MovieChat Forums > The Shepherd (2008) Discussion > Hollywood PC at it again

Hollywood PC at it again


I am watching this movie as I type and was not surprised to see the tough, macho Police Chief chick. Hollywood seems addicted in their agenda to promote the female warrior. Not that anyone besides me gives a damn but if someone does, do you have a theory? Do macho chick characters sell more movies? Ten or so years ago, this part would have been played by a man. I think that was a good thing although I am aware that most disagree. That having been said, I am enjoying the film so far. I am about one quarter of the way through. Van Damme's fight scenes are pretty good. I hope it turns out to be a good story.

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It is tiresome, especially when she threatens her subordinates. And they back down, like they are in fear of a whupping. Speaking of P.C., she was Latino. A 'two-fer' for the border patrol, and for the filmmaker.:-)

Recently saw "The Kill Point" mini-series, and it had a FEMALE S.W.A.T. captain (black, too). Females are not on S.W.A.T. teams for the simple reason they can't pass the upper body strength test (fine, they are good fighters and good shots, etc., I don't need a lecture). Anyway, she was also threatening to "kick somebody's @$$" if they didn't do what she said RIGHT AWAY!!!:p

Speaking of P.C., why is every movie Army veteran criminally insane?!?!! Even in 'The Kill Point' the bad guys play Afghanistan veterans who come home 'disillusioned' and 'shattered', like "what are we fighting for, nobody cares about us." U.S. Army veterans are statisically LESS likely to engage in criminal activity, have better mental health, and the military forges strong character. Those who are sociopaths wash out, with very few exceptions. Yet this is a 'myth' that moviemakers cling to. Political correctness is not always correct.:-)

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There ARE female S.W.A.T. team members, BTW.
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Posting and You: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9q2jNjOPdk

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There are documented cases of humans who survive free-falling from the atmosphere and impacting onto Earth. Without a parachute.

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Amen on your comments on US veterans. Hollywood in general hates 'em. They pretend to show respect, then churn out one movie after another showing them as either incompetent, sadistic killers, or disillusioned with the war. Its a disgrace.

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Like "women roles" in general, but then give the greenlight to movies like TOOTSIE, The Crying Game and Mrs.Doubtfire!

"What time is Recess?"

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it is a complete crock of *beep* that woman cant pass uper body strength tests woman can be just as strong as men. its a lie when people say woman cant be as strong as us men.

i for one know a good deal of woman who are just as strong not if stronger then most men i have met.

the only difference is that men and womans muscle tissue is different and the difference means woman have to prepare there muscles more then men do. but once a woman properly prepares her muscles she can develope them just as much

its just that everyone is under the impression that woman are these fragile frail beings
when in reality they can be just as tough as men if a woman goes into exersize with the correct mentality she can develope her self to great measures

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Don't know what's more bizarre - The fact that somebody is complaining about a lack of realism in a B-grade Van Damme action flick (Hint: people don't watch flicks for a dose of reality; they prefer documentaries instead. Go watch the news if it'll make you feel better)or that someone else is grumbling about how 'their' soldiers are depicted coming back from a war that the rest of the world has declared as unlawful and illegal. (Here's a hint guys: Hollywood flicks get most of their profit from the overseas market. And most of the opinion overseas is against your soldiers invading and occupying a country in defiance of international laws that had nothing to do with 9/11 - thereby making you guys war criminals. Bottom line: the majority of world opinion is against your point of view - and they are more likely to make this film earn a profit. In any case war is bad for business. Unless you're in the arms dealer business or have stock in weapons manufacturing companies (like Dick Cheney). And Hollywood is first and foremost, a business. OK?

P.S. Oh, and hot chicks with guns DO sell more movie tickets in case you haven't noticed. Twenty years ago, Lee Van Cleef would have played the head of the SWAT/US Marshall/Police Task Force/Army Ranger/Navy Seal whateveritscallednowadays. Face facts, Angelina Jolie with an eyepatch looks better (and sexier) on screen than Lee Van Cleef (although Cleef is cooler!)

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I love how the "rest of the world" sees our soldiers as war criminals while they enjoy the freedoms that these so called criminals afforded them and continued protection from those who would destroy them. As for females as warriors, you might be right. Maybe Jolie with a 45 sells more than Van Damme. If you choose to believe that female warriors are more realistic than male warriors then I guess that is rather fitting seeing as you have a completely unrealistic view of what it takes to secure western democracies and their allies. But back to Hollywood. All I am pointing out is their obvious agenda. Good for you if you enjoy such stuff. I get concerned when so many viewers, especially younger ones, accept it blindly. Agreed that Hollywood is about profits first but there are some genuinely good movies in spite of that fact as I think you would agree. More and more are independents in my opinion.

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"I love how the "rest of the world" sees our soldiers as war criminals while they enjoy the freedoms that these so called criminals afforded them and continued protection from those who would destroy them."

