(What I'm saying here below is quite long and lengthy, but EXTREMELY well worth the read, so please take a few minutes t
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Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — Carl Switzer
quincy_gaines — 21 years ago(January 01, 2005 10:29 PM)
(What I'm saying here below is quite long and lengthy, but EXTREMELY well worth the read, so please take a few minutes to read this .. I call this "FYI / and Also for the Record")
This is coming to you myself, of course, for I am a very devout fan of Alfalfa's (Carl Dean Switzer):
If (let's just say) there was a "curse," In my opion, Alfie is the only one who can be truly considered "cursed" because of the events of his personal life on and off screen. Much of what he did in his entire film career (110 films he deserves an honorary star on the Walk of fame), is what he actually did in real life. In full light of his career, you will see two sides of Alfalfa. You will see the side of him that was good, clean cut and innocent %85 of the time, and then there's the other side of him that wasn't necessarily bad, but a bit understandably ignorant.
Eventhough he was only saying his lines in the film and doing his part, Alfalfa's childhood character in his portion of the Rascals series continues to strongly offend people who are Afro-American today. Much of what he did and said in his lines got many episodes banned from television and or severly edited. Actually and more honestly, out of his 60 appearances in this series, you can only count his racial offenses on one hand. But he really wasn't at fault for that. The writers and the producers of the day wrote screenplays the way that was popular during that time of Vaudeville. Vaudeville was dedicated to joinking about and stereotyping minorities of all sorts, of which, the most common were Indians (in later Vaudeville), Japanese (in early Vaudeville), and African Americans / Blacks (24/7 because have always been a society that people from other races desire to either be like or desire to humiliate in some deadly unhumorous way.)
(By the way, the 50 films Alfie appeared in outside of the Rascals series don't offend any one, and they truly are stellar performances by this fine and often forgotten / much neglected sactor!)
Alfalfa never called Buckwheat out of his name. The kids enjoyed working with eachother and they respected one another, and you can see it translate well on the screen. The offenses caused by the writers and producers(like Alfalfa & spakny wearing black face and saying racially degrading comments only a few times Alfie did this a bit more than Spanky) inadvertantly caused the finger of shame to be pointed at Alfie personally (who being a kid only knew he was just doing his job). Being black myself, I too get offended from time to time by seeing Alfalfa do what he did, back then. But I'm able to handle and cope with it now. When I watch these old films, I always remind myself that what Alfie said and how Buckwheat, Stymie, Farina, and etc. acted amd appeared were a reflection of the times they lived in. However, knowing black history myself rather personally, I do believe in curses, voodoo, and black magic, because that's what the slaves used to get revenge on their masters.
So I believe that Alfie had a target on his back which was placed by the writers, and as he went on to persue other endeavors (post Rascals) the target grew larger. As he grew up, people mocked him for his character, because no one saw him out5b4sideof the Little Rascals persona he developed for himself. He was never ashamed to be who he was. Alfie never knew that he had a growing target on his back. His degradation in life came in stages. The first stage of happened in 1938 around the time he filmed Our Gang Follies of 1938. Alfie became a member of "Demolay" at the age of 12, which lead to full membership as a "Freemason," a society of millions of men only (pro-life and devoutly for children) which many people in the Christian churches claim is a cult that practices forms of Wicca. Our Gang Follies of 1938 was the first of all the films after that which Mirror or foretells Alfalfa's life.
For example, in the rascals episode "Bear Facts," Alfalfa pretends to Darla Hood and her father that he was an impressive Bear Hunter in Africa. In real life, Alfie grew up doing that for a living, travellng to Africa, acting whenever possible, and acting as a professional hunting guide on the side to such celebrities as Roy Rogers (his bestfriend), Henry Fonda, and Walt Disney (who named a waterfall after him Disneyland's Jungle Cruise attraction which was inspired by Alfie). But aside from his Masonic involvement, along with Disney, Roy Rogers (Roy and Disney were also Masons))and Dale Evans (Roy's Wife), Alfie was a professing Christian.
By the way, Another Rascals film that reflects Alfalfa's life is the episode "Men In Fright."111c In the opening scene, Alfie teaches the gang a new hi-sign and tells them it means "brotherhood", as in the brotherhood of man (all for one; one for all), just as the Masons teach. At Masonic meetings, you can't get in unless you know the secret handshake. And Masons never turn away other Masons! -If a brother needs help, a brother Mason will help him.
And wi -
MADDOXRJM — 20 years ago(June 21, 2005 07:26 AM)
Thanks for taking the time to write what you did. I wish I could again see some of those old Little Rascal or Our Gang shows. Politically correct or not, they were great. They should be viewed taking into account the time they were made. The Man From Borneo was especially funny. I don't think thb68ey were made meaning any harm or disrespect, I'm not black, but even if I was I would not take offense. I also think it's funny when I listen to modern day black comedians making jokes about white guys like me.
