Younger members of our group may not be familiar with a Peter Sellers movie that provided some cultural insights in the late 1970’s. Filmed in large measure on the remarkable Biltmore Estate in Asheville, Being There was a film about a simple-minded gardener thrust into an unfamiliar world of power and influence. The people in that environment could not imagine that someone could really be as simple as Chance, the gardener, seemed to be on the surface.
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They misunderstood his name to be ‘Chauncey Gardiner,’ and his every utterance was filtered through a metaphorical lens, and taken to be great genius. This first clip showed how his utterances were understood in his new situation. When he spoke of the ‘room upstairs,’ he did, of course, mean the physical room where he had found a temporary home, against all odds.
Later in the film, one of his ‘metaphors’ was quoted in a public address by the president of the United States, resulting in an invitation to appear on a Meet the Press kind of show, where his metaphorical genius found still greater resonance and renown.
The housekeeper from his original household, Louise (whom he mentioned in the first clip) watched him being interviewed with growing incredulity, since she understood his limitations very clearly.
“Stuck with rice pudding between the ears.”
This clip showed her expressing her disgust, that no one saw him for what he really was. The clip closed before her final proclamation in the scene, when she shook her head and said, simply, correctly: gobbledygook.
White privilege!
Do you recall an earlier, clearer articulation of the phenomenon? I can’t say that I do! But I appreciate that one!
Amazingly, near the end of the movie there is discussion among top national power brokers to select Chauncey Gardiner as their party’s candidate for the presidency. No negative baggage! The funny thing is, I’d take him in the blink of an eye over the current occupant of the White House.
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From TulsaGal:
jayden’s response to Hadida’s question is beautiful. From StLouisTrekkieAgainstDonaldTrump’s Meghan Markle leaves uplifting messages for female sex workers.
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Is this fine ‘framing’ commentby CPT Doomon the wealthy paying their fair share.
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