'Family Guy' Punks Palin - Blu-ray Forum

WyldeMan45 · 02-19-2010, 11:17 PM

As I'm sure by now most have you have heard the news about Palin's comments on Family Guy since they did an episode about Down Syndrome last week, well actually you heard Sarah reading her daughter Bristol's words because shockingly Sarah doesn't have her own, well when I saw this I just had to share.........

‘Family Guy’ Voice Actor Says Palin ‘Does Not Have a Sense of Humor’

Since it was shown on Sunday, an episode of the Fox animated comedy “Family Guy” has drawn the repeated condemnation of Sarah Palin, the former Republican governor of Alaska and 2008 vice-presidential nominee.

In the episode, the teenage character Chris dates a girl named Ellen, who has Down syndrome, and who tells him over dinner that her mother is “the former governor of Alaska.” Ms. Palin, whose son Trig also has Down syndrome, has said that the “Family Guy” show “really isn’t funny” and was the work of “cruel, cold-hearted people.” Ms. Palin’s daughter Bristol has written that the “Family Guy” writers were “mocking my brother and my family,” and called them “heartless jerks.”

One person who supports the “Family Guy” staff is Andrea Fay Friedman, the 39-year-old actor and public speaker who played Ellen in that episode. Like the character, Ms. Friedman also has Down syndrome.

In an e-mail message sent on Thursday to The New York Times, Ms. Friedman wrote:

I guess former Governor Palin does not have a sense of humor. I thought the line “I am the daughter of the former governor of Alaska” was very funny. I think the word is “sarcasm.”

In my family we think laughing is good. My parents raised me to have a sense of humor and to live a normal life.

Ms. Friedman also spoke by phone with ArtsBeat about her “Family Guy” episode and the controversy that followed. These are excerpts from that conversation.

Q. How did you start out as an actor?
A. Before I did “Family Guy,” I started studying at the Santa Monica Playhouse when I was 14, and then I also studied at the Stagecoach. And then I did more acting at Santa Monica College. My biggest break was “Life Goes On,” when I was 21.

Q. How were you hired to do this episode of “Family Guy”?
A. “Family Guy” talked to my dad first, before I knew about “Family Guy,” because I never watched it. But since I’m watching it, it’s really funny. They told me I was going to be animated, they were going to draw me, and I did not have to know the lines by memory. I just had to read it. It was really funny. I enjoyed it. I had a nice time doing it.

Q. Did they specifically tell you that the character you were going to play also had Down syndrome?
A. Yeah, they told me I was playing Ellen, who was Miss Bossy. I didn’t want to be bossy, but since they want me to be bossy, I just had to be as the character. I had to be bossy, as part of my process. That’s the only way to transform the real me to an animated person. So I had to do what an actor does. I just wing it and have fun with it.

Q. When you get asked to play characters who have Down syndrome, does that make you at all uncomfortable?
A. No, I’m proud of it. I’m not embarrassed. But mostly, it doesn’t matter if you have Down syndrome. Really, it just matters to have a different challenge.

Q. When did you find out about the reaction that the episode elicited from Sarah Palin and her family?
A. [laughs] That I did not even know about until my mom told me, “You’re on Channel 4!” And when I watched on Channel 4, on “Extra,” and I saw Sarah Palin with her son Trig. I’m like, “I’m not Trig. This is my life.” I was making fun of Sarah Palin, but not her son.

Q. Do you agree with what she and her daughter Bristol were saying, that the character and the jokes were insulting to people with Down syndrome?
A. It’s not really an insult. I was doing my role, I’m an actor. I’m entitled to say something. It was really funny. I was laughing at it. I had a nice time doing voiceover. It was my first time doing a voiceover, and I had fun.

Q. Do you know what other acting roles you’ve got coming up?
A. That I don’t know. [laughs] No one asked me yet. I’m still waiting. My dad gets the calls, and he tells me about it. I’d like to go back on “Saving Grace,” that’s my favorite show.

Q. What do you do when you’re not acting?
A. I work at a law firm, I’ve been here for 20 years. I’ve spoken all over the world, India and Japan. Dad taught me some Japanese. I like spending time with family and friends, go bowling and skiing, going to birthday parties.