Buddy, if you guys lose this war (and I think you will) and if your currency dollar crashes and burns (which it will), seeing as how the only thing keeping it afloat was the fact that the arab gulf states use the dollar as the yardstick for buying their petrol. Once Iran starts using the euro - which they already do - and when the other states follow suit, the US will be no better than a third world country. Your comment on us "enjoy(ing) the freedoms that these so called criminals afforded them and continued protection from those who would destroy them" made me laugh my guts out. You buggers invaded a country ruled by a secular dictator and turned it into a haven for islamists through you own incompetence, thereby turning this world into a more dangerous place - you people should be shot for your stupidity not rewarded.

"I guess that is rather fitting seeing as you have a completely unrealistic view of what it takes to secure western democracies and their allies."

No, it's YOU that have a totally unrealistic view on what it takes to 'secure western democracies'. If you people actually had some self-discipline and bothered to walk instead of driving your big SUVs - you wouldn't be in this situation. And if securing western democracies means invading sovereign nations, flooding Africa with arms and installing fascists in other parts of the world other than your own, then the rest of the world will see you 'western democracies' as parasites.

"I get concerned when so many viewers, especially younger ones, accept it blindly."

It's entertainment. It's not meant to be taken seriously. As they get older, the younger ones will realize this. You don't like it, switch it off. Or watch a Chuck Norris movie, if it'll make you feel better. Probably make this Van Damme lick look like a classic in comparison.

Sounds to me, like you're more upset about people not agreeing with your worldview, that's all .....

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aside from the "you people should be shot for your stupidity not rewarded" bit I fully agree: it's crazy how movie buffs on the conservative side of the political spectrum get so up in arms when a simple B action movie isn't aligned with their GI Joe theories on geopolitics.
All in all its really just the manifestation of the fall of American dominance of the planet and it kinda scares the "good ol boys".

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Salim3K, the worldview that says it is OK to snip off the clit**** of women, so they won't enjoy being with a man, or that it is OK to r*** a young boy because the Koran doesn't expressly forbid it, or that it is OK to blow up a marketplace or pizza parlor or schoolbus as an act of war, should be upsetting to any civilized person.

You clearly have tribal loyalty to a region that has contributed nothing to the world in over a thousand years. Here is an example of the worldview held in Iran today:

From the Associated Press:
9 Iranians Convicted of Adultery Set to Be Stoned to Death
Sunday, July 20, 2008
TEHRAN, Iran — Eight women and one man convicted of adultery are set to be stoned to death in Iran, activists said Sunday.

All The Taliban had to do was turn over the Al Queda involved in attacking the U.S. and killing 3,000 innocents from over 100 countries on 9/11. Like the illiterate zealots they are, they picked wrong and are now just trying to outlast NATO in Afghanistan while they freeze in the mountain winds and pick the sand out of their @$$. They publicly declared Iraq as the battlefront against the U.S., which was another failure in critical thinking. No only is Al Queda getting thousands imprisoned and killed, but just imagine what happens if they get what they want: The U.S. leaves, and then what do they have to offer? Not a thing, they will turn it into another dirt-road dusthole where nothing works and everybody is poor and suffering. Everybody with a brain or money leaves, so only the stupid and lazy and sick and poor remain. Is that the outcome you want?

Anyway, hope YOU don't get too upset that others disagree with your unworkable worldview.

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"they picked wrong and are now just trying to outlast NATO in Afghanistan while they freeze in the mountain winds and pick the sand out of their @$$"

I guess that freezing mountain wind and sand in the @ss is what led them to force the Soviet invaders out

"They publicly declared Iraq as the battlefront against the U.S"

sounds to me like you've been watching too much Fox News

"they will turn it into another dirt-road dusthole where nothing works and everybody is poor and suffering"

The exact OPPOSITE of how things were when Saddam was in power, remember even high ranking officials now admit intel on his WMD'S was a hoax, but that don't matter because it was his OIL the yankee-blue-jeans were after


"so only the stupid and lazy and sick and poor remain. Is that the outcome you want? "

why dont yall' invite them in illegally with arms wide open like you do the lazy, sick and poor from Mexico? problem solved!!!!!!!

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You don't even have your facts straight. The "rest of the world" does not see the Afghan War as illegal. You did note that this movie involved the Afghanistan War right?

The Afghan War is being fought by NATO. Among our allies are most of the Muslim nations including Pakistan. Most of the world was delighted that the Taliban Regime which was oppressing women and blowing up ancient artifacts was driven out of Afghanistan. And Bin Laden, who planned 9-11 and boasted about it was living under the explicit protection of the Taliban regime.

If the "majority of the world opinion" is against the US, why did Germany toss out the anti-American Schroeder and elect pro-American Angela Merkel? Why did France elect the strongly pro-American Sarkozy? Why was Tony Blair never defeated in Britain, when he backed the Iraq War? Why are the Brits still in Iraq? Why did the Canadians elect a more conservative government?

I suppose the dictatorships and despots don't like us. China, which has brutally occupied Tibet for decades is their friend on the imaginary moral high ground you so admire.

Even in the less popular war in Iraq the US is the invited guest of the democratically elected Iraqi government. We are there under UN mandate. If your nonsensical condemnation were true, neither would be the case. And before you start whining about 'puppet governments' try to remember that Maliki was not the American candidate of choice. He was, however, the choice of the Iraqis and we respected their wishes.

