Deseret News | Redford shows little class with LDS comment

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Chris Hicks: Redford shows little class with LDS comment

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USER | 8:48 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

It seems to show that Redford will be happy to use the LDS people when it benefits him. They have supported his ski resort for years. But when it really comes right down to it, don't turn your back because he'll nail the LDS. He's a user!

SUNDANCE NO MORE | 8:49 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

I will never visit or purchase anything from sundance again. I hope everyone else in this valley does the same...

Penni-Idaho | 8:50 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

I think he is bitter about his breakup with his wife and wants to seperate himself from anything to do with her religion. I think those who are unwilling to allow themselves any respect for people who do such good are only denying themselves the truth. How can you bash Mormons? I see so much good!!! BOB is Hollywood anyway....they are ALL one huge trainwreck.......Why feel to defend to them!?!?! (eyes rolling) Remember, it will be US teaching them on the other side!!! AHAHAHAHHAHA

Comments continue below

Judge Not | 8:50 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

It's funny how a person's bigotry becomes apparent when they move their lips or take pen in hand. Your bigotry says more about you than the people you criticize. I'm certain I could compile a list of 200 stereotypes about Mormons, and some of you who posted comments here have given me some new ones. Willie, for example, stupidly believes the following stereotypes: Mormons are thin-skinned. Mormons feel picked on. Mormons are deserving of disdain. Mormons are weird. Mormons are judgmental. Mormons have holier-than-thou attitudes. Willie, perhaps you should study Christ's words more often. Perhaps you've forgotten, "Judge not, that ye be not judged."

Ross | 8:50 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Chris, you are right on! I agree completely with you. Robert Redford has never contributed much to the quality of life in Utah. He came with his millions in a socialistic bubble that reality never penetrates. Not surprised that he doesn't notice all the wonderful things happening all around him. He never has. Pitty the movie star.

hey joyce | 8:55 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

get a grip, when a minority speaks out you guys always try to downplay their contributions wheter red, brown, yellow or white! Different strokes for different folks and you can ZZZZZZZap me if you want as god is red!

Sad Sam | 8:55 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Sadly, even here in Utah, bigotry is so rampant that in some circles many Mormons must downplay or even hide their religious affiliation. When he applied to enter the U law school, my son was advised to delete any mention of having served a mission or being an Eagle Scout. Judging from the comments he heard after getting accepted, it was good advice.

Disappointed in Redford | 8:57 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

I would have expected more class from Redford; a man whose social and business experiences should have given him ample wisdom so as not to stoop to such low-level and derisive criticism. His carefully phrased comments expose either an ax that he feels a need to grind or maybe a lack of measured intelligence that I assumed he had.

From the Centrist - we exist | 8:58 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

I don't know about the rest of you but I have made a few stupid generalizations and comments in my life. If I took a little more time to think them through, I could have said it a bit better to not insult. Redford is getting up there so don't the elderly deserve a break for a little crankiness here and there. Oh, I guess Mormons don't get cranky if I read many of the comments right, just depressed?

I just arrived in Utah but my best friend from kindergarden is Mormon and he and his family are truly some of the kindest nicest people out of faith and love, but since they are not fake or plastic, they will look at a critique as a way to find possible improvement and not whine about being persecuted.

Also, consider the source of the WT. Their goal like Fox, Limbaugh, etc. is to keep us all divided by making deeply religious people feel like the "liberals" are out to get them, so you better get those darn libs first. United we stand, divided we fall... Romney is plastic and fake but so real compared to Mr. 911 Guliani / Bush III

Carl | 9:01 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Redford needs some plastic putty for the creases in his skin. He has been a man of the past for way longer than most of us care. What he says is no longer relevant--if it ever was. He was an entertainer--made a few good movies and lots of bad ones. The Hot Rock never won an Oscar. He was all over Barbra Streisand like a horse eating an apple in another. Come to think of it, he was pretty bad in a lot more movies.

Pathetic | 9:06 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Are we really that ultrasensitive to take offense to such benign comments? Some people, such as Chris Hicks, make it sound like Robert Redford personally drove all of the Mormons out of Nauvoo. At the very most, it was a personal outlook of the LDS people, and Mr. Redford is free to speak about whatever he wants. I think, in addition, his comments were taken out of context. Get over it, people.

Look at Romney's fickle agenda, his conformity to say whatever is crow-pleasing, and his ability to put his foot in his mouth. Is it any wonder Redford called MITT ROMNEY plastic?

