Reader comments
Chris Hicks: Redford shows little class with LDS comment

261 comments | Read story

Anonymous | 3:42 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

I have preferred knowing what people think of me than guessing. What has changed because of a few words? No Mormon abandoned his faith over this comnment. Bob's remark changed no opinions. Why stress out over it?

I was blessed serving in the army during Vietnam. It wasn't fashionable to wear green. I learned how to go on even if people didn't like what I stood for.

I have a hard time discerning talk of Mormon bashing from whining. Life has never been fair.

Plastic is... | 3:54 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Plastic is one of the most versatile creations in this world. Plastic is used in every application known to man at this point.
Plastic is hard, it is soft, it is moldable, it is sleek, it is textured. Plastic is a wonderful substance. Plastic can be used under water, in the space shuttle, on the moon, we make cars of it, engines, carpet, plastic is just the greatest stuff known to mankind!

Thanks Bob! I am a Mormon Man. I am plastic. I'm all the above. Plastic-man, greatest known substance on earth!

Ben | 3:56 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

ï¿½One Nervous Utahnï¿½ was right when he observed, ï¿½Good thing he didnï¿½t name a Teddy Bear ï¿½Brigham.ï¿½

Letï¿½s keep this in perspective, folks. Redford made an inarticulate comment to the effect that Romneyï¿½s polished persona is related to his experience as a missionary, along with the comment that *how* Romney deflects blows and stays on message is plastic. And in a strict sense, he was wrong when he said, ï¿½every single male who's a Mormon goes on a mission for two years when they're 19 or 20.ï¿½ Thatï¿½s the extent of his crime.

Now correct me if Iï¿½m wrong, but have worse things been said about presidential candidates? Have worse things been said about Mormons? You guys are like the Muslims in Sudan. An essentially innocuous thing was said or done, and you become incredibly and disproportionately offended.

Redford belongs on the list of classy people, despite this somewhat incoherent analysis of Romney. And along with the Muslims in Sudan, Chris Hicks belongs on the list of oversensitive religionists with a persecution complex.

Comments continue below

Dakotah | 4:02 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Good for Robert Redford and his comment about the 'Stepford Men' in Utah.
The State motto of 'if you don't like it... leave' is sure to be tossed at him once again as it has been in the past.

We left and it is so nice to be away from Utah Mormons once again.

Redfords comments are on the mark in this case.

Jared SLC | 4:15 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

No offense Mormon counterparts ... but Mormons
generally employ their idea of "free-will" to just

follow anyway. Mormons will all mostly vote for
Mitt Romney, not because he's a star candidate

(sorry, he's no visionary, he's just another
grist-mill candidate), but because ... everyone else

is voting for Mitt Romney. I tell you what ...
Joseph Smith would

likely be voting for Ron Paul. I sure am, but somehow, I still believe in America, not in Aristocratic shills.

Whinny the pooh...who? | 4:15 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

My favorite Hollywood TV show is- Queer-eye for the straight-guy. I just think we all need to watch this interesting tv show. I heard that MR R R likes it too. So come on guys... don't you people all realize that Hollywood is now holywood, and the new found religion of this century. God doesn't exist any more. Only Hollywood!...and they can prove it....SO THERE! We Mormons don't have flat screen TV's in our homes for no reason at all...lol! You buy them bigger than your neighbors and brag about themm and you praise them as well...and holywood too!!..LOL!

cmn | 4:19 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

To "Romney Plastic not Mormons": Excellent explaintion that the author should included. Sadly Redford is fair game in this state with the media as opposed to other Utah based celebs.

utahmormon | 4:23 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

the reason Redford can get away with such a comment is because it's true. The church brainwashes people. It tricks people into thinking that God is sitting on your shoulder every second of the day just waiting for you to mess up so he can take away blessings. It's called brainwashing. That's why 99% of its members are not aware if the church's true history.

Sad commentary | 4:23 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Allowing such negative garbage such an abusive and offensive posting as "winner" and "Iron Axe" to be posted on this blog clearly indicated that we live in a culture of Rush Limbaughs.

This sort of civil discourse is so commonplace today that it obviously is not considered abusive or offensive any longer.

