"We live in more of a pussy generation now, where everybody's become used to saying, "Well, how do we handle it psychologically?" In those days, you just punched the bully back and duked it out."
"I don't know if I can tell you exactly when the pussy generation started. Maybe when people started asking about the meaning of life."
The Anti-Eastwood:
However, Hawkeye Pierce is NOT a pussy!
Hawkeye could take a punch. He didn't throw many but he never backed down. (Unless it was funnier to run away.)
ReplyDeleteHe's right, though. Things were much better when men were men and women were ... intimidated into staying in the kitchen.
ReplyDeleteAh, the good ol' days.
If one figures that people have always been asking about the meaning of life, then really, hasn't they all been pussy generations?
ReplyDeleteI'll have to read this article when I am not at work. Clint generally comes across as kind of balanced. I am hoping these comments appear a bit more thoughtful in context. I really hope his comments are in now way related to international relations as that would be so disappointing.
ReplyDeleteYeah. Read that in Esquire. Course, there's another quote prior to the "meaning of life" bit where he accuses himself of the same activity.
ReplyDeleteI hafta agree on the pussy generation bit. I often lament for the days when people could actually SOLVE their problems. Okay, maybe I'm not big on trying to solve them all with fists, but goddamn, we seemed to get a LOT more done before we started considering everyone's feelings and being PC and all that other fun crap. You had a problem, you had an issue with someone, you went and dealt with it. You didn't have a nervous breakdown and go into therapy for 37 years. You didn't hire a life coach to help guide you through the turmoil. You grabbed the bull by the horns and kicked it in the nuts.
ReplyDeleteNow I dunno if asking about the meaning of life is what caused it all, but I do know as time goes on people get softer...and that's not always a good thing.
On a tangent:
ReplyDeleteMuch has been made of Hawkeye's "sensitivity" on M*A*S*H, but it's important to remember that the focus was on one of mankind's most terrifying activities (war) — and that Hawkeye was dealing with it from the worst possible perspective, up close to the cost and completely incapable of doing anything to stop it. Defining his pre-Korean life with womanizing, pranks, and other "boys' club" activities, I think, was always a conscious choice to characterize him as a guy's guy — someone who was easily idolize Eastwood and Bronson if it weren't for the position he found himself in. Hawkeye Pierce wasn't a peacenik or even a particularly sensitive guy by nature, but he found himself in such extreme situations that those emotions were constantly drawn into relief in the TV show. In other situations, he could just as easily have been a Charlton Heston tough guy and to see him as "sensitive," I think, misses the point that each of us is capable of much more empathy and frustration than we're often shown in pop fiction.
I'd respect Eastwood's opinions a lot more if they were not sweeping generalizations.
ReplyDeleteI'll never say a cross word or anything against Clint Eastwood. Not because I always agree with these sorts of statements (especially not when they're somewhat taken out of context), and not because I'm afraid he'll beat me up. I just respect the man and his body of work. I think he has a point in that we all do tend to whine too much and navel-gaze more than we should. Or at least, we do these things unproductively, but I think perhaps he stated it-- or the interviewer chopped it so that he stated it-- a bit too forcefully here. Or maybe it's just because these make great soundbite quotes.
ReplyDeleteI mean, don't you feel sometimes just like telling your friends to "Suck it up already?" Too many amateur psychologists malpracticing on themselves. And it's big business in the publishing industry, but even worse is when someone doesn't actually read the book but merely sees part of an interview with the author on the Today show and adds it to their personal vernacular without ever following through. Introspection when it's not combined with a genuine intent to improve oneself or understand the world can turn into solipsism and, in that, I'd agree with Clint.
Surprisingly, introspection informs a lot of Eastwood's work, he has a great deal of empathy-- it wasn't enough for him to make simply Flags of Our Fathers, once he got on the subject he also had to tell the story from the Japanese point of view (possibly because he noticed we have so few films dealing with that era that do humanize the Japanese) with Letters from Iwo Jima, which I find the superior film of the two.