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quincy_gaines — 20 years ago(July 01, 2005 09:10 AM)
"Yum yum! Eat 'em up! Eat 'em up!" (line from "Kid From Borneo")
Hi Maddox! I TOTALLY agree with ya bro!
To fully appreciate those films without being offended by them is to remember the time period they were made, and acknowledge how society has changed significantly since then. Black people and other races are no longer stereotyped in films today and so it's nice to look back, laugh, and remember what once was without hesitation.
By the way .. of course you can still see these films! Aside from b68being sold on Amazon.com, the Little Rascals videos are floating around out there on ebay, and for free via file sharing p2p programs, which unfortunately is the sad truth! The films were once colorized by Ted Turner and King World Productions. I'm hoping to soon find those soon for my vast collection.
-Quincy -
protocol512 — 20 years ago(September 26, 2005 08:37 AM)
just curious on the whole issue of "politically incorrect"
why is it offensive when Alfalfa puts on a "black face" back when it was acceptable (50 years ago) but ok for those black actors from "White Chicks" to put on "white" faces?
a bit of double standard, wouldn't you agree? -
quincy_gaines — 20 years ago(December 31, 2005 10:13 PM)
HI Protocol,
I disagree, because black people have a history of being discriminated against. When was the last time you heard about a black man mistreating or abuising a white man? You never have, because we don't want people to experience what we've been through collectively as a culture of people. I've been discriminated against, and trust me it doesn't feel good being the victim. In our day and age it is considered acceptable to impersonate a white person, asian, latino, and even Indian. White people don't know what it's like to be discriminated against. People performing in black face originated in Vaudeville and became spotlighted when Al Jolson appeared that way in "The Jazz Singer." Mind you, this was during the times where black people didn't have the rights we do now, because the color of our skin we couldn't go to certain places or educate ourselves (unless we were in a position where we could get help and respect from white men.) The whole situation regarding discrimination started getting better with the coming of the Civil Rights Movement in 1963 and those following 5 years. During that time society took notice that black people truly weren't happy being treated like dirt. We don't like people performing in black face, because during the time that started white men separated themselves from us instead of hiring black men to perform in their shows. And it's because White filmmakers of the 1920's and '30's didn't care to know us then as their equals, their impersonations of black 16d0people using stereotypes and over dramatic acting greatly added to our pain. And because racism and discrimination of all forms hasn't yet ceased in our society, we can't forget the history of pain associated with our skin color. My bestfriends are white and they've never been discriminated against (I can't even fathom that being possible). I've been called the "N" word twice in my life by white people I've extended myself to out of common courtesy. When I worked for Universal Studios as a ride attendant, I had to sometimes stand out in front of the E.T. adventure ride and answer questions. One guy came up to me one day and asked me how to get to the Backdraft attraction which was just down the street. I was in a good mood, happy, and so I told him how to get there and I made some helpful suggestions. After I was done, he left as I said "Have a nice day." As he walked away he replied to me by saying "THanks beep and thus my day was ruined from that point on. The pain associated with that "N" word is so deep that I honestly felt like beating the crap out of that man. But I held myself back from "killing him", because two wrongs don't make one right, and his racist ignorant butt wasn't worth losing my job over. I myself am color blind when it comes to ackowledging race, because I love everyone. I love people in general, but it unnerves me when I get labeled because of my skin color by someone of a lighter complexion. BEing that I know my racial background is mixed, I dismiss ignorant people, and I correct the ones who offend me unintentionally. When I was in 7th grade during my years in junior high school my assumed bestfriend was Jewish, and I spent the night at his house a few times for sleep overs. One day while at school he started calling me a "schwartza." At first I didn't think much of it, and so dismissed it because I felt he was kidding. He was kidding, but he didn't know his comments were inappropriate. I went to his Barmitzvah and was the ink spot (which wasn't a problem) at a Sportmen's Lodge that was notoriously known for being racist. We had fun at his party. I didn't know the owners of that Lodge were racist until I got home that night and saw a story about them on the news. Towards the end of that school year my friend and I had to team up with other kids for a project in our World History class. So again I stayed over my friend's house. As we were settling in to sleep, he said to me "You know how black people were made, Quincy?" I replied "no. how?" And he said, "one day God had diarrhea and so he stuck a group of white people in the toilet and shat on em." All said in response to that was "Oh really? Well, that's not true!" And so I just dismissed it and rolled over and went to sleep. One day not long after that, that "friend" and I drifted apart, and in my opinion it was probably for the better It didn't seem as if he cared to have me as his friend anyway.
