This is topic Do you need a black friend? in forum Film-Yak at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.


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Posted by Shane Cooper (Member # 2510) on 10-24-2007, 04:47 PM:
 
I have been posting in these forums for a few years now, and I am curious how many black people post here? Having been in the operations end of the industry since 1994, I am often the only or one of a few black people in a room. This is simply to cure my own curiosity!

Plus, I have a standing offer out for anyone that needs a 'black friend' Colbert Report Style! [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Chad Souder (Member # 343) on 10-24-2007, 07:18 PM:
 
Once a nice black couple came in the theatre and I told them their movie was showing, "In auditorium 3, black and to the left". My feet are size 13 but I had no problem at all fitting one of them in my mouth. They never said anything, just went on their nice way. [Embarrassed]
 
Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 10-24-2007, 08:44 PM:
 
I think black people account for less than 14% of the US population so it's not odd that you'd find yourself in such situations. I would like a black friend otherwise people will think I am a racist evil bastard.
 
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 10-24-2007, 09:54 PM:
 
Geez Shane and we were practically neighbors a decade ago when you were working Batavia... I lived less than a mile from that theater!

I have several African American friends one of whom is a retired ball player... but he thinks and acts and even says he is a White man so how does that figure? I never thought I'd get to ask another Black man this question....

Mark
 
Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 10-24-2007, 10:02 PM:
 
I had an employee once who had a black boyfriend who was a college student in Bozeman. One weekend he was here visiting my employee, and Saturday afternoon while she was working, he came into my day job and said, "Let's go drive around." So we did.

As we were touring the area, I had the idea to go to Miles City (45 min. away) just for a change of scene. On the highway, he said "So what's the black population of Miles City?" I think he had the idea that SOMEWHERE in Montana there must be a lot of black people and he just hadn't found that spot yet!

Alas, no luck in Miles either...there are probably less than half-a-dozen black people in that town!
 
Posted by Charles Caron (Member # 3247) on 10-24-2007, 10:30 PM:
 
Mike: I'd give good odds that they've probably been there since the turn of the century and are descendants of the buffalo soldiers.
 
Posted by Chris Slycord (Member # 4239) on 10-24-2007, 10:36 PM:
 
Right now I mostly work with black people. But back up in the suburbs of Seattle I worked with a total of probably less than 10 and that's over a span of approx 8 or 9 years.
 
Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 10-25-2007, 08:59 AM:
 
It really does depend on the region. In the DC area, Blacks are problably going to be the predominate theatre worker and be reasonably well represented in management positions too. This has been true for as long as I can recall in the DC area.

Steve
 
Posted by Rick Raskin (Member # 1561) on 10-25-2007, 04:00 PM:
 
Steve: Is there still a Local 224A?

DC had a black operators local. The IA wanted 224 to merge with them but 224A would have no part of it. I think they felt their seniority would be trumped.
 
Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 10-25-2007, 04:50 PM:
 
Shane, you're funny! [Big Grin]

And, I've always considered you a friend. [Wink] (Btw, where in Batavia were you? I installed the Goodrich Theatre there many moons ago...)
 
Posted by Floyd Justin Newton (Member # 1316) on 10-25-2007, 05:02 PM:
 
Shane--

WHAT black person. Everyone's the same to me.... be they pink,
green, black, white, purple or what-not. Can 'I' be your friend?
 
Posted by Chad M Calpito (Member # 3736) on 10-25-2007, 05:24 PM:
 
Aloha, Shane! If you'd like, I can also be a friend to you as well. [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Shane Cooper (Member # 2510) on 10-25-2007, 09:26 PM:
 
For the uninitiated...Stephen Colbert and his black friend.

-

Now you to can have your own black friend! [thumbsup]

-
 
Posted by Brad Allen (Member # 470) on 10-25-2007, 11:01 PM:
 
Sure Shane, next time your up this way we'll hang out. [Smile]
 
Posted by Shane Cooper (Member # 2510) on 10-25-2007, 11:05 PM:
 
Hey Brad I am from Indianapolis so I pass through Southern Indiana on my way home from time to time. I may have to stop by.
 
Posted by Bobby Henderson (Member # 840) on 10-25-2007, 11:47 PM:
 
Lawton, OK is a very diverse community due to influences from its Native American heritage and population inflow/outflow from Fort Sill.

Nevertheless, none of my close friends currently is black. I've dated black and "molado" women in previous years. Does that count?
 
Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 10-26-2007, 06:32 AM:
 
No, 224 and 224A merged long ago...with the current state of the projectionist trade, now there is barely a 224.
 
Posted by Joshua Waaland (Member # 287) on 10-26-2007, 06:44 AM:
 
My boss lives in Carmel and I go to Indianapolis occassionally.

I could use another black friend. I have a black brother-in-law. He has become a good friend of mine. He is friggin hilarious. It was a big scandal 7 years ago when they got married. [Roll Eyes] Now they have two adorable kids. [thumbsup]
 
Posted by Shane Cooper (Member # 2510) on 10-26-2007, 11:59 AM:
 
My best friend growing up lived in Carmel so I drove threw there often. I only go there now for Shapiro's Deli, (if you haven't tried it go on your next trip). "Black friends" are not to welcome in Carmel. [Wink]
 
Posted by Aaron Mehocic (Member # 15) on 10-26-2007, 04:32 PM:
 
quote: Joe Redifer
I think black people account for less than 14% of the US population so it's not odd that you'd find yourself in such situations.
Approximately 12% (about 27 million Americans) considered themselves "African American" in the 2000 Census.

One of the men who trained me to be a projectionist is black, but no longer works in this industry. He was a good operator too so it was tough for a while until the rest of us were able to step up.
 
Posted by Chad Souder (Member # 343) on 10-26-2007, 05:15 PM:
 
Offer refused, Shane. I would never make a Buckeye fan my friend.
 
Posted by Brad Allen (Member # 470) on 10-26-2007, 06:11 PM:
 
quote: Shane Cooper
Hey Brad I am from Indianapolis so I pass through Southern Indiana on my way home from time to time. I may have to stop by.
Lunch/Dinner is on me! [thumbsup]
 
Posted by Shane Cooper (Member # 2510) on 10-26-2007, 09:47 PM:
 
quote: Chad Souder
Offer refused, Shane. I would never make a Buckeye fan my friend.
O-H-I-O! No black friend for you Chad! [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Joshua Waaland (Member # 287) on 10-27-2007, 02:15 PM:
 
quote:
O-H-I-O!
Damn Right!

Are you transplanted from Ohio Shane? Speaking of black friends and Ohio State...I used to know Orlando Pace. We went to high school together and graduated the same year. We sat next to each other in several of our classes because we were both tall and had to sit in the back. He is a good guy.
 
Posted by Aaron Mehocic (Member # 15) on 10-27-2007, 04:49 PM:
 
Ohio is a place in which no one was born, and its a place in which no one wishes to stay.
Alexis de Tochville, 1832
 
Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 10-27-2007, 05:10 PM:
 
All college sports suck without exception. They're still in college, they're not even real people yet.
 
Posted by Matt Fields (Member # 3211) on 10-28-2007, 12:26 AM:
 
It is spelled Alexis de Tocqueville.

You would know that if you went to Ohio State.

Go Bucks!
 
Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 10-28-2007, 12:37 AM:
 
quote:
It is spelled Alexis de Tacoville.

You would know that if you went to Ohio State.
Why? Is that required knowledge there? I guess that place is more about sports than academics/intelligence. I am always amazed at the emphasis colleges place on their sports divisions.
 
Posted by Shane Cooper (Member # 2510) on 10-28-2007, 12:43 AM:
 
quote: Joshua Waaland
Are you transplanted from Ohio Shane?
Ohio was one of my many stops and my wife and I loved Columbus. I was born in Richmond, IN and most of my family lives between Richmond and Dayton so I was a natural Buckeye, (despite being a natural Hoosier).
 
Posted by Frank Dubrois (Member # 3042) on 10-28-2007, 01:41 AM:
 
Send me some cash and I'll think it over.
 
Posted by Shane Cooper (Member # 2510) on 10-28-2007, 04:50 AM:
 
quote: Tim Reed
And, I've always considered you a friend. (Btw, where in Batavia were you? I installed the Goodrich Theatre there many moons ago...)
I ran the Randall when it was a 16 screen for Goodrich "Quality" Theaters. I think it is a 15 screen with an Imax now.
 
Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 10-28-2007, 05:52 AM:
 
Small world! The last time I was there was shortly after it opened. I'm thinking this was late 1995 or so. There was considerable union trouble during construction, and a picket line shut the job down for a while.
 
Posted by Shane Cooper (Member # 2510) on 10-28-2007, 06:46 AM:
 
Yeah that is not that uncommon for the Chicago area!
 
Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 10-28-2007, 06:59 AM:
 
What dates were you there, Shane? We may have met already. I'm guessing you know Marty Betz and Matt Johnson. The fellow who managed Willow Knolls in Peoria came up to open that Batavia theatre (I've forgotten his name, though). Nice guy, red hair. Not sure how long he was there, since I've been away from that area for a long time.
 
Posted by Shane Cooper (Member # 2510) on 10-28-2007, 07:19 AM:
 
I was in that area from 2000 to 2004. I know Marty and Matt and the rest of the Goodrich guys.

I know who you are talking about who opened Randall, but I can't remember his name either. He isn't with GQTI anymore.
 
Posted by Chris Slycord (Member # 4239) on 10-28-2007, 10:48 AM:
 
quote: Joe Redifer
Why? Is that required knowledge there? I guess that place is more about sports than academics/intelligence. I am always amazed at the emphasis colleges place on their sports divisions.
Agreed. It's like while I was/am a fan of Duke since I lived in Durham for much of my childhood I respect the University and the people I know who've gone/worked there because of it's strong Academic reputation.

Granted, the Academic rep doesn't usually apply to those sports people. There are exceptions though.
 
Posted by Joshua Waaland (Member # 287) on 10-28-2007, 05:35 PM:
 
quote: Joe Redifer
I guess that place is more about sports than academics/intelligence. I am always amazed at the emphasis colleges place on their sports divisions.
On the contrary Joe, Ohio State is actually well known for their great academics. As a matter of fact, they are considered the top school worldwide for their Welding Engineering program. They are also well known for their music program. They just happen to have a great football team too. [thumbsup]

I used to wonder why schools put such an emphasis on sports too. It makes the university more widely known, brings in money from merchandising which goes to help offer more academic porograms and it brings in future students.

quote: Aaron Mehocic
Ohio is a place in which no one was born, and its a place in which no one wishes to stay.
Alexis de Tochville, 1832
I'm sorry...and Pennsylvania offers what again? I would say 90% of the people I know who move away end up returning within five years.

Sorry to hijack your thread Shane. [Wink]
 
Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 10-28-2007, 05:36 PM:
 
quote: Joshua Waaland
which goes to help offer more academic porograms and it brings in future students.
I thought you said "pornograms".
 
Posted by Joshua Waaland (Member # 287) on 10-28-2007, 05:42 PM:
 
quote: Joe Redifer
I thought you said "pornograms".
that too. [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Shane Cooper (Member # 2510) on 10-28-2007, 06:57 PM:
 
quote: Joshua Waaland
Sorry to hijack your thread Shane.
No problem, that is what black friends are for! [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Frank Angel (Member # 248) on 10-29-2007, 01:14 PM:
 
I live in Brooklyn....I have lots of black friends but one can never have enough friends, Shane -- you're on.

I can walk down Flatbush Avenue where I work and be the only white person for blocks. And that's the way I like it. Makes me feel special. We have lots of black people on our staff
-
....and asians and indians, two indiginous Americans, a muslim and some white folk too.

I recently visited Lexington Kentucky and quite frankly, after awhile I wanted to get back to a place where I can see some COLOR, some VARIETY when I am out and about. I am uncomfortable living in a monochrome world and seeing nothing but pasty pink.

In fact, anyone need a white friend?
 
Posted by Floyd Justin Newton (Member # 1316) on 10-29-2007, 04:24 PM:
 
Frank--

I like 'em ALL!!

[Wink] [thumbsup]
 
Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 10-29-2007, 04:28 PM:
 
Shane, while I really think you're a swell guy and I would be honored to have you as a friend, I have met my quota for Black friends. [Roll Eyes]

However, if one of them should die, you will be the 1st one I'll call for the replacement. [thumbsup]


In the mean time, I'm looking for Asian and Jewish friends... [beer]
 
Posted by Shane Cooper (Member # 2510) on 10-29-2007, 07:49 PM:
 
Well that works out well because I am overstocked on friends named Phil! We will mutually waitlist each other then [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 10-29-2007, 07:57 PM:
 
So Shane... What about my Black friend Del who thinks and acts like he's White? Anything I can do for him?

Mark
 
Posted by Shane Cooper (Member # 2510) on 10-29-2007, 09:37 PM:
 
Well, he can act and think that he is white but he is still black. My reccomendation is to give him two aspirin and a mirror!
 
Posted by Pravin Ratnam (Member # 1417) on 10-30-2007, 03:01 PM:
 
Three words - Magic Johnson Theaters.