Q. You’ve got a big birthday coming up yourself. How are you bracing yourself for the big 4-0?
A. Eh, it’s a big step. It’s a milestone. Might as well just leap for it.

Source

HeManster03 · 02-20-2010, 07:08 AM

Sarah Palin needs to grow up and get a sense of humor. I could see her being upset if they had someone without DS do that part, as that would be a little touch and go. This girl HAS DS and she is cool with it. If it was offensive then she wouldn't of done it. Go back to Alaska and see Russia from your porch.

Batman1980 · 02-20-2010, 07:11 AM

Enjoy responsibly guys, just remember politics are not allowed on this forum so we will be watching.

Lord_Stewie · 02-20-2010, 07:17 AM

I missed the episode. A joke is a joke they can be harsh, and can be funny as well. Just depends on the person taking it from whatever perspective. :shurg:

acosmichippo · 02-20-2010, 07:21 AM

i don't normally side on the PC side of arguments, but here i do. Not for the sake of being PC, but because the line was simply NOT FUNNY, and didn't add anything to the show except shock value. Cheap and elementary are the best words that come to mind.

Then again, this should be no surprise coming from that show.

acosmichippo · 02-20-2010, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeManster03

This girl HAS DS and she is cool with it.

i don't follow that argument at all. I don't hear that girl making jokes about any of HER siblings...

Lord_Stewie · 02-20-2010, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acosmichippo

i don't follow that argument at all. I don't hear that girl making jokes about any of HER siblings...

You don't which is a respected opinion and you are entitled to it. Don't forget that she also deserves the rights as well.

WyldeMan45 · 02-20-2010, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolverine1980

just remember politics are not allowed on this forum so we will be watching.

Huh, I was not actually aware of that fact, but that line made me think of Optimus Prime lol. Guess I won't be able to mention the discussion Seth MacFarlan had with Bill Maher about this on his show yesterday than. Who would have thought there is something not allowed here.

acosmichippo · 02-20-2010, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lord_Stewie

You don't which is a respected opinion and you are entitled to it. Don't forget that she also deserves the rights as well.

I certainly didn't claim she doesn't have the right to whatever opinions she holds (however hypocritical they may be).

Groo The Perverted · 02-20-2010, 07:38 AM

1. I don't care for Family Guy, as I think they go for the "shock value" just for the sake of shocking. Plus nobody beats a joke into the ground like they do.

2. I didn't think the Sarah Palin joke was particularly funny, but considering the show it's I suppose to be expected.

3. I thought the funniest aspect of the clip I saw, was the doggie Dominatrix part. That was funnier than the clip before it.

4. Andrea rocks!

Lord_Stewie · 02-20-2010, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acosmichippo

I certainly didn't claim she doesn't have the right to whatever opinions she holds (however hypocritical they may be).

You didn't my friend. And I am not arguing that.

I am saying just because something doesn't make sense to you, it doesn't have to make sense to the other side. Its a matter of how people perceive different things.

So I am just suggesting to be open about it and understand the other side as well.

PS. This does remind me of the Marge Simpson VS. Barbar Bush situation that took place in the 90's. I wonder what the writers will do to respond.

Groo The Perverted · 02-20-2010, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acosmichippo

I certainly didn't claim she doesn't have the right to whatever opinions she holds (however hypocritical they may be).

I don't think Andrea was being hypocritical at all (if that's who you were referring to).

She's someone with a developmental disability and she's commenting on someone that she feels is using someone with developmental disabilities for their own agenda, thus the "loaf of bread" line, which I thought was devastatingly accurate.

I would think if anyone should have their opinion count in this situation, it's her.

EDIT: I just realized that line wasn't in the piece above.

Here's her quote regarding the Palin's being upset at this (which they are entitled to be

I thought the line "I am the daughter of the former governor of Alaska" was very funny. I think the word is "sarcasm".

Quote:

In my family we think laughing is good. My parents raised me to have a sense of humor and to live a normal life. My mother did not carry me around under her arm like a loaf of French bread the way former Governor Palin carries her son Trig around looking for sympathy and votes.