1970's Redford | 4:56 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

I haven't lived in Utah Valley in nearly 30 years, but I sure met a lot of fine people when I did (as well as a few of the other sort, of course). But in the field I was in, I came in contact with several people who had close association with Redford, and I can remember asking one of them why he had quit his excellent job with Redford. He was not an active LDS, but he told me he wouldn't work for anybody who was as unkind to his wife as Redford was. Also knew of his environmental hypocrisy from a river rafter who followed Redford's group down the river (and cleaned up all the trash after him). Just because someone is famous or successful in one field doesn't make him an expert on anything else. Who cares if Redford likes Mormons or not?

Bigotry should not be tolerated | 5:17 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Mormons have every right to stand up against bigoted statements. By not saying anything we are relegated to the class of second-class citizen. The rights in the constitution of being equal then no longer apply. Case in point, it was once legal in the state of Missouri to kill someone for being Mormon. Bigotry should never be tolerated. By eroding the rights of one person it then affects the rights of all people. RR has the right to make bigoted comments but then I have a right to say shame on him.

Flat is better! | 5:17 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Hey there! Winnie or whinny the poop! I never liked that dumb bear anyway! However, I want you guys all to know that I have the biggest and best flat panel TV that money can buy. And I am Mormon too! I also intend to brag about my TV to everyone. I love it and it loves me. It makes me happy and it's better than going to church on Sunday. I am not plastic, only the glass that I drink from is. Mr Redford is kind of plastic, but I still like to watch his funny movies on my very BIG HUDGE flat panel television. I'm so blessed and humble as well. I may even make it to heaven someday for my investment on this marvelious television. Cheers!

coming out of the woodwork! | 5:18 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Nothing about nothing is what this whole thing is.
Mormons, your faith needs no defense, nor does Mitt Romney, it is just a very slow news day. Very slow!!

Carl | 5:26 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Why so upset? I think Mr. Reford is right on!

It is never good... | 5:39 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

to generalize about people based on their sexuality, gender, race, or religion. These generalizations are lazy and largely inaccurate at best, and incredibly divisive at worst.

RE: Sad commentary | 5:45 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Hey--don't insult Rush Limbaugh in Utah! Trash Redford all you want, though!

Haven't you heard? It's OK now to be mean, ugly, and spiteful now in Utah! The ends justify the means! Utahns can freely hate their rivals, stomp on pheasants, assault each other, and shout and act like the Crips and the Bloods in so-called "Holy Wars" over who is and isn't "living right." It's fine! Some people in this state feel perfectly justified in acting like jerks and worse over a sport! Or if somebody cuts them off! Or if they even *think* somebody has insulted them in any way!

Best of all: If anyone points out that such behavior falls sadly short of pretty much ANY church's accepted religious practices and/or most civilized societies' standards of human decency, they're ignored at best--and ridiculed at worst. (Hoo boy--here they come now! I'm a'runnin'!)

It's almost like *some* people in Utah are ... plastic.

Typical mormon posting? | 5:51 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Re: "1970's Redford

We live in a tabloid society. These nasty rumors
based on hearsay belong in National Enquirer or Fox TV.

If this person is a typical Mormon - that organization is in deep psychologicial trouble.

RR | 5:56 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

In my view, not "Little" class, "No" class. Redford is a bigot!

Anonymous | 8:22 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Personally I think that political correctness is getting way out of control. Nobody can say anything anymore, there is free speech. However I find it very hypocritical of our country that a mormon can be openly criticized or anyone can give their opinions of mormons with absolutely no backlash. Many of these posts generalize every mormon as the same. I've lived in many places where the people were not that friendly I've known Catholics who were not very nice but I didn't generalize and say all Catholics act the same. No matter what you are or where you live people are different you always have the good with the bad in everything not just the mormon religion.

I think this article was good because he brought up the point that why is it O.K to say something about mormons but not about anyone else. I don't know if Mitt Romney will make a good president or not, but for anyone to bring his religious beliefs into the equation is wrong. I have never looked at a candidate's religion to determine whether or not to vote for him. It's wrong to bring it up at any time.

Marc101 | 8:41 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Redford should check out his own face which looks like it's been carved on several times by a plastic doc

EastCoastMom | 8:42 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Redford is a former hunk who acted a long time ago, who thinks his opinion on politics should be national news. Frankly he isn't qualified to be a political advisor for me. Celebrities think that because we liked their work in showbiz (or sports or whatever) he or she should throw their support for such and such candidate. I saw a clip where the news group was trying to decide if Oprah campaigning for Obama was more or less helpful than Bill campaigning for Hillary. I love Oprah's show and her other endeavors. She's a good lady that has become a great role model in many ways. She still isn't qualified to tell me who to vote for or against. As for Bill? In my opinion, he could do more good for Hillary's campaign if he supported the other guy.

