Spike Lee Says "Shut Up, Old Man"

Hollywood directors should qualify for disability insurance for having short-bus tendencies. Exhibit A: Spike Lee.

Director Spike Lee has waded into the ongoing controversy surrounding Jeremiah Wright, the Chicago pastor whose provocative statements have proved a thorn in the side of Democrat frontrunner Barack Obama. Lee advises the preacher to do the right thing and keep quiet. "The more he opens his mouth, the more damage he does," he told the Guardian yesterday.

For good measure, Lee hinted at a political conspiracy behind Wright's recent, contentious attempts to justify his remarks. "It looks like he's being paid to keep talking," he said. [SNIP]

"Jeremiah Wight needs to be quiet," Lee said yesterday. "If he loves Obama he needs to shut up right now. It makes me question his motives for talking. I'm starting to wonder whether somebody has been contributing to the building funds of his church. Seriously."

Yeah sure, Shelton (that’s the name that Lee’s mama gave him). That Jeremiah Wright is nothing but a tool of the Man—or, more appropriately, the Woman.

I guess that isn’t much of a surprise that Lee thinks that there’s some sort of collusion between Wright and the forces of "darkness.” (The forces of Darkness are another story.) Lee can’t comprehend that a man possessed by such narcissistic tendencies as Wright would be almost congenitally unable to remain quiet in subordination to the “greater good”--that is, getting Obama nominated and elected. To expect the right reverend not to sally forth without hesitation when Bill Moyers, the NAACP and the National Press Club came calling is like expecting rain not to be wet.

Our old friend Shelton, however, doesn’t get that. Maybe if he did, his movies would be better.

(Thanks to DC Thornton)

Comments

[Old Mike]

I found it interesting that Rev. Wright based his theology on the phrase "set captives free" which would refer to bondage to sin and not slavery, About half of the world were slaves in Jesus time and Paul has instructions as to the behavior of believing slaves and believing masters.

[Pablo]

Wright is working for Hillary? McCain, maybe? I'm gonna crack right up if Spike gives Rev Jerry the Uncle Tom label.

[Das]

Thanks for your fine covering of the Wright fracas.

It is amazing to see who is sidling up to whom in this thing. You can always count on Spike Lee to push his glasses up on his nose and talk conspiracy.

It is comic to watch the Baby-Boom left sing about national unity; in 2004 they pushed forward a military candidate who savaged the military and everyone who supported it; in 2008 they push foreward a racial-healing candidate who supported a racial bigot for 20 years.

[brotherbrown]

Does that mean you "take credit" for George Bush?

[Khaki Elephant]

Really interesting point concerning recent DNC candidates and the concept of unity, Das. Even Bill Clinton was supposed to cross the aisle and now you simply whisper the name "Clinton" and Republican money starts to flow.

Juliette, I love your take on Spike who, in this case, represents the world view that permeates Hollywood where conspiracies always trump the acknowledgement of personal narcissism . . . perhaps because it hits too close to home? In the case of Wright, his self-indulgent sermons would take a horrific blow to their credibility should Obama get elected. I'm not sure his image-driven brand of narcissism could withstand that.

Another great post! I gotta add you to my blogroll!