General Discussion

elleng

(131,202 posts) Wed Mar 21, 2012, 05:48 PM Mar 2012

Robert De Niro Apologizes for 'White First Lady' Joke.

Oh NO!

'Actor Robert De Niro on Wednesday apologized for joking at a Democratic fundraiser with Michelle Obama about the possibility of having a "white first lady" at the White House after November's presidential elections.

The Oscar-winning star of "The Godfather: Part II" and "Raging Bull" said he had intended no offense with the remark about the wives of Republican presidential contenders Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney.

"My remarks, although spoken with satirical jest, were not meant to offend or embarrass anyone -- especially the first lady," De Niro said in a statement.'

http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2012/03/21/arts/21reuters-deniro-obama.html?hp

11 replies

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Highlight:

Robert De Niro Apologizes for 'White First Lady' Joke. (Original Post) elleng Mar 2012 OP

I wasn't offended. ananda Mar 2012 #1

But the newt was!!! elleng Mar 2012 #5

'You talkin' to me?' Clearly, not. It was a cute joke. nt onehandle Mar 2012 #2

MIchelle Obama got the joke...it was just an opportunity for Newt the Blowhard to spout off... rfranklin Mar 2012 #3

I needs to be noted that it is very common to hear a person who happens to be black described randr Mar 2012 #4

This is all true... but it still is not funny lunasun Mar 2012 #7

Michelle Obama's office said the joke was "inappropriate."? siligut Mar 2012 #6

Doubt it, but who am I? elleng Mar 2012 #8

Well, we can doubt it together siligut Mar 2012 #9

GOTCHA, sili! elleng Mar 2012 #10

Bobby D's joke NeverEnuff Mar 2012 #11

ananda

(28,885 posts)

1. I wasn't offended.

Reply to elleng (Original post)

Wed Mar 21, 2012, 05:49 PM

Mar 2012

Neither was any sane person who has kept their humanity
and has been paying attention.

elleng

(131,202 posts)

5. But the newt was!!!

Reply to ananda (Reply #1)

Wed Mar 21, 2012, 05:58 PM

Mar 2012

onehandle

(51,122 posts)

2. 'You talkin' to me?' Clearly, not. It was a cute joke. nt

Reply to elleng (Original post)

Wed Mar 21, 2012, 05:52 PM

Mar 2012

rfranklin

(13,200 posts)

3. MIchelle Obama got the joke...it was just an opportunity for Newt the Blowhard to spout off...

Reply to elleng (Original post)

Wed Mar 21, 2012, 05:57 PM

Mar 2012

in righteous indignation designed to promote his own brand. Ironic too since this is the guy who elevated character assassination to the forefront of national politics.

randr

(12,417 posts)

4. I needs to be noted that it is very common to hear a person who happens to be black described

Reply to elleng (Original post)

Wed Mar 21, 2012, 05:57 PM

Mar 2012

as black i.e.: black athlete, black actor, black salesman, black teenager, black banker. I do not think I make it through a day without hearing this description one place or another.
I never hear anyone who happens to be white described as such.
This is a latent aspect of racism still embedded in our collective consciousness that I would hope we are now passing.