# A pitting for Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [July 19, 2021, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-pitting-for-paul-was-in-saudi/946791 "2021-07-19T01:39:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 18
**Author:** ![Jihi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jihi/32/17768_2.png) [@Jihi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jihi)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2022, 6:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-pitting-for-paul-was-in-saudi/946791/341 "2022-11-19T06:49:56Z")
> [@DrFidelius](#): > > Never get involved in a land war in Asia? _mumble mumble_ “Something about a Sicilian when death is on the line?” (Sorry can’t remember the full quote) 🤔 ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2022, 7:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-pitting-for-paul-was-in-saudi/946791/342 "2022-11-19T07:09:24Z")
Inconceivable! Never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line. ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2022, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-pitting-for-paul-was-in-saudi/946791/343 "2022-11-29T19:35:40Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > If so, they’d be doing the French Mistake. Honestly that’s the one bit that probably wouldn’t be included in a Blazing Saddles (2022) release. The n-bombs and portrayal of racism in the movie both serve an important narrative role and deliver a clear anti-bigotry message, while the bit at the end is simply absurdist, which is fine and hillarious, but it does mean that the portrayal of (implied to be) gay dancers is mostly there as a “haha gay people are inherently funny” bit, which would not work well for modern audiences IMHO. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2022, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-pitting-for-paul-was-in-saudi/946791/344 "2022-11-29T19:38:17Z")
> [@Babale](#): > > The n-bombs and portrayal of racism in the movie both serve an important narrative role and deliver a clear anti-bigotry message, while the bit at the end is simply absurdist, which is fine and hillarious, but it does mean that the portrayal of (implied to be) gay dancers is mostly there as a “haha gay people are inherently funny” bit, which would not work well for modern audiences IMHO. Yes, the homophobic humor didn’t have a social message or anything, it was “point and laugh at gay people”. Even homophobic slurs. Which sucks, because the Dom DeLuise cameo was neat and the whole setup was great. If not for the homophobia it would be awesome. It’s a turd on a delicious cupcake. ☹ [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/-TwBSgKwivw/hqdefault.jpg "Dom Deluise-WRONG!") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TwBSgKwivw) ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2022, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-pitting-for-paul-was-in-saudi/946791/345 "2022-11-29T19:48:52Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > Yes, the homophobic humor didn’t have a social message or anything, it was “point and laugh at gay people”. Even homophobic slurs. The movie spends the prior 80 minutes showing that you can totally use slurs in a movie without being bigoted if those slurs have a point. And then it drops the ball. ---
**Author:** ![ASL\_v2.0](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asl_v2.0/32/3525_2.png) [@ASL\_v2.0](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ASL_v2.0)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2022, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-pitting-for-paul-was-in-saudi/946791/346 "2022-11-30T00:26:03Z")
Mmmmm… turd cakes… ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2022, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-pitting-for-paul-was-in-saudi/946791/347 "2022-12-01T22:54:15Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > Which sucks, because the Dom DeLuise cameo was neat and the whole setup was great. If not for the homophobia it would be awesome. It’s a turd on a delicious cupcake. I disagree that the scene is notably homophobic. Portraying the dancers as lisping, effeminate men was a stereotype, sure, but they’re also portrayed as physically brave and immediately protective of someone they perceive as one of their own. The only character who mocks them for their sexuality is A) clearly a colossal jerk b) narratively punished (first by stepping in the water while demonstrating the dance, then by getting punched out by Slim Pickens), and c) is played by Dom Deluise who, while apparently heterosexual in his personal life, comes across in every professional role he every played as _extremely_ gay, this one included. So when he calls the dancers a bunch of “sissy fairies,” it hits a lot more like Cleavon Little using the n-word than Harvey Korman using the n-word. The most dated part of that scene is the idea of a Busby Berkeley style musical number being filmed on a sound stage by a major studio, which was already pretty unlikely in 1974. If someone were doing a modern remake, they should spill over into a _Brokeback Mountain_ sequel instead. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2022, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-pitting-for-paul-was-in-saudi/946791/348 "2022-12-01T22:58:18Z")
> [@Superdude](#): > > Inconceivable! > > Never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line. - That’s one phone call I will _not_ interrupt. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2022, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-pitting-for-paul-was-in-saudi/946791/349 "2022-12-19T14:13:23Z")
More transphobia from that fucking creep. > [@Is "Harry and Meghan" worth my time?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-harry-and-meghan-worth-my-time/976269/65): > > As we live in a world where one may choose one’s gender, it seems strange object to someone who does not meet your racial requirements. ---
