# Is there a contemporary family with a greater number of notable members \[than the Gracies\]? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 5, 2011, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-contemporary-family-with-a-greater-number-of-notable-members-than-the-gracies/566537 "2011-01-05T21:49:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Cisco](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2011, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-contemporary-family-with-a-greater-number-of-notable-members-than-the-gracies/566537/81 "2011-01-07T18:10:41Z")
Blake, among others, decided to hijack my thread and attack the premise, instead of discussing the topic. One of the ways he did that was to claim that his family was more notable than the Gracies, who, regardless of what you people think, are very well known by a metric butt-ton of people in several different countries. I’d like him to back up his claim. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2011, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-contemporary-family-with-a-greater-number-of-notable-members-than-the-gracies/566537/82 "2011-01-07T19:25:53Z")
He didn’t hijack the premise. You gave no premise. You refuse to define notable as anything other than having a Wikipedia page. And everybody seems to be telling you that’s not a very useful definition. There are a few Gracies who could be called notable. The rest are only noted for being related to the others. And very few people could name more than a handful of Gracies. ---
**Author:** ![Justin\_Bailey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/justin_bailey/32/8792_2.png) [@Justin\_Bailey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Justin_Bailey)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2011, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-contemporary-family-with-a-greater-number-of-notable-members-than-the-gracies/566537/83 "2011-01-07T20:22:14Z")
> [@Cisco](#): > > I’ve been reluctant to say this because I don’t want to encourage this fame hijack, but since it keeps coming up . . . I’m > American, male, 29, and I don’t know wtf Lebron James is, other than no one has stfu about him on Facebook for the last year. Still, I’ve gathered the impression that he’s extremely famous, whether I know him or not. Now, I’m not saying the Gracies are on his level of mainstream recognition, but I think, within our demographic, you’re the exception for not knowing them. Not the rule. Sorry man, but I’m going to have to say bullshit to this. Do you even know that Lebron James is a basketball player? And do you know that he’s probably the biggest athlete in the US right now? Because if you don’t know all that, how can I be expected to know who the Gracies are? Looking over those Wikipedia pages, they seem to be a variety of semi-pro athletes. There’s not one Gracie currently fighting in MMA. The current Gracies had famous parents, they’re not famous in and of themselves. Basically, it’s the equivalent of me asking you Reid Ryan is. Do you know who Reid Ryan is (I’m guessing no)? Then why should I have heard of the Gracies when they compete in a sport about 1/10th as popular? And as for our generation, CliffyB is more well known among our generation than any Gracie will ever be. ---
**Author:** ![pravnik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8edcca/32.png) [@pravnik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pravnik)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2011, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-contemporary-family-with-a-greater-number-of-notable-members-than-the-gracies/566537/84 "2011-01-07T20:53:44Z")
> [@Justin\_Bailey](#): > > Because if you don’t know all that, how can I be expected to know who the Gracies are? Looking over those Wikipedia pages, they seem to be a variety of semi-pro athletes. There’s not one Gracie currently fighting in MMA. No dog in the fight (so to speak), but there are a few. [Roger Gracie](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Gracie), [Rolles Gracie](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolles_Gracie_Jr.), [Javier Vazquez](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Javier_Vazquez_(fighter)), [Daniel Gracie](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Gracie), maybe some others. ---
**Author:** ![Cisco](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2011, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-contemporary-family-with-a-greater-number-of-notable-members-than-the-gracies/566537/85 "2011-01-07T20:54:51Z")
> [@Justin\_Bailey](#): > > Do you even know that Lebron James is a basketball player? Yes. > [@Justin\_Bailey](#): > > And do you know that he’s probably the biggest athlete in the US right now? No. > [@Justin\_Bailey](#): > > There’s not one Gracie currently fighting in MMA. There are several. > [@Justin\_Bailey](#): > > Basically, it’s the equivalent of me asking you Reid Ryan is. Do you know who Reid Ryan is (I’m guessing no)? Then why should I have heard of the Gracies when they compete in a sport about 1/10th as popular? Might be relevant if the thread title included "Have you heard of . . . " For the umpteenth time, the thread is not about fame. Why aren’t some of you getting that? Do you know who invented aspirin\*? Would you consider him notable\*\*? \*Safe bet is no \*\*Safe bet is yes ---