So that's just a sample of what I've experienced. One time I went to Corrigan's steakhouse in Thousand Oaks to consider meeting Tom Corrigan for an interview regarding Alfalfa, because Tom is a good friend of the Switzers and witnessed firsthand what really happened on January 21, 1959. Tom's a really nice person and his food is SO good! Everyone who worked at Corrigan's at that time (2 years ago) treated me nice. I met Tom, but I never got to interview him, because I heard he doesn't like reports, (because Alfalfa had HUGE secret to protect whic -
quincy_gaines — 19 years ago(November 26, 2006 10:54 AM)
A caucasion of any time period wearing black face make-up is offensive to african american's because, when that form of entertainment began, black people were envied yet discriminated against. Instead of hiring black actors to portray certain roles (which any black actor would've gladly done), to remain socially acceptable in the South, white filmmakers had to do what they thought was best. Black people were envied for our abilities to perform, but yet we were hated. How we feel about seeing a white person in black face is the same anger and rage we feel when we're called the "N" word (ala Michael Richards style .). They're both insensitive and offensive. Countless innocent black people were killed over that stuff and racist hatred. On the other hand, a black person wearing white make-up is socially acceptable today, because african americans aren't known for ever hating white people, and so caucasian people can't ever relate to the anger and outrage we feel. Which group is more passive, caucasians or blacks? Caucasians, and that's the reason why black people can perform in White make-up and not get scorned by Caucasians. Caucasians don't mind being mocked.
The history related to issues associated with the color of my skin (beit brown, black, or whatever you want to call me) can't ever be understood by people who have never been discriminated against. It's all about the history of your skin color. It's a history that can be forgiven, but it's a pain that never can be forgotten, because issues of racial hatred is still going on today. It's something that will never cease, because ignorant people raise children who are ignorant. If you know someone who performs in black face, please ask them to consider stopping.
Black, white, or whatever color you are, if you see someone doing something that racially offends you, talk and reason with that person so that they can understand and see the errors of their ways. A black person will quit his offensive actions, because we can relate to the person we've unintentionally offended.
By the way, Regarding Michael Richards . He may claim he's not a racist, and that he is Jewish (a minority considering the Holocaust, Richards should've known better), and he may be travelling around with Jesse Jackson to try to win forgiveness in the black community, but it all boils down to what he has in his heart. Black people are very forgiving, but we don't forget anything. What's on your heart flows freely out your mouth, and words can't ever be unsaid. Somethings are better left unsaid. Most arguments are better left unhad. The day after Michael's incident at the Laugh Factory, he went on Letterman and apollogized? In my opinion, because his verbage flowed too freely that night, I don't think his apollogies are genuine. Some people feel he made thisngs worse for himself. He's going to have to do MANY YEARS of talking and apollogizing to get his career back, because not everyone is forgiving, and today discrimination affects many people. His career is over (but it can comeback with time and forgiveness). What will benefit Michael Ri5b4chards is if he devotes his life entirely to ending racial discrimination. He should become a humanitarian, attend NAACP meetings, and stick with Jesse Jackson. It's going to take MANY YEARS of his life to fix his mistake.
Innocent people are still dying today for being black and other minorities.
Caucasians can't ever relate to how minorities feel. All that they can do for us (and we can do for everyone) is respect us. We should respect eachother. If we treat eachother equally with love and unity and transcend our differences in skin color, we can do great things for this world.
Happy Holidays!
-Quincy
"Life is big. Take full advantage." - Carl Dean "Alfalfa" Switzer-Eldridge, (January 4th, 2005) -
nyc24 — 18 years ago(August 04, 2007 09:51 PM)
but NO WAY OVERALL "people from other races desire to be like blacks." That's just TOTAL BS.
And the pervasive racism in this country makes it difficult to imagine that ANYONE would want to be like "those lowly blacks". This is a sad world. -
quincy_gaines — 14 years ago(July 29, 2011 03:24 PM)
Prove me wrong! I dare you! It's proven in todays culture with where white kids are rapping, dressing and sagging their pants just like the black people they listen to. There are white models altering
their physical appearance so that they could have fuller lips, a better shaped nose, and bigger breasts. We have white singers trying to sound black. Do tell me how am I wrong?? I see the proof of it before me everyday! I thank you for your time.
"Life is big Take full advantage." - Carl Dean "Alfalfa" Switzer, (January 4th, 2005) -
annarangel — 15 years ago(November 22, 2010 06:40 PM)
Hi Quincy!