**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2022, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-pitting-for-paul-was-in-saudi/946791/350 "2022-12-19T14:19:04Z")
> [@EinsteinsHund](#): > > noticed it too, he became more and more unhinged in the last years since he’s been Paul\_Was\_In\_Saudi. He never was on my crackpot radar when he still was Paul\_In\_Qatar or Paul\_In\_Saudi. I thought one of the rules is that posters can’t change their “handle”, yet he seems to have done it at least once if not twice. ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2022, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-pitting-for-paul-was-in-saudi/946791/351 "2022-12-19T14:21:48Z")
You can ask for a name change. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2022, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-pitting-for-paul-was-in-saudi/946791/352 "2022-12-19T14:24:11Z")
Less of a rule and more of a guideline. It was more like can only change if the Admins\* agree and don’t ask too often, but one change was always generally allowed. Paul has had 2 changes over 20 years. The 2nd change had to do with the Discourse changeover on top of it. Technically **Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi** joined Jun 22, 2020. So this could be considered a very rare exception. \* Please note, Admin, not Mods. ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2022, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-pitting-for-paul-was-in-saudi/946791/353 "2022-12-19T14:27:04Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > Paul has had 2 changes over 20 years. The 2nd change had to do with the Discourse changeover on top of it. Technically **Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi** joined Jun 22, 2020. So this could be considered a very rare exception. I can’t see why anyone would be opposed to the name change, especially since Paul no longer lives in Qatar or Saudi Arabia. It’s probably the least objectionable thing about him. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2022, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-pitting-for-paul-was-in-saudi/946791/354 "2022-12-19T15:10:09Z")
> [@Babale](#): > > It’s probably the least objectionable thing about him. Yeah, of everything to complain about (take your pick) that’s at the bottom of my list. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2022, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-pitting-for-paul-was-in-saudi/946791/355 "2022-12-19T15:16:49Z")
It’s too bad he didn’t skip the first phrase and just leave it at > [@](#): > > it seems strange [to] object to someone who does not meet your racial requirements. chela’s post was pretty vile. Of course Paul\_Was\_In\_Saudi had to poison it further. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2022, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-pitting-for-paul-was-in-saudi/946791/356 "2022-12-20T14:37:40Z")
> [@Babale](#): > > I can’t see why anyone would be opposed to the name change, especially since Paul no longer lives in Qatar or Saudi Arabia. It’s probably the least objectionable thing about him. Based on his evident views regarding certain minority groups, Paul still lives in those places, at least in his head. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2022, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-pitting-for-paul-was-in-saudi/946791/357 "2022-12-20T18:50:10Z")
> [@Babale](#): > > I can’t see why anyone would be opposed to the name change, especially since Paul no longer lives in Qatar or Saudi Arabia. It’s probably the least objectionable thing about him. Yeah. Changing your name to hide your past is not allowed. But making a transparent name change to keep the name relevant seems completely okay. I would certainly have approved that change. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2023, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-pitting-for-paul-was-in-saudi/946791/358 "2023-04-18T23:29:59Z")
I was censoring myself in the thread about starting up the draft again in the U.S. So, I thought I’d bump this thread. Paul wants to start conscription, for reasons. It’s interesting that not a single person there has agreed with Paul about his plan. Granted, small sample size, but still. The military doesn’t want a draft, the citizens don’t want a draft. But Paul, he thinks it’s vital. If there’s not enough fodder for carnage, how can we have a major war? He would have responded more to our questions and concerns, but there was a mass shooting in Maine he has to report on. ---
**Author:** ![Chingon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chingon/32/17645_2.png) [@Chingon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chingon)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2023, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-pitting-for-paul-was-in-saudi/946791/359 "2023-04-18T23:32:12Z")
He wasn’t serious about a real discussion. He just wanted to get a big reaction. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2023, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-pitting-for-paul-was-in-saudi/946791/360 "2023-04-18T23:34:47Z")
> [@It is Time to Reintroduce the Draft](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-is-time-to-reintroduce-the-draft/982850/59): > > Bone spurs! This thread. I don’t think it was made in good faith. Classic trolling. I don’t doubt that he holds those beliefs because he’s a fucking moron but he posted that to get a reaction. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-pitting-for-paul-was-in-saudi/946791.md?page=17) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-pitting-for-paul-was-in-saudi/946791.md?page=19)