WyldeMan45 · 02-20-2010, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lord_Stewie

PS. This does remind me of the Marge Simpson VS. Barbar Bush situation that took place in the 90's. I wonder what the writers will do to respond.

Seth was on Maher yesterday and they talked about this in pretty good detail, and Seth seemed more amused by her lack of a sense of humor than anything else. He really enjoyed the clip of Palin discussing the episode with O'Reilly, and the things O'Reilly said, so It's more likely he's gonna be punking Bill now lol.

jw · 02-20-2010, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WyldeMan45

Huh, I was not actually aware of that fact, but that line made me think of Optimus Prime lol. Guess I won't be able to mention the discussion Seth MacFarlan had with Bill Maher about this on his show yesterday than. Who would have thought there is something not allowed here.

clarification, you are allowed to discuss this when it pertains to a movie, etc. Just remember keep it with the lines of the movie/Tv eps and not put personal views into it and there wont be any issues. Its just a tough line to follow especially when someone will throw a random political view out there.

Lord_Stewie · 02-20-2010, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WyldeMan45

Seth was on Maher yesterday and they talked about this in pretty good detail, and Seth seemed more amused by her lack of a sense of humor than anything else. He really enjoyed the clip of Palin discussing the episode with O'Reilly, and the things O'Reilly said, so It's more likely he's gonna be punking Bill now lol.

I have the episode and DVR so I haven't seen it yet. This thread makes me want to check it out right now.

jw · 02-20-2010, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groo The Perverted

DEWEY SHOULDA BEAT TRUMAN, DAMMIT! lol

This is exactly why this thread was closed

02-19-2010, 11:17 PM	#1
WyldeMan45 Banned Member since:Oct 2008 Location:Western Washington Blu-ray collection:49 Trading Score:15	'Family Guy' Punks Palin As I'm sure by now most have you have heard the news about Palin's comments on Family Guy since they did an episode about Down Syndrome last week, well actually you heard Sarah reading her daughter Bristol's words because shockingly Sarah doesn't have her own, well when I saw this I just had to share......... *‘Family Guy’ Voice Actor Says Palin ‘Does Not Have a Sense of Humor’* Since it was shown on Sunday, an episode of the Fox animated comedy “Family Guy” has drawn the repeated condemnation of Sarah Palin, the former Republican governor of Alaska and 2008 vice-presidential nominee. In the episode, the teenage character Chris dates a girl named Ellen, who has Down syndrome, and who tells him over dinner that her mother is “the former governor of Alaska.” Ms. Palin, whose son Trig also has Down syndrome, has said that the “Family Guy” show “really isn’t funny” and was the work of “cruel, cold-hearted people.” Ms. Palin’s daughter Bristol has written that the “Family Guy” writers were “mocking my brother and my family,” and called them “heartless jerks.” One person who supports the “Family Guy” staff is Andrea Fay Friedman, the 39-year-old actor and public speaker who played Ellen in that episode. Like the character, Ms. Friedman also has Down syndrome. In an e-mail message sent on Thursday to The New York Times, Ms. Friedman wrote: I guess former Governor Palin does not have a sense of humor. I thought the line “I am the daughter of the former governor of Alaska” was very funny. I think the word is “sarcasm.” In my family we think laughing is good. My parents raised me to have a sense of humor and to live a normal life. Ms. Friedman also spoke by phone with ArtsBeat about her “Family Guy” episode and the controversy that followed. These are excerpts from that conversation. Q. How did you start out as an actor? A. Before I did “Family Guy,” I started studying at the Santa Monica Playhouse when I was 14, and then I also studied at the Stagecoach. And then I did more acting at Santa Monica College. My biggest break was “Life Goes On,” when I was 21. Q. How were you hired to do this episode of “Family Guy”? A. “Family Guy” talked to my dad first, before I knew about “Family Guy,” because I never watched it. But since I’m watching it, it’s really funny. They told me I was going to be animated, they were going to draw me, and I did not have to know the lines by memory. I just had to read it. It was really funny. I enjoyed it. I had a nice time doing it. Q. Did they specifically tell you that the character you were going to play also had Down syndrome? A. Yeah, they told me I was playing Ellen, who was Miss Bossy. I didn’t want to be bossy, but since they want me to be bossy, I just had to be as the character. I had to be bossy, as part of my process. That’s the only way to transform the real me to an animated person. So I had to do what an actor does. I just wing it and have fun with it. Q. When you get asked to play characters who have Down syndrome, does that make you at all uncomfortable? A. No, I’m proud of it. I’m not embarrassed. But mostly, it doesn’t matter if you have Down syndrome. Really, it just matters to have a different challenge. Q. When did you find out about the reaction that the episode elicited from Sarah Palin and her family? A. [laughs] That I did not even know about until my mom told me, “You’re on Channel 4!” And when I watched on Channel 4, on “Extra,” and I saw Sarah Palin with her son Trig. I’m like, “I’m not Trig. This is my life.” I was making fun of Sarah Palin, but not her son. Q. Do you agree with what she and her daughter Bristol were saying, that the character and the jokes were insulting to people with Down syndrome? A. It’s not really an insult. I was doing my role, I’m an actor. I’m entitled to say something. It was really funny. I was laughing at it. I had a nice time doing voiceover. It was my first time doing a voiceover, and I had fun. Q. Do you know what other acting roles you’ve got coming up? A. That I don’t know. [laughs] No one asked me yet. I’m still waiting. My dad gets the calls, and he tells me about it. I’d like to go back on “Saving Grace,” that’s my favorite show. Q. What do you do when you’re not acting? A. I work at a law firm, I’ve been here for 20 years. I’ve spoken all over the world, India and Japan. Dad taught me some Japanese. I like spending time with family and friends, go bowling and skiing, going to birthday parties. Q. You’ve got a big birthday coming up yourself. How are you bracing yourself for the big 4-0? A. Eh, it’s a big step. It’s a milestone. Might as well just leap for it. Source