Cops mistake me for black anyway with my buzzed off hair. I too volunteer to be someone's "black" friend. Heh.

Hell, Shane, you could always use another black friend.

uhh, Aaron, I am from Pittsburgh originally. So I'd like to be with you in some gratuitous Ohio bashing. But I would think twice before saying stuff about Ohio, when you got New Castle as your signature hometown. I stayed their one summer in the 80s. Interrestiiing town. Heh.
 
Posted by Bill Enos (Member # 440) on 10-30-2007, 04:20 PM:
 
Shane, next time you're in Richmond, Va. look me up. I already have some Black friends but always need another. Actually I don't care what hue you are you're always welcome here. Hell, anytime anybody here is is in this town look me up.
 
Posted by Shane Cooper (Member # 2510) on 10-30-2007, 08:58 PM:
 
I can always use any kind of friend...except if they are Steelers fans.

I have to have some sort of standard!
 
Posted by Pravin Ratnam (Member # 1417) on 10-30-2007, 10:45 PM:
 
I can't talk shit about Ohio State this week. I was born in Penn State. But hey, dont mess with the Steelers.
 
Posted by Shane Cooper (Member # 2510) on 10-31-2007, 11:58 PM:
 
Well, in your case I will lift the Steelers ban. They still suck on principle. [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Aaron Mehocic (Member # 15) on 11-03-2007, 02:12 PM:
 
quote: Matt Fields
It is spelled Alexis de Tocqueville.

You would know that if you went to Ohio State.
Sorry about that. Does Youngstown State count? Its still Ohio.

quote: Joshua Waaland
I'm sorry...and Pennsylvania offers what again?
Drivers that don't first pull into (and then ride) the center lane when attempting to make a left turn [Mad] . Ohio is just an extension of Pennsylvania. Same people, same speech communities, same problems. Uglier geography, though - too flat. Not even your southeastern counties are mountainous enough for me.

quote: Shane Cooper
Well, in your case I will lift the Steelers ban. They still suck on principle.
Well said! Its assumed just because I'm from the "Pittsburgh area" I must be a Steeler fan. I kid you not, we have people in this town who paint their houses Black-and-Gold. THEIR HOUSES! And every dumb-ass over the age of 40 was magically in Three Rivers Stadium back in '72 for the so-called "immaculate reception" by Franco Harris. Hell, I bet I've met ten people who've claimed to be there that day. Thats it . . . I'm done, I don't even want to talk about this anymore. [Mad]
 
Posted by Shane Cooper (Member # 2510) on 11-05-2007, 01:39 AM:
 
quote: Mark Gulbrandsen
So Shane... What about my Black friend Del who thinks and acts like he's White? Anything I can do for him?
In a related story, I had to reluctantly suspend my brother's "black status" for a year this past weekend. My brother, his wife, my wife and I met in Memphis Saturday and Sunday. My brother expressed how happy he was that he had tickets for the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. For those that don't know, attended the TSO is currently ranked second in the power rankings for Whitest Things You Can Do. However, TSO is running a distant second to an Osmond's concert and slightly ahead of John Tesh.

He is allowed to apply for a lift on his suspension next year. [Smile]
 
Posted by Chris Slycord (Member # 4239) on 11-05-2007, 02:42 AM:
 
I imagine real black people don't even know who TSO is.

You gonna revoke your own status for a while?

[Smile]

And I'd definitely go to see TSO. Though I would absolutely NEVER go see John Tesh or the Osmond's. [puke]
 
Posted by Shane Cooper (Member # 2510) on 11-07-2007, 12:15 AM:
 
A police officer may never have tasted cocaine but has to know what it is. My knowledge of the TSO falls under a similar category. No sanctions will be needed. [Smile]
 
Posted by Bobby Henderson (Member # 840) on 11-07-2007, 10:11 AM:
 
I always laugh at movies or TV shows where some "cop" tastes the white powder to see if it is cocaine. Some real life cops I know get pissed when they see that nonsense. Yeah. Go ahead. Taste the powder. Just hope it isn't poison!
[uhoh]
 
Posted by Charles Caron (Member # 3247) on 11-07-2007, 06:44 PM:
 
Where does watching Laurence Welk reruns on PBS fall on the whiteness scale? [Confused]
 
Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 11-07-2007, 07:38 PM:
 
That's not "whiteness", that's "oldness".
 