**Author:** ![Cisco](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2011, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-contemporary-family-with-a-greater-number-of-notable-members-than-the-gracies/566537/86 "2011-01-07T21:04:27Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > He didn’t hijack the premise. You gave no premise. You refuse to define notable as anything other than having a Wikipedia page. And everybody seems to be telling you that’s not a very useful definition. You know, my original post is still available if you navigate to page of of this thread and go to the top . . . The premise was “wow, what a big sporting legacy. What other families are similarly notable?” I said, in plain English, > [@Cisco](#): > > Feel free to use your own criteria for “notable”-- as this isn’t a formal research project, I used the most convenient :). . . . and every other response has been attacking the notion that the Gracies are notable. People not spoiling for an e-brawl would’ve simply said, “well, I think X family is more notable because Y.” I guess if I sinned, my sin was starting the thread in the wrong forum. Mea culpa. I didn’t put much thought into that, but knowing this place I should have. In fact, I should’ve gotten a lawyer to re-write the OP in strict legalese before submitting it, because god knows we can’t have a casual discussion around here that doesn’t involve pie, World of Warcraft, or pan-fried semen. ---
**Author:** ![Justin\_Bailey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/justin_bailey/32/8792_2.png) [@Justin\_Bailey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Justin_Bailey)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2011, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-contemporary-family-with-a-greater-number-of-notable-members-than-the-gracies/566537/87 "2011-01-07T21:17:31Z")
> [@Cisco](#): > > There are several. You’re right. But none of them are prominent fighters and almost all of them have losing records. I’m sure Reid Ryan can relate. > [@](#): > > Might be relevant if the thread title included "Have you heard of . . . " For the umpteenth time, the thread is not about fame. Why aren’t some of you getting that? Do you know who invented aspirin\*? Would you consider him notable\*\*? Then what is this thread about? You asked if there was a contemporary family with a greater number of notable members than the Gracies. We’re telling you that we don’t think the Gracies are that notable and most of them (going by your own Wikipedia cite) are notable only for being a member of the Gracie family. ---
**Author:** ![Cisco](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2011, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-contemporary-family-with-a-greater-number-of-notable-members-than-the-gracies/566537/88 "2011-01-07T21:23:37Z")
> [@Justin\_Bailey](#): > > Then what is this thread about? You asked if there was a contemporary family with a greater number of notable members than the Gracies. We’re telling you that we don’t think the Gracies are that notable and most of them (going by your own Wikipedia cite) are notable only for being a member of the Gracie family. Well, that’s your opinion. I think you’re wrong, and I think millions of people would disagree, but that’s irrelevant because the thread isn’t titled “are the Gracies notable?” Do you know of a larger family that is notable for whatever reason that you’d like to discuss? If not, please feel free to move along and not lose any more sleep over this thread. You guys have stated your opinion and it’s more than duly noted. ---
**Author:** ![sitchensis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sitchensis/32/4892_2.png) [@sitchensis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sitchensis)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2011, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-contemporary-family-with-a-greater-number-of-notable-members-than-the-gracies/566537/89 "2011-01-07T21:39:09Z")
With the Gracie family having only two notable members I would have to say that the Ripkin’s in baseball have a more notable family (Jr., Sr., and Billy) > [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > Blake’s not the one who’s coming across poorly here. +1 Male, 29 ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2011, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-contemporary-family-with-a-greater-number-of-notable-members-than-the-gracies/566537/90 "2011-01-07T22:10:34Z")
And **Cisco** , how about a reply to my post? What do you think is more wide-spread: Brazilian jiu-jitsu, or NHL hockey? (And I know the OP left out royalty, but does that exclude non-ruling families, like the Romanovs, or the Habsburgs?) ---
**Author:** ![Cisco](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2011, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-contemporary-family-with-a-greater-number-of-notable-members-than-the-gracies/566537/91 "2011-01-07T22:24:05Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > And **Cisco** , how about a reply to my post? What do you think is more wide-spread: Brazilian jiu-jitsu, or NHL hockey? NHL. > [@Guinastasia](#): > > (And I know the OP left out royalty, but does that exclude non-ruling families, like the Romanovs, or the Habsburgs?) No. By all means, feel free. ---
**Author:** ![Justin\_Bailey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/justin_bailey/32/8792_2.png) [@Justin\_Bailey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Justin_Bailey)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2011, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-contemporary-family-with-a-greater-number-of-notable-members-than-the-gracies/566537/92 "2011-01-07T22:58:12Z")
> [@Cisco](#): > > Well, that’s your opinion. I think you’re wrong, and I think millions of people would disagree, but that’s irrelevant because the thread isn’t titled “are the Gracies notable?” Do you know of a larger family that is notable for whatever reason that you’d like to discuss? If not, please feel free to move along and not lose any more sleep over this thread. You guys have stated your opinion and it’s more than duly noted. OK fine, the [Bush family](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bush_family) has the Gracies beat by a mile. Two Presidents (and the two First Ladies to go along with them), a governor, a TV host, an author/TV reporter and a whole bunch of business owners. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2011, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-contemporary-family-with-a-greater-number-of-notable-members-than-the-gracies/566537/93 "2011-01-08T01:35:14Z")