The comments were more entertaining than the article. If it's ok with you folks who think I'm going to vote for Romney because I'm LDS, I think I'll weigh the pros and cons and be my own political advisor. I'm an intellegent woman that investigated a church and joined because I believed. I still do after 30 years.

Edwin | 9:11 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Ross is right on! Redford is a hypocritical environmentalist who deserves many, many other negative comments for his shoddy citizenship. His hyprocracy has cost Utah taxpayers dearly. Cut the final price tag for the Provo Canyon roadway in half and you'll know the true cost of Redford's rantings. Wouldn't it be nice if in growing old Redford would also be able to muster some bona fide class. Utah and Utahans deserve better.

Well, if that don't beat all | 9:12 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Wow, For a Group that is "trained to deflect blows" this post is proving the exact oppisite. I am LDS and find this to be mildly amusing at best. We are all used to this all the time. The fact that it comes from Robert Redford or Al Sharpton or your neighbor down the street it's all the same thing, pointless drivel from someone who has no (or little) idea of what they are speaking about. The only problem is everyone is to eager to get fired up about every little thing. It doesn't need to be rationalized or explained, it is simply an oppinon. Maybe we should all go back to the MTC to better learn to "deflect blows"

Browe | 9:13 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Just a word to thou who knowest all regarding "a deluded culture," like it or not, Mitt Romney is going to be the next president of the United States. Get used to it. If you are among those less than truthful souls who say they will leave the country in that event, start packing your bags. Hasta la vista!

Cirrus | 9:45 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

This article concerning Robert Redford's comments about Mormons is waaaaaay past its sale date. Most Mormons are not that knowledgable about other people's religions, and many often make inaccurate statements about them.

Furthermore, if the worst thing ever said about a group is that some of its members were "plastic" well, in the big scheme of things that is not too bad. Everyone really needs to lighten up!

Redford's operations also generate a lot of good publicity and money for Utah .... so count your blessings, name them one by one.

Free Bigot | 9:48 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

He is a bigot and a racist. He should be fired (from whatever and everything) just like Kramer and Imus. Why do I feel this way? Because, free speech is something they practiced in the "old days," we are beyond that now. We are moving into the future and progressing and becoming more tolerant, liberal, diverse, and multicultural. This is what's best for America. Not free speech.

Lol | 10:46 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Utah...LOL!

Re: Cirrus | 12:15 a.m. Dec. 1, 2007

You said that "Most Mormons are not that knowledgeable about other people's religions"...the truth be told, most Mormons used to be some "other religion", lol. It would seem that many do know about other religions.

Janey | 12:39 a.m. Dec. 1, 2007

I can't believe I just read all these posts. I think, for what it's worth, that Redford's comment was disingenuous. However, I almost felt sorry for him. He is just an old man. His comment about being "plastic" at first blush offensive. But then I read this marvelous post: Plastic is...3:54PM Nov 30, 2007. It made me look at Mormonism in a whole new light. Whoever wrote this is very astute. I wrote it down and want to put it on the fridge for my kids to look at. Maybe I will just consider being "plastic" myself.

Anonymous | 2:37 a.m. Dec. 1, 2007

There is nothing wrong with Reford's comment. People who are offended by this have really thin skin, but that is most of the LDS base who are sheltered.

Janey, Good Thought | 2:54 a.m. Dec. 1, 2007

Janey, I liked those thoughts about plastic, too. As well as whoever wrote that it also can get bent out of shape when you put a bit of heat to it. Both are possibly true--'cause this kind of "plastic" has its own "free agency," right?

Glad I know enough people in Utah and Mormons in general to know far from everyone is plastic in the "fake" sense, not to mention the "easily offended" one. But some of these posts are scarin' me. If I didn't already know the church was true, I shudder to think about having to learn the Gospel from some of y'all...

On a no-name board, don't know who's play-actin' to make a point and who's serious. But I'm guessing some of you folks really, *really* need help. The angrier you are (especially about THIS?), the more you need it. Pres. Hinckley had a bit to say about that recently... and he's not the prophet for nothing! Right?

Maybe what Redford thinks isn't nearly as important as how we react to it? Just wondering.

Ex-Mormon | 4:37 a.m. Dec. 1, 2007

Encouragement to go on a 2 years mission? The reason I'm not a mormon is because of that, not going on a mission made an outcast, less righteous. I lived in Utah and left, leaving also my scriptures tired of the comments.