Posted by Shane Cooper (Member # 2510) on 11-08-2007, 12:47 AM:
 
It is both...along with Roy Orbison and Pat Boone.

For the record, they all fall between ice hockey and being in a cult.

Hey, I found a couple on line that collects black friends!

They love black people
 
Posted by Frank Angel (Member # 248) on 11-11-2007, 06:47 AM:
 
John Tess is already in the studio with Pat Boone collaborating on a rap album. Not to be outdone, the Osmonds are planning a hip-hop comeback.
 
Posted by Chris Slycord (Member # 4239) on 11-11-2007, 09:44 AM:
 
Well Pat Boone already did an album of metal tunes in big band style so I wouldn't put it past him.

In fact, a bunch of people had called tbn (trinity broadcasting network) saying he had become a devil worshiper and wasn't on that network for a while after he came out at some music awards show wearing heavy metal garb as a publicity stunt/joke. haha.
 
Posted by Chad Souder (Member # 343) on 11-15-2007, 10:41 AM:
 
quote: Shane Cooper
It is both...along with Roy Orbison and Pat Boone.
Whoa, whoa, whoa... easy there tiger. Pick on Pat Boone all you want, but Roy Orbison was in the Traveling Wilburys (at least for Volume 1, before he died). That makes him rule.
 
Posted by Shane Cooper (Member # 2510) on 11-15-2007, 11:00 PM:
 
Umm...Orbison, Wilburys and rule in the same sentence. I don't think I can add anything that makes it more "white" than that! [beer]
 
Posted by Chad Souder (Member # 343) on 11-16-2007, 09:50 AM:
 
Hey, Bob Dylan, who was also in the Traveling Wilburys, wrote that song defending Hurricane Carter. Doesn't that make him some kind of honorary black guy or something? George Harrison was in the Beatles. Beetles are black, so there's two. Tom Petty toured with the Black Crowes, so now we're up to 3 of the 5 members of the Wilburys, which is more than half, which makes them blacker than the Jackson 5. I rest my case.
 
Posted by Steve Beverly (Member # 4540) on 11-20-2007, 01:38 AM:
 
Hey, come on now, Roy had a lotta soul! White suit, cool black sunglasses, Blind musician street cred. Hell, Pretty Woman even sounds like a Temptations song title. [Big Grin] I'm only sayin' this to you....you know, as a friend.....OK a black friend.... you're bein' a little rough on the Orbster, there Shane. [Cool]
 
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 11-20-2007, 10:29 AM:
 
So Steve.... You MUST have a part for Shane in your upcomming movie... right???
 
Posted by Shane Cooper (Member # 2510) on 11-20-2007, 07:06 PM:
 
Again, "Orbster". I will lay off out of respect to my new friend.

I will accept any part in any movie as long as I can be billed as, "black friend"! [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Steve Beverly (Member # 4540) on 11-21-2007, 02:30 AM:
 
Are you kidding, Shane's got a great face, the ONLY question is can he act. 'Course the film takes place in the deserts of Mexico for the most part but we COULD put him in a poncho and sombrero, have make-up give him a thicker mustache and credit him as El Amigo Negro [Cool]
 
Posted by Shane Cooper (Member # 2510) on 11-21-2007, 11:01 AM:
 
I am in!
 
Posted by Floyd Justin Newton (Member # 1316) on 11-21-2007, 11:55 AM:
 
GREAT ! [thumbsup] [Cool]
 
Posted by Shane Cooper (Member # 2510) on 12-31-2007, 08:18 AM:
 
Not exactly related to having a black friend, but this seems like as good a place as any to post.

I recently had to make a trip to Dallas from Little Rock. I knew that it was going to be a quick trip - in and out - so I took my 2-year-old black lab Riley with me. There are several gorgeous lakes in Western Arkansas, and Riley loves swimming more that anything else. Well, I stopped at a rest stop to let her use the restroom and to stretch near Arkadelphia. As Riley is handling her business, a seemingly nice man walks up and says, "that is a great looking pit bull." I quickly said, "she is actually a Labrador." The man then says, "Oh, I just assumed it was a pit bull.", and walked away.

Now, Riley clearly looks nothing like a pit bull. Was this guy just uninformed about dogs? I will have to consult the official handbook for a ruling.

I personally blame Michael Vick. [Smile]
 
Posted by Chris Slycord (Member # 4239) on 12-31-2007, 10:28 PM:
 
The guy was clearly an idiot. Both breeds are pretty distinctive looking.
 




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