Foxe downplays Chaucer's bawdy and amorous writing, insisting that it all testifies to his piety. Consensus history emphasizes the basic unity of American values and downplays conflict as superficial. The Cuban Justice minister downplays allegations of widespread sex tourism. The scandal regarding health violations arises because the U.S. State department constantly downplays these concerns. It claims that its present literature downplays and has nearly erased all past racism. If racism is portrayed throughout the film, the director downplays it. Conversely, "Buffy" downplays their importance. Spearing downplays the notion that the narration is the voice of a lawyer. Chris asks him if he's ever killed someone, and Walter downplays the question. People start to question government's official explanation of the incident which downplays any conspiracy. Though Morph is a prankster who downplays his intelligence, he is deceptively smart. The usually loud and energy effusing Arjun downplays his role and gives a heartfelt performance. The doctrine downplays the value of international coalitions. The opera downplays the other plots in favor of the love story. Even so, Paul downplays Faith's wish to stay near her family in the "boondocks".