> [@Cisco](#): > > I guess if I sinned, my sin was starting the thread in the wrong forum. Mea culpa. I didn’t put much thought into that, but knowing this place I should have. In fact, I should’ve gotten a lawyer to re-write the OP in strict legalese before submitting it, because god knows we can’t have a casual discussion around here that doesn’t involve pie, World of Warcraft, or pan-fried semen. Eating cheeseburgers on a Friday is a sin, what you have is a problem. Your problem is that you came here wanting everyone to agree with you. And not everyone does. So now you’ve got a chip on your shoulder and you’re acting like everyone who doesn’t agree with your opinion is doing so because they want to provoke a fight with you. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2011, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-contemporary-family-with-a-greater-number-of-notable-members-than-the-gracies/566537/94 "2011-01-08T01:52:15Z")
> [@Cisco](#): > > NHL. > No. By all means, feel free. So? When will you admit that the Gracies aren’t necessarily the “most notable”, and those who disagree aren’t doing so to what was that, “fart in your face?” ---
**Author:** ![Cisco](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2011, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-contemporary-family-with-a-greater-number-of-notable-members-than-the-gracies/566537/95 "2011-01-08T01:55:34Z")
> [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > Eating cheeseburgers on a Friday is a sin, what you have is a problem. > > Your problem is that you came here wanting everyone to agree with you. And not everyone does. So now you’ve got a chip on your shoulder and you’re acting like everyone who doesn’t agree with your opinion is doing so because they want to provoke a fight with you. I’m mildly fascinated that you’re so passionate about keeping a hijack alive in a thread you otherwise don’t seem to care one tiddlywink about, but other than that your posts here are worthless. I would suggest you go re-read the thread and re-evaluate who’s doing the provoking here, but I’m fully aware that you won’t, so in all honesty I’d rather you just go away. ---
**Author:** ![Cisco](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2011, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-contemporary-family-with-a-greater-number-of-notable-members-than-the-gracies/566537/96 "2011-01-08T01:57:40Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > So? When will you admit that the Gracies aren’t necessarily the “most notable”, and those who disagree aren’t doing so to what was that, “fart in your face?” Wait, what? I think before I could “admit” that the Gracies aren’t the “most notable,” I’d have to claim that. Wouldn’t I? ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2011, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-contemporary-family-with-a-greater-number-of-notable-members-than-the-gracies/566537/97 "2011-01-08T03:35:42Z")
Then what ARE you claiming? What IS your point? ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2011, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-contemporary-family-with-a-greater-number-of-notable-members-than-the-gracies/566537/98 "2011-01-08T05:16:23Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > Then what ARE you claiming? What IS your point? You’re on his list now. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2011, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-contemporary-family-with-a-greater-number-of-notable-members-than-the-gracies/566537/99 "2011-01-08T05:29:28Z")
The point _I’m_ walking away with is: I have GOT to start hanging out with some grown-ups. … walking away … ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2011, 6:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-contemporary-family-with-a-greater-number-of-notable-members-than-the-gracies/566537/100 "2011-01-08T06:38:56Z")
[Mod Note]As far as I’m concerned, the pissing match started here: > [@Cisco](#): > > In any case, it’s clear that turning the topic into an argument in which you can make yourself feel Right is, as usual, far more urgent than intelligent or rational discussion, so, what’s the freakin’ point. Thought I could get an interesting discussion going but you guys pissed in the Kool Aid again. Thanks. Most everything before that was a questioning of **Cisco’s** interpretations of “notable” and “contemporary”. As of this post, I expect _everyone_ to stop with the temper tantrums and act like adults. If you can’t do this, the thread will be closed and Warnings may be issued.[/Mod Note] [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-contemporary-family-with-a-greater-number-of-notable-members-than-the-gracies/566537.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-contemporary-family-with-a-greater-number-of-notable-members-than-the-gracies/566537.md?page=6)