Big Love | 9:10 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Mormons tend to turn the other cheek not only because Jesus advised it but because taking offense at every biased comment or every stereotype takes too much energy. One of my clients recently said, "Mormons are weird." I didn't even bother replying. Maybe I should have replied, "Yes, Mormons are really weird. They're so used to hearing misconceptions and plain lies about themselves that they don't even get upset." Instead I let actions speak louder than words. My client is from out of state and probably got his information about Mormons from "Big Love" on HBO or from reports on infamous polygamists Tom Green and Warren Jeffs or lies about Mormons being non-Christians. Or the constant barrage of negative Mormon stereotypes promoted by idiots around the world.

Who cares | 9:11 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Why does the media care what Robert Redford thinks? Why do they continue to ask his opinion on politics and Mormons? Is he an expert in American politics? Is he an expert in LDS theology?

No, they ask him because he's a celebrity. I guess being a celebrity gives him special powers to know the truth of all things related to God and politics. I guess being a celebrity makes his opinion more valuable than everyone else's.

Celebrity love in this country makes me sick.

Let's not forget.......Robert Redford is an ACTOR. Nothing he's done in his life makes me think he's particularly qualified to lecture about anything (besides maybe acting) - remember, he was kicked out of college at 18.

Being a celebrity does not make him smart, nor does it make his opinions any more worthwhile than anyone else's.

Spencer | 9:14 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

The mission comment doesn't offend me but the plastic one does. How is it that the whole country seems to forget Mitt Romney does not represent Mormons. From Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to Gladys Knight to Mitt Romney to moderate Senator Gordon Smith, we come from all walks of life and viewpoints. I'm a Mormon, and I too think Romney is a little plastic but don't claim that's how all Mormon's are. Redford should have kept his criticism on Romney, not 13 million people from throughout the world.

Bill | 9:17 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Let's cut Redford some slack. He's in a bad mood and is suffering. His latest movie, an anti-American, anti-Iraq war, anti-military swoon, is going down in flames at the box office. It has been dissed or ridiculed by critics worldwide as artful pap that is likely to just barely cover the costs of production.

I'm a RM | 9:23 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

OK, so here's my PLASTIC comment...Redford is a jerk.

ogmson | 9:24 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

I keep telling myself I won't post...to AM I Wrong? Yes. In fact, I think you need to go back to bed and get some sleep. Let's see, of the 10, #6 says Thou shalt not kill. So, I guess If I don't kill I lose my free will??? Or, #5, if I remember right, isn't that about adultery? So, If I don't commit adultery I have given up my free will??? I think you have lost it.

Was Redfords comments plastic? Yes. Since I lived down there for 30 years, I think I have some perspective; there exists an unwritten press guide in Hollywood that is a learned skill. Remain as calm as possible, sit on a Viet Nam tank or some other stage prop equivalent, and then say anything you want that is anti-religious, anti-American or anti-conservative and it will help sell your current or next film.

Has anyone even seen the B rated movie Lambs? No one you talk to has and why? Because everyone knew it would be a classless attack on the War and not worth the 8 bucks...just like Redford. Doug is right on. 'Not sure' You did stay up too late.

To Am I Wrong? | 9:31 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Yes, you are wrong. The LDS Church, like nearly all religions, stresses obedience to tenets and doctrines, as well as church authority, but somewhat uniquely stresses the need to be guided by personal revelation in all things. The implicit requirement from members is to "prove all things, hold fast that which is good," even things received from Church leaders. There is inevitable tension when a individual questions directions received from others that conflicts with the individual's pre-existing beliefs, but proving all things through deliberate, disciplined, experience-based seeking (obedience and prayer) conflicts generally turn into wisdom and conviction.

And Redford's comments don't bother me, as a 40-something man living far from the Wasatch Front. They feed stereotypes, but like all stereotypical comments ultimately betray ignorance to any mature hearer.

Rebecca | 9:31 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Arrogance, insensitiveness, dismissiveness, plastic attitude - huhm.........are we talking about Mormons or Mr. Redford? This from a man that calls Utah his home? This from a man that has been treated by most Utahns as a great part of their community? Huhm....I don't know, but I'm sure that California would love to have Mr. Redford back....and perhaps the people of California are not as "plastic" as he finds those in Utah. Huhm.....

One Dumb Comment | 9:32 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Grow up, children. Redford made an offhand comment about a presidential candidate that happens to be Mormon. Now people are crying on each other's shoulders and circling the wagons. This is ludicrous fanfare over a casual and passing comment that wasn't even offensive.

So what | 9:36 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

He was only being candid. Most goody goody LDS I have known are artificial, hypocritical, and judgmental.