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02-20-2010, 07:08 AM	#2
HeManster03 Senior Member Member since:Oct 2008 Location:Northeast Ohio Home Theater Gallery:49 Blu-ray collection:4 Blu-ray reviews:1	Sarah Palin needs to grow up and get a sense of humor. I could see her being upset if they had someone without DS do that part, as that would be a little touch and go. This girl HAS DS and she is cool with it. If it was offensive then she wouldn't of done it. Go back to Alaska and see Russia from your porch.

02-20-2010, 07:11 AM	#3
Batman1980 Blu-ray Jedi Member since:Feb 2009 Location:District 13 Home Theater Gallery:8 4K collection:146 Blu-ray collection:394 DVD collection:57 Blu-ray reviews:22 Trading Score:48	Enjoy responsibly guys, just remember politics are not allowed on this forum so we will be watching.

02-20-2010, 07:17 AM	#4
Lord_Stewie Blu-ray Baron Member since:May 2007 Blu-ray collection:396 Blu-ray reviews:1 Trading Score:1	I missed the episode. A joke is a joke they can be harsh, and can be funny as well. Just depends on the person taking it from whatever perspective. :shurg:

02-20-2010, 07:21 AM	#5
acosmichippo Active Member Member since:Feb 2010 Blu-ray collection:94 Blu-ray reviews:1	i don't normally side on the PC side of arguments, but here i do. Not for the sake of being PC, but because the line was simply NOT FUNNY, and didn't add anything to the show except shock value. Cheap and elementary are the best words that come to mind. Then again, this should be no surprise coming from that show.

02-20-2010, 07:38 AM	#10
Groo The Perverted Blu-ray Champion Member since:Aug 2008 Blu-ray collection:109 DVD collection:8 Trading Score:272	1. I don't care for Family Guy, as I think they go for the "shock value" just for the sake of shocking. Plus nobody beats a joke into the ground like they do. 2. I didn't think the Sarah Palin joke was particularly funny, but considering the show it's I suppose to be expected. 3. I thought the funniest aspect of the clip I saw, was the doggie Dominatrix part. That was funnier than the clip before it. 4. Andrea rocks!

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