Saddam is dead. Al Qaeda is getting a royal butt kicking by the very people they claim to represent (i.e. the Iraqi Sunnis), al Sadr is discredited and hiding in Iran. None of your lies about this country change the truth. And those parts of the world who have been reluctant to support us will, as Bin Laden so aptly observed, choose the strong horse. Which, in case you haven't woken up from your stupor yet, is the United States of America.

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actually america broke no law when invading iraq. the u.n backed the u.s and told saddam to let u.n agents into iraq to search for possible WMD he said no so we invaded. the u.n gave us the go a head

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This movie can hardly be called a shining example of "Hollywood PC." Not with a Scottish actress portraying a Latina, and with Bulgarians and Gypsies portraying Mexicans. Especially loathsome is the fat, sloppy, sterotypical "Pancho Villa" Federale, who's also portrayed by a very obvious Bulgarian. Amazingly, in a movie that deals with the Border Patrol and illegal immigrants crossing the US/Mexico border, there is not one single, genuine Hispanic/Latino/Mexican actor anywhere to be seen.

By the way, there are female Police Chiefs in the USA. A couple of examples off the top of my head are the Police Chiefs of Altanta (who's African-American) and San Francisco (who's Chinese-American).

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By the way, there are also female fire fighters. If it is your preference to depend on a 5,4" women to attempt to drag your body out of a burning building then I have to atleast admire your adherence to political correctness being more important than your life. This is the world that Hollywood dictates that we accept. I do not. Simple as that. Good point about the non-existent Mexicans though. Reminds me of the sixties westerns with the Jewish Indians. "Oy vey, I shouldn't scalp you?"

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you do realise that all firefighters learn to lift a person up using only leaverage i have seen 5 foot 2 105 lb woman lift 200 lb men over there shoulders and carry them out of buildings before

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good point on the fat federale especially. Like a throwback from the stereotypes of 50 years ago. I agree.

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fwiw, the nationality issue looks to be economic in making this movie.

My PC point had to with with sexism, but I take it for what it is. She is always bossing people around ("I'll have your job!" "I'll put a boot up his @$$!", etc) Not acting like a leader, just a *beep* Guy leaders don't act like that.

There are two well-written and well-acted female law enforcement figures that inspire leadership, that come to mind. One is "Erin Driscoll" the no-nonsense boss from "24" first season, and the other is "Monica Rawlings" played by Glenn Close in "The Shield"; both strong personalities, never threatening subordinates, just leading by example and both unmistakably female.

Anyway, there is also a Deputy Chief in Los Angeles, Sharon Papa, and she is an embarrassment to the force. The LA City Council pulled a number (44%) out of the air for new female recruits, and can't meet it (they can't pass they physical part of the test). LAPD is lowering standards for entry, and for SWAT. The current officers are outraged, but Dep. Chief Sharon Papa tells the media "there has been no lowering of standards" and she has been caught flat-out lying. btw, she did not earn her position, she was a 'legacy' when LAPD absorbed the Metro Police Dept. Political Correctness at work!

The female chiefs mentioned above, I wonder how many of the rank-and-file really believe they earned the position? Are stronger leaders? Interesting subject, I enjoyed reading everyone's posts.

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I don't get it...who cares if the boss was played by a woman? I mean this movie is crap, and that's what you're complaining about? lol

Yeah, in other movies (in the past AND present) this role would have been played by a man. So? What's the big deal? Besides, I don't think it's them being PC. I think they're killing two birds with one stone. They need the tough, hard *ss (but really nice underneath it all) boss and a love interest, so they just combined the two roles. I guess they wanted to do something "different"

And you know...I've heard this crazy rumor that in real life there *are* women in power positions - I know, totally crazy huh? I suppose you think women should only play victims, wives/girlfriends or prostitutes right? Ever think about joining us in the 21st century?

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When women can impregnate men I will yield to your point of view. I suggest you take your objections up with Mother Nature. There is nothing realistic about women beating the crap out of men in films. It is clearly a leftist agenda and I object to it. Now, I haven't spoken to Pesident Obama in several days but I do intend to discuss this issue with him in the near future.

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What in the world does impregnating men have to do with a woman being a police chief/tough cop?? Are you telling me that because a man has sperm that means he's the only person that can be tough in a movie?? Wow someone has some serious issues when it comes to women, LOL.

And an "agenda"? Really? Oh yes, featuring women in action roles is all a conspiracy to convince real women to run around beating up men. Uh huh...we're going to take over the world, one Jean Claude Van Damme movie at a time, LOL

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why dont you walk up to layla ali and call her a pussy to her face and see how fast she beats the *beep* out of you

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Hate to tell you, pal, but this movie had absolutely nothing to do with Hollywood.

If we all liked the same movie, there'd only be one movie!

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One of the reasons of what seems to be an excessive dose of PC in JCVD movies in both a direct and an indirect manner is the name Moshe Diamant also the name Sheldon Lettich plays a role in this.

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