Encouragement, you got to me kidding me!! The only way to be accepted if you're not a missionary is if you joined the army, and honestly people do that under way less social pressure.

Better Living Through Chemistry | 7:09 a.m. Dec. 1, 2007

Robert Redford has made some good movies, and some not so good. Like everyone else, he has opinions -- some good and some not to good. What baffles me is why we should care how he looks at Mormons. Opps. There I go letting the criticism bounce right off my plastic hide.

Wow | 7:41 a.m. Dec. 1, 2007

Mormons sure are touchy. All Redford said was the truth.

Mannequin | 8:10 a.m. Dec. 1, 2007

Robert Redford, an actor of all things, calling Mormons "plastic." This guy makes his living by deceiving people into thinking he's someone he's not on screen. His calling Mormons plastic is like a mannequin insulting another mannequin by calling it a mannequin.

Lex | 8:13 a.m. Dec. 1, 2007

I'm not sure I like Bob's latest comments, but looking at the man as a whole, I admire him.

He's environmentally conscious, but he's a practical problem solver, not a tree-spiker or a barn-burner.

He wants to reduce auto emissions and dependence on foreign oil, but advocates ethanol because "It is here, it is now, and it will reduce our emissions and our dependence on foreign oil," rather than fight every proposed refinery and oil field, or dream of a future hydrogen car which may or may not come to fruition, or if it does, after the environmental damage has already been done

Lex 2 | 8:14 a.m. Dec. 1, 2007

When UDOT was ripping up Provo Canyon to build an engineer's version of beauty, a concrete super-highway, it was Bob who led the effort to instead build a road which would leave much of the canyon intact, yet still upgrade the road in a way which would accommodate increased traffic AND reduce fatalities.

He started the Sundance Institute, not to line his pockets but to help others. It may or may not make a profit now, but I'd be surprised if it wasn't a money-loser for many years supplemented out of his own pockets, just as the Sundance resort was for many, many years.

Tom | 8:40 a.m. Dec. 1, 2007

It appears after Redford's comments and Romney's entrance into the presidential race, the LDS faithful are realizing how "peculiar" to the world they really seem. Perhaps if rather than clinging to every statement against them and having verbal tantrums, you could turn away and spread Jesus' message of love and forgiveness... I guarantee you would isolate yourselves much less form the world.

Another offended mormon | 8:53 a.m. Dec. 1, 2007

I just love the mormon persecution complex. Maybe it's justified. I don't know. But it's definitely there.

The main thrust of the article seems to be finding ONE minor mistake in ONE point Robert made... that "all" mormon men go on missions... and using that one mistake to discredit all of his comments, and apparently Robert as well... just because the author didn't happen to agree with the tone of Robert's comments. So what's a good mormon to do? Make Robert a Pariah, of course. Vilify him. Call him a bigot for making a generalization that's... well... generally TRUE.

Ok. Not all mormon men go on missions. Most go. Many go. Whatever. Big whoop. Mormon men DO mature in the field. Robert's point... why Mormons tend to be able to deflect criticism and stay on point... has merit. You don't like it? You want to discredit him? Get a life. He has a point. So what? Oh... that's right... persecution complex.

The ironic thing is all of this whining is actually what discredits Robert. Apparently mormons CAN'T deflect criticism and stay on point. At least, not if the critic is Robert Redford.

Ed from KCMO | 8:54 a.m. Dec. 1, 2007

Perhaps Redford made those comments because Romney is a Republican. He then should have been asked if Harry Reid (a Democrat) was also plastic, since Reid is also "supposedly" LDS. It's all a hypocritically political, rather than a hypocritically religious bigotry on Redford's part. By the way, aren't Liberals supposedly against bigotry??? Could've fooled me!

Gretzky | 9:14 a.m. Dec. 1, 2007

Redford is a Hollywood boy. Enuf said...

Sandy | 9:32 a.m. Dec. 1, 2007

Edwin...lol! You must be from SANDY! Sounds like it too!

Outrageous | 9:32 a.m. Dec. 1, 2007

Let's see... Redford said all male mormons go on missions. The truth? All are ENCOURAGED to go on missions. Egad.

