butch Cassidy | 2:36 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Maybe if your religion wasn't so secretive, people wouldn't have to generalize and stereotype you. And as far as nobody caring about the slanderous remarks made about mormons, you're right, nobody cares. Until you get an Al Sharpton or a Gloria Alred and a large group of civil rights activists to get on board with your beliefs and start suing people for these remarks...nobody is going to take notice. Fortunately, it's free speech and there is nothing anybody can do about it.

My thoughts exactly! | 2:41 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Bravo to "He's no Expert"

RE: Mormon Hypos | 1:48 p.m | 2:41 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Well said!

True and Sad | 2:44 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

You know something? I am now in active in the LDS church.. as of now. Ive had it with my church.. The Mormon hypocrites who think and place themselves above everyone else is out of hand. Ive have now began to think our church is truly a cult! I loved the LDS church once, but I'm treated there quite badly as well, and I have always tried to do my best and as I was told...but no more!...I'm OUT OF HERE!

plastic | 2:46 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

I don't think Redford was belittling all LDS men when he said "it's plastic." Instead, he was pointing out a problem with the delivery of message by many LDS leaders. If you don't think this is a problem just listen to LDS General Conference. (And yes, I am a member of the LDS Church). All of the conference addresses are delivered in the same sing-song tone. I do wish each speaker felt more compelled to deliver their message in their own voice so that it seemed more genuine. Instead of criticizing Redford, maybe we would do well to look in the mirror and see if plasticity really is a problem that should/could be fixed.

ArizonaRanchWife | 2:47 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Who cares what that old has-been thinks? I do find it kind of interesting that here is an actor who has always relied on his supposed "good looks" for his big ratings, now criticizing Mitt Romney, a politician, whose clean lifestyle has rewarded him with the actual squeaky-clean good looks that Redford only wishes he had.

JT | 2:56 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

ERNEST Hemple...Justin Taggart and Mike Coleman say hello.

Romney Plastic not Mormons | 3:05 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

The "plastic" quote is a direct reference to MItt Romney, not Mormons or Mormon men as the writer Hicks would have you believe. Read the paragraph and note where the quote comes, after directly mentioning Romney. He had moved on from the Mormon theme. If that is Redford's opinion about MItt, who cares? The quote was taken completely out of context, and used for sensationalistic purposes to sell bogus media.

Iron Axe | 3:12 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

May Bob should let a plastic surgeon let his knife run through his face to heal them wrinkles that he has, so he can look like Kenny Rogers/Joan Rivers...River Runs Through It....lol

EQUAL TO ALL OTHERS.. | 3:13 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

My problem with the church is with all the haughtiness of the members. I don't think God wants his children to be PLASTIC SNOBS...or place themselves above all anothers. We are all Gods children. So why can't the Mormon people treat people who are a little different in-or-out of the church as equals. I have not found any genuine love coming from the members. I only seem to get caught in their brag and who knows who sessions...that leaves me out. I really don't care for repulsive cliques. These kind of things will not save anyone in the end.

Anonymous | 3:16 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Let me see...is it not the official LDS belief that all other churches and religions are an "abomination"? Quit the complaining Saints

Anga | 3:23 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

I think we all have to lighten up a bit. Redford has been great citizen and I would venture to say he has done more for our state than Romney.

Hmmmm | 3:32 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

All the hate and bitterness on both sides of the coin. A sad commentary on our world today.

Listen here!!!!!! | 3:34 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

you guys need to watch how you sling around the name Butch Cassidy. I had a Mormon ancestors who new him well, and even adopted 2 of his children. The Cassidy guy ran off and left his wife and 2 kids to the polygamists...Gee guys have a heart. I think Redford made a movie about Cassidy too. Kind of off the wall. Also left out the polygamist story.

Minnesota | 3:37 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Butch Cassidy: How can you say we are so secretive. I spent two years trying to tell anyone and everyone about the Church. If you want to know about the church talk to any member they will tell you anything you want to know. iF you want to laugh and make light of things or people then no they may not be willing to share a lot with you. Show people the same respect you would anyone else

I've said it before... | 3:41 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

... and I'll say it again-- what's the big deal? "Plastic" was referring specifically to Romney, not Mormons, General Authorities, or people in Utah to begin with. Though if the shoe fits...

Please, folks, if you're so easily offended, all you're doing is proving your own critics right! You know--plastic is that stuff that gets all bent out of shape once a little bit of heat is applied?

Continuing to trash Redford over this isn't going to show how Christlike you really are. Hey, wait a minute--maybe it IS!

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