Posted on 08/28/2019 6:54:29 PM PDT by Kaslin
So, earlier this month, CNN’s Chris Cuomo threw a tantrum at a Trump supporter who called him “Fredo.” We don’t know the context leading up to the profanity-laced video of Cuomo threatening to throw the guy down some stairs. Cuomo likened the word to an anti-Italian slur. CNN even said that he was defending himself against an ethnic slur. It’s not an ethnic slur. Please—there are too man people who know or have seen The Godfather who understand what was being said here.
[Warning: strong language]
**EXCLUSIVE FOOTAGE!** CNN ANCHOR CHRIS CUOMO THREATENING TRUMP SUPPORTER!
The late actor John Cazale played Fredo is the older brother of Michael Corleone, played by Al Pacino. Fredo is weak, easily manipulated, and not suited to take over the family business. In a way, it’s a slight dig at Cuomo, whose older brother is the governor of New York. It’s another way of telling someone they’re an idiot, second-rate, or less than. So, I guess I can see why Cuomo would get mad, but an ethnic slur. Please? CNN doubled down, which was disastrous because folks found multiple clips of people uttering that word in various past segments on the network. And this is where this whole silly narrative of trying to make everything racist or ethnically insensitive runs off the rails. I mean it was a trainwreck in slow motion. This whole circus finally had its throat slit when it was revealed that Cuomo referred to himself as “Fredo” (via Washington Examiner):
The late actor John Cazale played Fredo is the older brother of Michael Corleone, played by Al Pacino. Fredo is weak, easily manipulated, and not suited to take over the family business. In a way, it’s a slight dig at Cuomo, whose older brother is the governor of New York. It’s another way of telling someone they’re an idiot, second-rate, or less than. So, I guess I can see why Cuomo would get mad, but an ethnic slur. Please? CNN doubled down, which was disastrous because folks found multiple clips of people uttering that word in various past segments on the network. And this is where this whole silly narrative of trying to make everything racist or ethnically insensitive runs off the rails. I mean it was a trainwreck in slow motion. This whole circus finally had its throat slit when it was revealed that Cuomo referred to himself as “Fredo” (via Washington Examiner):
I have 41 first cousins. Several dozen friends from childhood. All of Italian descent, except for a couple Irish friends :)
NO ONE has EVER been called Fredo as an ethnic slur.
I’ve heard lots of people use Italian slurs. (you’d be surprised at how many puerto rican and black kids at our high school knew the slurs.)
I’ve NEVER heard “Fredo” used as a slur against Italians.
Not once.
Well, if I really wanted to insult you I would call you a Cuomo.
Stunad.
“Well, if I really wanted to insult you I would call you a Cuomo.”
_____
The bar just got suddenly quiet and everyone is taking cover:)
It was a slur on the dim-witted.
My father HATED their father and I hate his sons.
It’s a generational thing :)
Calling me a cuomo would be the worst slur you could possibly think up.
In fact, I’d rather be called the real slurs than be calle a cuomo :)
John Cazale. RIP.
He was so picture perfect for the role of “Fredo”, Kaslin. I find myself to be a little sad to hear he has died. I had not seen him before (nor since) the great Godfather trifecta of movies. He was very good, very well cast.
I wish my TV worked, so my DVR could play. The boinked TV is the only one that was connected with my DVR. Dang.
I heard pop use that word a lot when he watched Cronkite :)
“NO ONE has EVER been called Fredo as an ethnic slur.”
***
Yup. I’m 5th gen Sicilian and I go back to Italy every 2 years. No one has used it as a slur. Wop’ I even find amusing. Italians aren’t woke, soy-boy people..like the Irish. (cough)
That’s all it ever was.
ANYONE can be called a fredo.
Many people ARE fredo.
He was such a good actor. Sad he died young or he would have been in many other gangster films after that.
He was versatile. Probably could have played a good tough guy.
Is that right? You get around more than I. I’ve heard of Dog Day, but not The Conversation. I didn’t get to see either.
Good to hear..
“He was so picture perfect for the role of “Fredo””
one of those actors who it never occurred to you for even a moment that he was acting that character ... he was actually one of the best actors in the whole trilogy ...
The only guy we called Fredo was Irish. Should he have been O’Fred.
ABSOLUTELY! Looking back, now, thinking about his performance, Pacino took away nothing from Cazale when the pair were mano mano on the screen. Cazale was every bit as Engaging, in their screen presence and in the dialogue.
He was so engaging with the little son, going fishing. And, again in the “Hail Mary”, right before he is assassinated. Very poignant stand out moments.
Everyone has probably experienced a little Fredo in us, some time or another. :(
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