I feel a lot of pain in your words; I did't know black people felt that way in these days. I'm mexican and have to deal with stereotypes in films too all the time, and not just that: also deal with the stereotype of my whole contry, as they portrait it: as a gigantic dusty town with nothing but cactus and cantinas. and lazy guys with sombreros drinking tequila.. and that's Mexico. ! What can we do??? Mexico is not that at all, but Hollywood will be Hollywood and intelligent people will know that not everything they see in movies is true
Best Regards.~ -
otterbaby — 20 years ago(November 03, 2005 07:15 PM)
Quincy:
You said:
""Freemason," a society of millions of men only (pro-life and devoutly for children) which many people in the Christian churches claim is a cult that practices forms of Wicca."
"When you become a Mason, let's just say you pledge your life to the fraternity eternally, via making a vow to Lucifer and the teachings of the illuminati. It's a vow that keeps you silent and in the fraternity. Leaving the Masonic fraternity, according to the illuminati, means death by beheading if a brother Mason found out."
I would just like to say that the "Masons" are a group of Christian (usually Protestant! Atleast that's what they are where I come from (the Mid-West). The Masons are a group of men who are good towards others and respected Christians in the community! Masons are suppossed to help eachother out my Great-Grandfather was a Mason and his life was saved by a fellow Mason.
The Masons do is not a Wiccan cult and the many Christian/Protestant preachers are Masons! I just wanted to say in the Mason's defense they are not evil cult members but, good, outstanding, Christian, citizens.
I do not know what goes on at their meetings and do not wish to know since it is a "secret" but, if I was guessing it's probably just a bunch of "man talk" and card games, lol. Seriously, though Masons are good CHRISTIAN men!
Natalie
"Parfaits just might be the best damn thing on Earth!" Donkey from shrek -
quincy_gaines — 20 years ago(January 01, 2006 12:15 AM)
Hi Natalie,
Sorry it took me so long to get your message. I'm glad you replied. In reply to your message, I apollogize for coming off as strong as I did about the freemasons .. I didn't say anything intentionally offensive, as I was considering becoming a candidate to join them two years ago. I'll clarify myself for you better: It's true that they didn't kill Alfalfa or anyone (because they wouldn't), I only said what I said because I played detective looking into Mr. Switzer's life, and I had indeed come to the conclusion that he was indeed setup. Three days after I had posted my original message, on January 3rd 2005 the truth of what really happened to Alfalfa on January 21, 1959 surfaced. It was a good surprise, but for a long while I was quite upset by it. So no of course the Masons didn't kill him. They helped him stage his death, hence the reason why and fact that his middle name "Dean" is not on his headstone, among other things. By the way, he officially passed away on November 4th 2005 and was cremated on the 6th at 5:30 am. All three graves on Alfalfa's plot are fake. The pictures on all three headstones for his, his father Fred and his brother Harold put together (consider in context to their lives) reveal what really became of all three of them. I'm not allowed to tell you anymore out of respect for Mr. Switzer and his family. He reminded me that he revealed himself on an episode of 20 / 20 with Barbara Walters and Hugh Downs back in September 1990. It amazes me how society overlooked that show.
By the way, for the record, the freemasons are an inter-faith fraternity. They've got Christians, Jewish, Catholic, and Buddhist members. So eventhough they teach from the bible, as a fraternity group they don't claim to be one religion. Their main requirements are, you must be a male (young boys go to DeMolay, and the Women go to Job's daughter and Esther), you must believe in God, and you cannot live an immoral life. That's the Christian side of them and that's good. Being a pilar of society in your local community is a requirement. They don't punish you if you don't go to their meetings (true), eventhough it is stated in their doctrine you'll receive death by beheading if you leave or tell their secrets. And as I said, what happens in their secret meetings is also true, regarding Wicca and White Magic. Yep, I've seen it firsthand, and there are many websites and books written and created by current and past Masons. One book you can find at the bookstore is called The book of Hyram. It talks about the Scottish Rite, and it goes into full detail about when you go through the induction ceremony, you're figuritively dying to self while dressed in white as other members pull on you and put you out by hitting you on your forehead. And when you wake up you have to climb out of this pit like you're fighting to live. Once you're out they proceed to each alter in each corner of the temple reading verses from the illuminati pledging an oath to Satan, who is affectionately dubbed "The Light." With each completed level of freemasonry, you're continuously encouraged to "seek the light." So in public the masons are good and innocent, but in private they do a whole bunch of stuff . and yes sometimes they do just sit around, talk and play cards. None of this is much of a secret any how. This news is all out in the open.
Have a great day!
-Quincy
"Life is big. Take full advantage." - Carl Dean "Alfalfa" Switzer-Eldridge, (January 4th, 2005) -
otterbaby — 20 years ago(January 04, 2006 07:51 PM)
Thank you for the clairifacation!
WOW!!!!!! You mean "Alfalfa" faked his death???!!! All this time he was alive and just recently died this past year???!!! WOW! I am amazed!
Natalie
"Parfaits just might be the best damn thing on Earth!" Donkey from shrek