And self-questioning and wondering about the "meaning of life" are themes running all through Unforgiven, so I doubt he's taking society to task for this in the absolutist way it comes across here.
But I'm just basing this on his films. I don't know the man personally.
On the other hand, politically, I myself am much more in line with Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce and his portrayer, Alan Alda. And perhaps to an even greater extent the movie version of Hawkeye. And even THEY could probably kick my ass!
Oh... but I have to say I the "blase about 9/11" stuff rubs me the wrong way. I wish this were a full interview and not the "What I've Learned" quick quip thing because I want clarification on what he meant by that and why he thinks so.
ReplyDeleteStill, he does seem to enjoy reducing things to basics and distilling them.
1). "Pussy" is a euphemism for female genitalia (I'm assuming, I think safely, he doesn't mean kitty cat or willow tree). Using it as an insult, or assigning it to describe qualities stereotypically called "feminine," implies there is something wrong with vaginas or with having a vagina. That is, that being female is inherently bad. It's misogynistic in the same way that using "gay" as a derogatory adjective is homophobic.
ReplyDeleteBeing thoughtful and compassionate with one's language is too often dismissed as "PC," a concept pushed forward by (albeit not exclusively) those wishing to silence critics of oppression.
2). I've known war veterans and L.A. gangstas who were sentimental and sweet, and I've known vegan environmentalists and Morrissey fans who'd I'd want on my side in a bar brawl. You don't have to blindly adhere to gender roles or what society has stereotyped as "masculine" to stand up against adversity.
Single, working moms... LGBT, feminist, anti-racism, and anti-war activists... straight men who express love for their wives and make decisions with them equally, and who are actively involved in their children's learning... those are the truly tough. Not the cavemen who haven't evolved past machismo, emotional unavailability, and lack of introspection.
"You had a problem, you had an issue with someone, you went and dealt with it. You didn't have a nervous breakdown and go into therapy for 37 years."
ReplyDeleteNo, you just repressed everything and either became an alcoholic and slowly drank yourself to death, or died of a massive heart attack or cancer while still in your fifties. Check a book called "The Way We Never Were" for more illumination on the "good old days."
Does anyone else find the irony in these comments coming from the guy who directed "The Bridges of Madison County"?
I like Eastwood a lot...
ReplyDeletebut I'm a little disappointed, I always assumed he was more (dare I say) sensitive than his recent comments indicate.
I thought the tough guy thing was just a film role. And maybe it still is...he's just sort of bought into his own hype, and can't even sort out the movies from real life anymore. Like Charlton Heston, who I also liked, but...
Perhaps it bears consideration that it was this previous generation of bully-punchers and horn-grabbers who created the spawning conditions of our navel-gazers and therapy-abusers?
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I think both approaches come down to the same thing -- intimidating people. Throwing public tantrums so whoever's giving you grief backs away and decides you aren't worth it. They aren't so much differing extremes as they are a shift in the approved expression of intrinsic insecurity.
but I'm a little disappointed, I always assumed he was more (dare I say) sensitive than his recent comments indicate.
ReplyDeleteI don't even know what "sensitive" means anymore. Once upon a time I thought it meant being considerate of others, but I guess it also means that one is a weakling and emotional and an unaccomplished loser.
Once a word picks up that much baggage (to the point where it no longer means what it means), it's probably best to just throw it out with the trash.
Maybe we became a "pussy generation" when we decided people with vaginas might be worth listening to. Eastwood, on the other hand, is a dick. Which I consider to be a much worse insult. Never been a big fan of people who believe kicking and punching (and shooting and exploding) is the solution to all life's problems. Hence, never a fan of Eastwood films.
ReplyDeleteThe Clint Eastwood in movies is a lot different than the sensitive soul who made Gran Torino, Bridges of Madison County, Bird, Bronco Billy, etc.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I have to kidn of chuckle at his "We sorted things out with our fists" line. This is a guy who's worked in Hollywood for five decades--when and where did he get in these manly man fights, in the Warner Bros. Commissary line when Anthony Zerbe took the last baked potato?