Idiot | 9:37 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Redford is an idiot. Does anyone remember what religion he espouses. Let's not dropkick religions, but drop kick idiots who make stupid statements. He is not the brightest bulb on the tree, nor will he ever be. Cut him some slack. NEVER!

Bob | 9:39 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

When the most prominent national voice for the Mormons is Glen Beck, you've got to expect a lot of hate in return.

A | 9:41 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Hey everybody, Read "MARKY AT 7:29"
AMEN! THAT SAYS IT ALL!!!!!WAY TO GO MARKY!

Pat Atkinson | 9:43 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

I belong to the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-Saints (the Mormons) and I have always been pleased and proud to have Robert Redford as a resident of Utah. I love Sundance. I appreciate a lot of his views.... However....What is it about a people who know who their Heavenly Father, and brother Jesus Christ really are, and.....know who we are in relationship to them... and...understand where we come from and what we need to do while here on earth.....that so frightens those who do not know? We're just people like you, who want the very best for those we love.
Hey! it's a message of JOY! Don't be so frightened.....find out about it before you open your mouths and show what you do not know or even understand for that matter.

We (as Mormons) are not threatened by what you believe!

Shiz | 9:44 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Chris Hicks should be ashamed for taking an editorial and trying to pass it off as news. I am embarrassed for him.

Anonymous | 9:45 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Very Interesting comments from this forum.....May we all have the Spirit of Christmas in our hearts this season. Merry Christmas.

Free Will | 9:45 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

To the person labeled "Am I Wrong?" Yes, you're wrong. Enjoying free will means you have the freedom to choose your own actions and to enjoy or suffer the natural consequences. I can choose to live a principle, such as being faithful to my wife, and then I'm more likely to enjoy the blessings that naturally result. Examples: Earn the trust and respect of my children, earn self-respect, control my passions, attend the temple as a clean and worthy person. Or I can choose to commit adultery, and then I can expect to suffer the negative consequences that will likely follow: negative self-image, disrespect by others, an inability to enter the temple, children who tend to follow my bad example, etc. We don't know all the consequences of our actions, but I think God does. As a Mormon all my life, I've never had a leader tell me not to question authority. On the contrary, I've been taught to study, ponder and pray over every principle I'm taught and to decide for myself what is right and good.

Anonymous | 9:46 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Ironically, Chris Hicks and the various people who concur with this editorial are reinforcing the stereotype that Mormons have a persecution complex.

The church has extremely rigorous and stringent standards for how missionaries present themselves and interact with others. They are taught that they not only represent the church, but literally represent God. Striving to honorably live up to these standards is an intense experience that shapes you and defines you.

If it is fair to analyze how McCainï¿½s POW experience shaped him, it is fair to analyze how Romneyï¿½s mission experience shaped him. Demanding that we ï¿½leave religion out of itï¿½ is a double-standard.

Redford might be wrong to think that Romney was shaped by his missionary experience. However, it isnï¿½t bigotry to suggest that Romney is a product of his culture. The truth is that there is a certain plasticishness that adept missionaries and Romney share.

Sara | 9:48 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

To Roger. I went on a mission, and was never taught to say anything other than what I knew was true. I was encouraged to gain a testimony. If you don't know that it is true then you are being plastic. Christ wants us to search for the truth and then share with others.

Boo Boo Bear | 9:50 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Ah let's cut Redford some slack. After all the last movie that he was in that was any good was "The Natural". And how long ago was that? The dude is in his 70's now and may be suffering from some type of dementia.

From reading some of the comments, small wonder why Utah is the suffers from the most depression of any state in the Union.

Redford's remarks didn't damage my testimony any. I have too much fun defending the Church against fools such as he. It is fun and I enjoy tweaking these people that make these types of comments. It is kind of a pastime.

The question is, How much of Redfords face has been subject to plastic surgery? Now that would be an interesting topic for discussion about being plastic.

Out of touch Has Been | 9:53 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Redford was an actor. Redford is a spoiled brat. Redford is an unwelcome guest in a desert made to blossom by the sweat and death of ï¿½Mormonsï¿½. We are now learning who HE is.

He cannot speak well without a scriptwriter as proven again by this ï¿½tip of the iceï¿½ berg revelation that someone else is wrong and he is the epitome of correctness.

He comes to a place where ï¿½niceï¿½ is sought after by the majority just for the reason of being ï¿½good to each otherï¿½, something which RR has yet to want, let alone accomplish.

He only does what is PC with ignorance to the real goodness that is being done ALL AROUND him in his Utah hideaway.

