MovieChat Forums > Joyful Noise (2012) Discussion > I can't hold my tongue

I can't hold my tongue

posted 11 years ago by RKerekes13-1
24 replies | jump to latest

Alright, I'm sure most of y'all on here are gonna disagree with me, but I absolutely HATE Queen Latifah's parental rant towards Keke Palmer in this movie with a PASSION, because it is more abusive than helpful. There are several signs as to why this is so:

1. her cussing; when a parent uses profanity at their kids, it is a clear sign of verbal abuse

2. her points about hanging mirrors around the house and giving herself CPR, which is actually impossible I might add, are rather condescending, which makes her sound extremely selfish

3. phrases like "I'm done talking to you for the foreseeable future" and "get your little narrow behind" sound more hurtful and soul-crushing

4. telling your kid to "respect your snoring" is very selfish, abusive, and demanding when you think about it; that, and the fact that snoring does NOT come from exhaustion

Of course, I will point out that probably the ONE reason Keke deserved that slap is because of her disrespecting God, which I believe is far worse than disrespecting your parents! Plus, I'm sure Keke didn't mean to disrespect her mom the way she did. Well, then again, I'm sure most kids and teenagers and adults alike would never do it on purpose. And don't give me anything like "Whether or not you mean to disrespect your parents is beside the point" because it ISN'T beside the point!

Finally, Queen does bring up a good point about not "flaunting it" when you're married which I feel is pretty deep. Other than all that, though, the parental rant delivered by Queen in this movie is very abusive, selfish, and condescending beyond a shadow of a doubt!!!!!!

EDIT: I have recently uploaded my own edited version of that undoubtedly harsh scene. Here's the link for your viewing pleasure: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yEKGQK7F9I

[–] IMDB_Vits 11 years ago

when a parent uses profanity at their kids, it is a clear sign of verbal abuse

She was only using them after her daughter started using them.

her points about hanging mirrors around the house and giving herself CPR, which is actually impossible I might add, are rather condescending, which makes her sound extremely selfish

She wasn't being literal. It was a way to mention that she's nurse.

phrases like "I'm done talking to you for the foreseeable future" and "get your little narrow behind" sound more hurtful and soul-crushing

That's what you say to someone who has insulted you, and you've told them why they were wrong, and you can tell that they don't have anything more to say.

I'm sure Keke didn't mean to disrespect her mom the way she did.

She directly insulted her.

[–] RKerekes13-1 11 years ago

She was only using them after her daughter started using them.

You forget: two wrongs do NOT make a right, even in terms of parenting.

She wasn't being literal. It was a way to mention that she's nurse.

Literal or not, it's not a good way to get your point across.

That's what you say to someone who has insulted you, and you've told them why they were wrong, and you can tell that they don't have anything more to say.

Considerably, I could understand this kind of scenario if somebody has behaved much, MUCH worse than Olivia, but to me, her disrespect towards her mother doesn't sound quite as serious as other examples. Maybe I'm just biased 'cause I'm not married yet, but if I ever had kids, I wouldn't really want to be as harsh on them as Vi Rose did.

She directly insulted her.

But still, it doesn't indicate that she did it on purpose. To me, it really does matter whether or not you actually MEAN to do something. If any kids disrespected their parents on PURPOSE, I just know it'd really justify their parents' anger even further.

Clearly, IMDB_Vits, your arguments are not 100% valid, and you can argue that mine aren't either, but there are some people where I live who actually agree with some of my points. You can rant all you want, but you're not gonna change my mind about this undoubtedly harsh scene in "Joyful Noise". So you're outta luck.

[–] IMDB_Vits 11 years ago

Literal or not, it's not a good way to get your point across.

Agreed. I mean, she's obviously a flawed person (she even admits it).

But still, it doesn't indicate that she did it on purpose. To me, it really does matter whether or not you actually MEAN to do something. If any kids disrespected their parents on PURPOSE, I just know it'd really justify their parents' anger even further.

She said "You hate me because you're jealous than I'm pretty and you're not. And no matter how much traditional gospel you sing, God won't help you". I'm not trying to rant. Please tell me how can that be interpreted as something other than an insult.

[–] RKerekes13-1 11 years ago

She said "You hate me because you're jealous than I'm pretty and you're not. And no matter how much traditional gospel you sing, God won't help you". I'm not trying to rant. Please tell me how can that be interpreted as something other than an insult.

I know it can't be interpreted any other way, but while what Olivia said there was indeed out of line, Vi Rose's undeniably harsh rant is a perfectly accurate example of how some mothers out here in the world are total nutcases. Vi Rose is no exception, even if she is fictional. And I know this might sound a bit racist, but to me, it's another one of those examples of Hollywood's angry black woman stereotype.

[–] IMDB_Vits 11 years ago

I'm confused. I get that your main point is that VI ROSE was harsh. But you said that you didn't think OLIVIA was insulting her on purpose, and now you're saying that she was. Which one is it.

I know this might sound a bit racist, but to me, it's another one of those examples of Hollywood's angry black woman stereotype.

Most characters in this movie are stereotypes. VI ROSE (and most Queen Latifah characters) are sassy and sharp tongue.

[–] RKerekes13-1 11 years ago

I'm confused. I get that your main point is that VI ROSE was harsh. But you said that you didn't think OLIVIA was insulting her on purpose, and now you're saying that she was. Which one is it.

I didn't say that. I said that while what Olivia said and did was out of line, there's absolutely no indication that she was doing it all on purpose. It's typical teenage nature, as far as I'm concerned.

Most characters in this movie are stereotypes. VI ROSE (and most Queen Latifah characters) are sassy and sharp tongue.