"Pussy Generation" is too much of a broad sweep to describe a generation of people who aren't as quick to punch somebody in the face over a disagreement. It is, however, a great title for a Prince song.
ReplyDeleteHow many people here actually know someone who hired a life coach or went into therapy over something other than a major trauma?
ReplyDeleteI don't think this generation is quite the same as what is portrayed in the media
BFH,
ReplyDeleteI agree with the criticisms of Eastwood's comments, at least the out of context bits I have read. I always thought he was more sensitive.
However, the use of "pussy" as a synonym for "wimpy" is totally acceptable. Next, you'll be telling me that i cannot use "gay" as a synonym for "lame" or retarded to be mean "incredibly stupid"
Word meanings evolve - get used to it.
JMY,
ReplyDeleteI'll feel silly if your comments were meant to be ironic, but I'm going to respond to them at face value.
Clearly, those words aren't "totally acceptable" if there are just as many people who are offended by them as there are who use them. "Word meanings evolve" has also been used as a justification by whites who assert their use of "the n word."
Even if speakers aren't meaning to be homophobic, or racist, or misogynistic when using these loaded words, the phrases still perpetuate the negativity inherent in their etymology. Language holds power and causes ramifications no matter what the user's ignorance or intentions.
We are supposed to have freedom of speech, but we can choose to be responsible in what we say. Maybe people who like to spout "pussy," "gay," etc. should "get used to" being more considerate. Raising the level of discourse seems like it would bring better things then deciding to hold onto these colloquialisms and straining to justify them or rallying against "PC."
Love the Warner Bros. Commissary bit.
ReplyDeleteGenius.
I understand why the "pussy generation" line is offensive, but really, this isn't about keeping women intimidated like PJ Perez said or discouraging talking before fighting. This was the man who ran for mayor and served the position for two terms when he was unsatisfied with his local government. Clint's just rolling his eyes at all the people that bought into the toxic thinking of "everyone's a special snowflake" and "take a dip in lake you" and honestly I don't blame the guy. The guy's not bashing introspection, but at some point people have to stop buying empowerment books and deal with their problems. Hate your job? Crack open the Classifieds and put your info out to new agencies. Hate how you never have time for anything? Really look at your schedule, or make one if you don't have one. Hate your smoking or your weight? See an actual doctor and follow through with a plan. It's important to ask "Am I doing the right things?" but at some point have to switch over to "Am I doing things right?"
ReplyDeleteI have the Esquire article on my desk as I type this, and the guy comes off as a progressive man with years of knowledge one can't really appreciate until they're seventy, but he also knows the limits of over-thinking. And let me finish Valerie's first quote: "In those days, you just punched the bully back and duked it out. Even if the guy was older and could push you around, at least you were respected for fighting back, and you'd be left alone from then on." As someone who was picked on constantly in school, this ran especially true for me. When a former bully caused my hand to bleed by cutting it against my locker hatch, I finally had enough and brought him to the floor. If I told a teacher, I'd have been branded a narc (a fate worse than death in my old school, believe me), but because I fought back, people left me alone in that school.
We have a lot more power in our lives than we want to admit, and thank God we have people like Clint Eastwood to remind us of that.
BFH
ReplyDeleteI was semi-kidding in that I knew the words I used may be regarded as provocative, but I do use them. I am much less likely to use the lesss if I am hanging out with gay person or a person with a mentally challenged sibling/child/parent. And if a woman objects to my use of the term pussy, then I try to stop.
I just watch the man's movies and ignore the public persona.
ReplyDeleteFor instance, rumor is that he ran for mayor of Carmel just so he could get permits to have an underground garage in his restaurant, then lost interest in politics once he got what he wanted.
See? While that's a damn smart move, I'd rather not think of him being that sneaky. Then again....
