While I wasn’t really that surprised when I read that theabortion debate somehow wormed its way into the release of the big screen adaptation of “Horton Hears A Who”, you could have knocked me over with a tiny, purple flower when I read former NBA player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s commentary on the same movie. In what I can only describe as a very articulate but ridiculous knee-jerk reaction, “Horton,” according to Abdul-Jabbar, is sexist and racist and much of Hollywood and middle America is too ignorant to realize it.
According to Kareem, the sexism is embedded in the subplot of the Mayor of Whoville and his many daughters and only son. The son saves Whoville, while the daughters are merely on the fringe of things, neglected by their dad. And, his logic goes, if we are willing to allow this sort of “social injustice,” then we will simply turn a deaf ear, if you will, to other forms of injustice—including racism.
Are you as confused as I am about that broad leap in logical reasoning? “Horton” has numerous themes in the story including respect for others’ differences and the need to find your own voice. Picking on a relatively small moment in the film to make a huge broad social statement seems a bit of a reach to me.
But perhaps the real purpose of his editorial is found in the final paragraph, where he ties his commentary back to where the article actually started—a pitch to vote for Barack Obama.
posted April 19, 2008 at 4:21 am
The opinion of a basketball player is as the squeaking of a mouse.
posted April 21, 2008 at 9:57 am
You know, I did not see the movie, we are going this weekend to see it, but I do know what Kareem is talking about. Here’s the thing, and a sad thing at that. Still today, 2008; racism is still alive and well. In different forms, but still exists. If Obama argues tooth and nail with Hillary, he is beating up on a woman. If he does nothing and ignores her, he is too soft. Bitter is what bitter does and Hillary is more of an elitist than Obama with her $109 million elitist self. That is why Americans don’t like her, because her elitism shines through with every word she utters. Shame on you Hillary Clinton; shame on you. Her experience is not much different from Obama. The media is allowing her to use her husbands experience for her experience. Isn’t that another untruth? And don’t get me started on the Bosnia issue; the woman without insurance who died and so on. I hope come November that when there are two candidates, that the right thing is done. No John McCain.
posted April 21, 2008 at 10:11 am
And why are we even talking about the candidates instead of a movie? I am overtaxed with the Democratic debate in the news. I attend movies to get away from a constant barrage of news. I do not appreciate agendas hidden in entertainment. I realize that sometimes things must be said to wake a nation. However, I don’t think this movie had any agendas but to entertain. I think it is ludicrous to bring in the Democrat candidates in any way to something like this. I do not appreciate Kareem’s comments in an evident ploy to promote his candidate for president. It is a Dr. Suess movie for the love of the almighty!
Now, if you want to talk about the silliness of the current Democrats and their ridiculous antics which reveal their true nature…. well, that is another article and discussion.
posted April 21, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Although I don’t think Kareem’s comments have anything to do with this campaign. I do agree with his comments regarding this subplot of the movie being sexist. Why would a man with 96 daughters insist that his only son be groomed for mayor?
I have three daughters aged 21 through 14, and sometimes people still want to know why we didn’t try for a “son”.It’s as if three healthy daughters aren’t enough for some folks. I don’t agree with making full length movies from Dr. Suess books anyway. There is not enough plot in the books for Hollywood. If Suess were still alive maybe the subplots would be a lot better.
posted April 21, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Are we really involving a childrens movie in political debate???? Only in America!!!!
posted April 21, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Kareem was one of my favorate basketball players growing up a Laker fan. Kareem, get it together. Racist accusations got played in the early ninety’s.
posted April 21, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Lew Alcindor had no problems at UCLA when there was no Title 9 for women’s sports parity. Now, after he has made his millions, changed his name and religion, and played in a league now dominated by black athletes, Karrem Abdul Jabbar now wants to fight against racism and sexism at the kiddie movie house. Jabbarwocky is free to move to Saudi Arabia to a land where women are treated with respect, and black men are revered. You can stop laughing now.
posted April 21, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Whether or not you “Horton” is sexist and racist….sexism and racism are all serious problems in our society. If nothing else KAJ has got us talking about them. As for involving children in politics…..it happens, that’s just the way it is.
posted April 21, 2008 at 7:10 pm
This story was written many years ago when children could just enjoy a story that’s entertaining and with a simple moral instead of having to worry about whatever political and social subplot the movie may have. What’s wrong with that?
posted April 22, 2008 at 12:34 pm
I think it is advisable to actually read what he said in context and see the movie before commenting.
1) to the woman who mentioned but it is a childrens story written a while ago. If you read Kareem’s editorial from the link. He addresses your comment as have quite a few critics. That is in order to make a movie out of a short story they added to the “dialogue”. The movie is not the story book.
I did take my 8 year old daughter to see the movie, I can tell you the only remotely positive female image is the who-ville scientist. His wife thinks he may be going crazy. His daughters jabber on. And of course, Carol Burnett plays a terrific meanie!
So yes, the original plot gets a little lost in drawing out the story to make a movie.
Having said that, I enjoyed it way more than my eight year old. Who simply responed The mayors’ daughters were way louder than the son, how come they couldn’t save Whoville?
My point, the movie makers did not do justice to this very cute story and the message from the book was not adequetely transerred to the movie. And perhaps Kareem is correct, the movie is sexist. This from stay at home mom.
posted April 22, 2008 at 4:42 pm
To Ricky re Kareem’s stint as a Bruin (from a proud female Bruin), the times were different and Kareem was a lot younger. Not making excuses. Just stating facts. What 20 year old man-child will care if there’s a Title 9 for women’s sports? In the early 1970s, was there even such a thing? I don’t follow sports that closely so I don’t know. Do you? Most people become wiser as they age and see things with more clarity. That could be how it is for Mr. Abdul-Jabbar now.
I haven’t seen the movie. I’m not a Jim Carey fan and listening to his voice is too much for me. I won’t take Kareem’s word as gospel, but before I whine about his statements, I will do some research. The story was written years ago when certain stereotypes were considered the norm. There’s no excuse for it now. Mr. Abdul-Jabbar has a good point about the 96 girls versus the one savior boy. If today’s writers feel they can take liberties with certain aspects of the story, why not use the opportunity to enlighten and empower our future generation?
Why are you so adamant that Kareem doesn’t have a point? What are you so afraid of?
posted April 24, 2008 at 10:32 am
It is just a movie! The messages in the movie can be discussed at home with the children and opinionators like Jabbar can have their opions as this is a free country.