Robert De Niro. — Page 5

I don't think anybody said just simply saying that was going to change things. I think people are conflating things or think that one cannot do one if they also do the other.

Updated On: 6/11/18 at 10:11 PM

yankeefan7 said: "

I am sure he will find out but when you are in major peace talks with North Korea, I really think DeNiro's comment is not something he is really going to worry about for quite awhile."

Well, it took him two days to respond.

Updated On: 6/12/18 at 05:28 PM

He can't even be truthful about how it came to his attention. Does he want us to believe that he watched the Tony Awards or just that he watched the clip of it on Fox News?

You underestimate the power of ex-presidents to get attention and shape public opinion. As elder statesmen - with nothing to gain or lose- unlike senators or representatives in the House- they could unite - and it would be a historic moment- to warn the U.S electorate that their democracy is being eroded by a president who views himself as above the law. I disagree that this would not be a powerful and persuasive moment- and could, at the right time, be very consequential.

See, this presenter is the one area where I think the Tonys didn't do so well. All night long, the ceremony did an excellent job of keeping Trump's name out of the telecast, whereas other ceremonies this year (Emmys/Oscars) mentioned him before the first award was even handed out. The Tony producers realize that this telecast is not a ratings smash, and already struggles to get people to tune in other than the Broadway fans and people who want to see a specific show or winner during the night. They can't necessarily afford to alienate members of their audience the same way other award shows can, so they don't want people to change channels because every speech and presenter is political or bashing the president. So, when bringing in potential presenters and hosts, the Tony producers have to know what they are getting to into signing on someone like DeNiro to present. Hosting, Sara and Josh were safe choices, because they aren't those type of people that get super political. Bring someone like Jimmy Kimmel on board to host, and we would be having a much different conversation about the show and its political statements. When you bring people that make political statements on the telecast and give them a microphone, thats what they are gonna do. Now, I'm not saying that next year the Tonys should sanitize every presenter and not let specific people talk (because not allowing free speech doesn't help stop the destruction of our country's ideals), just maybe the producers should think hard about what people they invite to present at the show, and what political statements they may bring to it.

Oh, come on. If there is one thing we theatre people love it is DRAMA. And DiNiro certainly delivered. He was, of course, preaching to the choir, but the choir needs an outlet lately as it sees the dangers lurking being the Trump presidency.

On the other hand, I totally agree that there are ways to create drama without using the "F" word. This kind of outburst brings him down to the level of discourse our president has normalized. In my opinion, we all have a right to make our voices heard in whatever arena to which we have access. No matter what you say, keep the dignity of civil discourse in mind.

If you guys were around like this in the 60s, we never would've gotten civil rights. God forbid we interrupt the sacred Tonys!

---

Rainah said: "Now, more realistically, you do need both types to be successful. That's what people don't understand. There are two different demographics

- People who can be reasoned with. These are people who need to be empathized with, taught, explained to. These are people who, seeing inspiring speeches/representation/facts/etc will come around

- People who no amount of hard work, compassion, or truth will change. These people need to be reminded, often and loudly, that their views are not welcome here. "F**k trump", punching fascists, all fall under this. Telling the extremists that society does not welcome their views. Anyone who may have thought about making a speech that supported anything Trump-like will now be reconsidering after that standing O, and there is one less platform for their views."

The reason why we need to as best as possible go with the first approach is because people seem to be confused about who exactly are the fascists or extremists. Both so called 'progressives' and conservatives are so confident in certain issues they think it's not 'open for discussion' when in fact it should be open for discussion. Starting with attitudes towards the role and indoctrination of false, typically right-wing belief systems in our societies.

---

Updated On: 6/14/18 at 08:19 AM

JBC3 said: "Christine Emba at The Washington Post writes—The problem with Robert De Niro’s F-bomb wasn’t the vulgarity."

Skimming through some of her columns, I like some of her ideas, but what she essentially does isn't really much different from what DeNiro did. DeNiro's comment and stance was for those who already understood him. Anybody really paying attention to what's going on in this country and does not like it completely understood what he was saying with that phrase as it's way too obvious. Instead of taking celebrities to task for not doing more (and if they did people would criticize them anyway as there are so many examples of celebrities putting their money where their mouth is and yet their work is dismissed or ignored or they're just hated as people anyway) for those who don't like what's going on in this country, we should all do more as citizens of this country if we're not already working to effect change in the ways that we can and not feel better by pointing out ineffective celebrities who are conveying a message that we ultimately agree with and understand if we stop pretending to be oblivious or trying to look admirable to people who really don't give a crap. Even those writing columns that really haven't done anything and those critiquing "smug liberals".

For those who really have no idea what he meant by that phrase, then pay more attention. For others who are just pretending, we know what you really stand for.