BTW,
ReplyDeleteIt's not like those words fall out of my mouth every other sentence. I just mean they are part of my vocabulary. I particularly don't use pussy that much unless something pisses me off like, e.g., remembering the Goo Goo Dolls when they were a punk band I saw for three bucks in Buffalo as opposed to the easy pop schmaltz I have heard on the radio for the last decade.
Deep down, every man wants to be Conan. Just saying.
ReplyDeleteI'm 43 years old and I have to agree with Mr. Eastwood that there is an ongoing "pussification" of society in general and men in particular. Liberalism has infiltrated our schools, our religious institutions, our media, our workplaces and even our home life. Liberalism with it's relativist sense of morality has damaged, perhaps irreparably, the ability of schools and other social institutions to transmit clear American values to our kids. Through it's domination of the various media it has promulgated Political Correctness and special rights for certain minorities that do nothing more than highlight our differences instead of uniting us as Americans. And as for 9/11 Liberals were angrier at Mr. Bush than they were at Al Qaeda and were more interested in the defeat of Republicans than they were in the defeat of our enemies.
ReplyDeleteTony,
ReplyDeleteJust because you feel like society won't like you if you call your neighbor a n**ger, don't take it out on us.
Remember, as Colbert stated "Reality has a clear liberal bias"
Ahh, JMY, JMY. You're displaying classic symptoms of Reflexive Liberal Paranoia. Isn't it funny how all of your vaunted Liberal open mindedness and tolerance evaporate the moment a Conservative thought is expressed anywhere near you? And isn't cute how you immediately cry "racism"? Perhaps you're projecting your own racist feelings on to me? Of course not. We all know that Liberals are morally superior to the rest of us.
ReplyDeleteI don't enjoy talking about politics, because people are always quick to point out how wrong and ignorant I am. (You don't want to be around my house when we're talking about the Middle East conflict.) It's really all about people yelling at each other without really talking to each other. The one who is right is the one who can scream the loudest or insult the other guy into silence. Once upon a time, perhaps someone somewhere was making a valid point. But it's long gone now.
ReplyDeleteWhat I dislike about, well, anyone with really, really strong political views (though I'm sure they are otherwise perfectly decent people) is how gosh-darn certain they are. Nobody's willing to admit to themselves, "Well, gee, I don't know if abortion should be outlawed. I don't know if babies are actually alive before they've been born." Everyone's got to draw a line in the sand and pick a side.
Maybe that makes me one of those pussies Mr. Eastwood is talking about.
Tony,
ReplyDeleteYou and I both know political correctness was tag created by the right when people started pointing out the inaccuracies and prejudices people were expressing.
Political correctness is a paper tiger created by the right so that they can rail against the tyrrany of the left.
Please understand, Political correctness has never prevented anyone from expressing any idea.
So in what way do you believe political correctness has impacted you? Please enlighten me.
Tony,
ReplyDeleteFor the past eight years, conservatives have told us torture is OK as long as it's done by Americans, invading another nation is OK if done by Americans and breaking the law is OK if the president does it and he's a Republican.
That would make the right wing moral relativists, not the left.
JMY: PC may be a tag created by the right but it fits nonetheless. Nothing good comes from the attempt to control language(and thoughts before they're voiced). That is an insidious and subtle form of tyranny brought to us by Liberals.
ReplyDeletemagnet5: You obviously think that Conservatives act and think as a monolith. Perhaps it makes easier for you to hate us in the aggregate while allowing you to view Conservatives you may know and like as "the good ones". I think Liberals call this "nuance".
As to your point regarding the torture of suspected or confirmed terrorists: there was a great deal of heated internal debate amongst Conservatives about this topic with some in favor and others deadset against it. If it could save one American life I am in favor of torturing terrorists.
At all times the USA should follow a foreign policy based on our rational self interest. And that means that we have the right to strike pre emptively to avoid more terrorist deaths on our home soil. If you recall, Mr. Bush went before the UN prior to the invasion of Iraq to make his case against Iraq. Which laws do you think we've broken while fighting terrorists?