Exactly, although I would consider Walter, Vi Rose's autistic son, to be another story. Being that I am also autistic, he's probably the one character in the whole film that my heart goes to. And as much as I hate to admit it, I really find that scene with him and his mom discussing God and the way He made Walter very touching. I definitely give the writers a thumbs up for that. :)

[–] IMDB_Vits 11 years ago

1) What do you refer by "on purpose"? Yes, teens can be too emotional to the point where they say things they regret during a fight, but that doesn't mean that they don't feel what they say.
2) OK, now this is really going to sound like me enjoying to say the opposite of what you say, but I swear it's true: I have Aspergers, just like WALTER (he doesn't have autism). I liked that they didn't exagerate it to the point where he would've come off as retarded (it happens a lot in movies).

[–] RKerekes13-1 11 years ago

1. Of course they feel what they say, but I guess they don't really know they're disrespecting their own parents until it's pointed out.

2. I have Aspergers, too, and regarding what you said about it not being exaggerated in this film, I feel that that's the one redeeming quality of this film. The rest is garbage.

I apologize for the long delay. Also, I took down my "Joyful Noise Madness!" video for reasons that don't concern you.

[–] RomanceNovelist 11 years ago

it's just another depiction of black parents being portrayed as lacking empathy for their kids. But most of those depictions are born from stand up comedians and jokes about the way they were raised, being taken to heart by hollywood and mainstream america.

The statement below is false.
The statement above is true.

[–] RKerekes13-1 11 years ago

You may have a point.

[–] panteleon2 10 years ago

clearly you discard the writters point of view of Latifah was a bich about her life and made great mistakes before, why should that dialogue be better?

[–] RKerekes13-1 10 years ago

Because the writers clearly have no idea about the difference between good wholesome parenting and straight out abusive parenting. If my mom ever got onto me so harshly, I'd be practically traumatized!

[–] actionmanrandell 9 years ago

than you are a weak individual.

in no way shape or form is cursing at your child abuse. you are delusional if you think so

[–] RKerekes13-1 9 years ago

Well, there is biblical evidence that cursing is a sin:

http://www.gotquestions.org/cussing-swearing.html

Besides, I do not consider myself a weak or delusional individual, because we all have strengths given to us by the good Lord, and in case you're interested, check out this video I made:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOXSkUUWUzw

"And you will know my name is the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon thee."
-Ezekiel 25:17

[–] Livana_Faolan 10 years ago

I was appalled by Vi Rose's behavior in general. Mainly, it was her judgmental and hateful attitude toward Gigi and Randy.

[–] RKerekes13-1 10 years ago

Yeah, if anything at all, this kind of role was Queen's biggest mistake yet in her entire acting career. If there's any advice I could give to parents out there, it's to never mimic the behavior displayed by Queen's character in this film.

[–] att_cda 10 years ago

This is drama. I mean without it the movie has no climax. It is an average movie. Singing was good. There is no perfect parents in this world. Vi may be hateful toward Gigi and Randy but that's possibly a self defense mechanism like her son. She doesnt want to be touched by anyone (inside her heart). Her way of dealing her situation: marriage was falling apart, kids werent listening to her, over work, and stress with Church choir. She had too much burden and the only way is to rely on the good old religion.
Do you think Randy was right about bringing her daughter that far away? obviously he knew Vi wouldnt approve yet he manipulated her daughter to go, just like he did similar things before according to police. He knew it was wrong but he still did it. That is irresponsible. If he knew where to find the father why couldnt he call him to come back to see the family instead?

[–] rodrigues-lisa 10 years ago

It's a lot of hyperbole - get over it.

[–] RKerekes13-1 10 years ago

No offense, but hyperbole my butt. This is beyond exaggeration. It screams stereotypes of black mothers.

[–] actionmanrandell 9 years ago

she didn't act in any way shape or form differently than any mother would

if i was talking *beep* to my mom i would have been whipped

[–] RKerekes13-1 9 years ago

It still looks unbearable for me, and that is all I have to say.

[–] kourtnie-2 9 years ago

Lol you're the mom from Dr. Phil who let her son slap her across the face on national TV, aren't you? Bc that's EXACTLY what your style of parenting will get you.

The fact of the matter is that some children need a little more guidance and adjusting than others. One thing that you have to keep consistent though is that line where things take a disrespectful turn. Olivia crossed that line on several different levels and she needed to be reminded that she wasn't running the show. My parents talked to me in a similar manner to how Vi Rose talked to Olivia and I'm not scarred or emotionally crippled. That was also before participation medals and parents getting upset with teachers for their children's bad grades so there's no accounting for this generation i. e. the generation you may be raising but yea. I don't think Vi Rose was overly harsh with her. Olivia is old enough to know better and to me she walked right into it.

[–] RKerekes13-1 9 years ago

Not even close. Besides, I'm a male. A single male, no less.

I know kids have to be confronted for their self-centered ways now and then, even with a harsh dose of reality, but I wouldn't slap them in the face or curse at them just because they themselves curse, and I sure wouldn't deliver any so-called "satire" like Vi did about hanging mirrors all over the house and giving yourself CPR. I'd just go straight to the point. By the way, have you checked this page out?:

https://cameronmetrejean.wordpress.com/2014/08/20/characters-that-ruined-movie-experiences-for-me/

[–] KlutzyGirl 7 years ago

Yes, I was sure you either had no kids or they hadn't reached age 13 yet. It's funny how people without children always think they know best how to raise them. Having had an obnoxious teenager, I was cheering mom and thinking "I wish I'd thought of that line!" Come back in 20 years after you've had a reality check.