He has always been told what to say and think. Maybe he should stop and think. Think of whose efforts he is trampling. If anyone is plastic; he is the author of that book.

a nasty lot | 9:54 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

When the going gets rough, the "peculiar people" get even more peculiar.
And these people think they believe they are the chosen people.
Chosen for what?
To replace Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter as the #1 people-haters?

Not news | 9:55 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Mr. Hicks has his panties in a bunch over nothing. People need to chilllllllllllllllllll

MindStretch | 9:59 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Shame on Robert Redford. He's spent enough time living in Utah that he knows all Mormons aren't automaton droids. It was politically motivated. He's a flaming liberal, and he doesn't want Mitt in the White House. This just shows that he'll do anything to get Billary elected.

Ryan | 10:00 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

What passes for news in the Deseret news continues to confuse me. He said, "all" instead of "some." Get over it. And no one is afraid of your beliefs. It's been my experiance that it's LDS people that are afraid of other people beliefs, not the other way around.

jennifer | 10:05 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Religeon in Utah is always a hot topic. It's always interesting to hear non-Mormons opinions about Mormons, and their seemingly "smart and intelligent" comments. As for Mormon's being plastic and fake? Maybe. But no more than any other person out in the world who is trying to do their best in life. There is so much hate in this world, why do we need to direct it so much at people who try to be good? Are Mormons perfect? Of course not. They have never claimed to be. They are just as complex and interesting as their non-Mormon neighbors.
Get over it everyone, and find something useful to direct your aggression to. Like exercise.

KK | 10:10 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

"...brother Jesus". What is this? Never heard this from any of the non-mormons that worship. Of course i don't buy any of it anyway, so you can believe he is your friend's sister's third husbands son. It's all malarky.

Just a Person | 10:16 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

How can we leave religion out of it? It's in our face every moment of every day. Newspapers, especially the Des News, media of all sorts insert religion in every possible way cram it to us. If it's LDS positive it's fine but if it's not well look out.

Can't we leave it all alone since it is totally devisive? I want my religion up close and personal not accompanied with drums, smurks and persecusion.
Please! Religion brings so much pain to so many.
Let's leave it out of every candidate's retoric.

not a mormon | 10:27 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

His comment wouldn't be so bad if he didn't just describe himself!.

A deluded culture | 10:33 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Those who believe Mitt Romney has a chance at the White House, also believe the whole world will eventually become Mormons.

Does the word "deluded" mean anything to these people?

Shawn | 10:35 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

It may have been a subtle jab, but I think people are a little over sensitive out in Utah on this. I live in Columbus, Ohio and people (albeit not famous movie stars) say a lot worse about mormons. I'm well aware of the latent animus against mormons but this Redford comment seems pretty harmless. If anything it just exposes the typical liberal hipocrisy of lumping minorities together into steretypes.

There they go again! | 10:36 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Christians stoning each other!

The Authority | 10:36 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

I agree with Boo Boo Bear. The guy hasn't made a decent movie in decades. He's an aging pretty boy. Personally, I couldn't care less what Redford says about Mormons. I've never cared for him since I met him and observed him in person. He's really kind of a jerk.

Who Cares! | 10:43 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Robert Redford is okay. He just likes to keep his name in the news to keep his career going. News flash! RR your career is over. These political bashing flicks don't make it with the mainstream movie goers. He is one of the Hollywood crowd who lives in rural areas of the country and tries to tell everyone else how to live their lives, ala Al Gore. These characters are not experts on any subject. I refuse to support any of these Mark Cuban, etc.

Texan | 10:45 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Why does anyone care at all about the opinions of Robert Redford, or any other actor for that matter? Chris Hicks point is correct, but who cares? There are lots of bigots, or uninformed and just plain ignorant folks out there, and I don't care much for any of their opinions.

Shiz 2 | 10:49 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Shiz,

um... Chris Hick's piece is an editorial and not news. Don't you know the difference between an Editorial Column and a News story?

Karen H. | 10:51 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Ryan, it's not news. It's an opinion piece. If you don't like the Deseret News, then go back to the Tribune. They have opinion pieces there too. You're probably just agreeing with the more liberal tone there, and so you naturally accept those opinions as news.

A in LA | 10:56 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Who cares what Redford, or anybody else has to say... about anything?
I wonder why we (bloggers)all get so upset and want to lash out whenever negative things are being said. OUR comments to each other seem more offensive and show off our faults to the world more than do the the original comments made in an article Why do we ALWAYS rise to the bait? I JUST DON'T GET IT!

Ernest Hemple | 10:57 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Redford's comments are not about Mormons, they are about his awareness that Romney is a specular candidate and he wants to destroy him. Robert, we love your movies, but as a human being you are a bit confused. You can't stop this train. Romney is going to be our next president.

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