I shudder to think of the backlash had Redford mentioned Mormons can't drink coca-cola because of the caffeine. Which is also untrue, but over the last 20 years I've met THOUSANDS of Mormons all across Asia, Europe, Central America, and North America, including across the US, and I would estimate 90% of them will argue to their death that Mormons can't drink coca-cola because of the caffeine. Which is interesting, because the Church Presidency has discussed this issue in conference, and they say it's a matter of personal choice.

Funny how invoking the whole, "he said something untrue about mormons so he's completely discredited" is applied so conveniently. Almost sounds like hypocrisy.

Umm, really? | 9:52 a.m. Dec. 1, 2007

Mormons are no more picked on than any other group. Mormons just love to SAY that they are. I know. I am one.

This article is embarrassing. I would be embarrassed if my friends who are not member read Hicks' ridiculous article. It is bad enough that the article comes up on google for all the world to see.

Keep it together folks.

Enough, Chris | 10:08 a.m. Dec. 1, 2007

That's all you got on Redford?

Chris, I'm Mormon, and I'm tired of people like you playing victim all the time. Is there incorrect information out there about our church? Sure--same as many other faiths.

Knowing some of the brethren personally, I can tell you that they are thrilled with the publicity that Mitt Romney's campaign delivers.

Does he overgeneralize? Yes. Is there some truth to what he says about Mormons being Robots? Yes. Some Mormons are definitely robots.

Apparently you're not one of them, but you are the penultimate Mormon martyr.

RR gives Harry Reid a pass | 10:16 a.m. Dec. 1, 2007

"Ed from KCMO" is correct. What about the machiavellian Harry Reid, who is also a Mormon? The deceiver Reid with his phony soft-spoken personna... now THAT is "plastic", but don't hold your breath waiting for Redford to criticize HIM. Reid, Pelosi and their ilk used any and all means to damage Bush and the Republicans in order to help finally gain back control of both houses of congress, and if they damaged the war effort, etc., in the process, so be it. If you don't know what "machiavellian" means, look it up. Back to Redford... he is taking the easy way of taking a shot at Romney by using the religious angle, rather than admitting what most people already know... that he (Redford) is a liberal. You don't have to see this only through his public comments... have you checked out how much anti-traditional (so-called "progressive") tripe is on Redford's Sundance cable/satellite channel? Easier to get rich by pedalling that type of drivel, it seems.

My experience | 10:18 a.m. Dec. 1, 2007

I am not LDS, but my stepson is an RM so I know something about missionaries and what Robert Redford might have meant by his knowledge of Mitt Romney and HIS missionary experience.

Whenever LDS missionaries show up at my door, I always welcome them in and we chat. At the end of this chat they always ask "Is there anything we can do for you?" I have developed the habit of accomodating their request and offer something like, cutting my lawn, helping with the dishes, that sort of thing.

Forgive me, but in about 50 or so, visits from different missionaries through the years, I have NEVER (emphasis added) had a missionary actually comply and perform the task that I had for them.

This might explain Redford's "plastic" comment. If "plastic" is too offensive for some ears, then perhaps "hollow" would be a better description.

Relax | 10:21 a.m. Dec. 1, 2007

What's the problem? Mr. Redford obviously doesn't understand the intricacies of LDS culture but he does accurately reflect our expectations. Isn't the goal for all worthy young men to serve a mission? He complimented LDS members for their communication skills and then, as a liberal, took a shot at a conservative candidate. Where's the salacious story? The thin-skinned reporter is pandering to his readeship and, sadly, represents the "Utah" Mormon hyper-sensitivity. I'm a lifelong member but only recently moved to Utah. If you think Redford's comments make him a bigot, try living out of state. I agree with the previous post: Mr. Redford's comment isn't nearly as important as how we react to it!

Hicks Hack | 10:24 a.m. Dec. 1, 2007

Humm, Parade Magazine top ten or Chris Hick's Not top ten? Sorry Hicks, your opinion doesn't mean much. I wonder if Redford won't be able to sleep tonight because you were offended, and pathetically tried to stir emotions. Pop a pill and get over it, I know I will.

Brain damaged | 10:37 a.m. Dec. 1, 2007

Yes yes yes! I hate those phony LDS smiles. Than if you do something the Mormons don't agree with than you get a look that turns devilish! Plastic people come a dime a dozen in the church. I set next to some snobby woman on the bus last week who sit and did nothing but brag about how wonderful she was in the church and that she was of very high statice witin the Mormon church. One of the extremely chosen souls who sit and brag about nonsence... Made me want to puke! Lets get real folks, not plastic!!

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.