WTH Mel??

[MorganLeFey]

I total agree with people choosing not to see his movies if they do not like him. I do not agree that he has to satisfy people with his personal life. His influence is not based on power he holds, but power the public GIVES him.

but...if I go to one of his movies, and my perception of him as a person advserely affects the way I look at his movie...I'm not going to go to his movie because I won't enjoy the movie.


it's not just the drunken tirade, it's other comments he's made to the media that convince me what he said the other night is reflective of his true feelings, learned at his father's knee. if he feels that way about me, then he doesn't need my money...I'll spend it elsewhere.

 

[poohandwendy]

but...if I go to one of his movies, and my perception of him as a person advserely affects the way I look at his movie...I'm not going to go to his movie because I won't enjoy the movie.


it's not just the drunken tirade, it's other comments he's made to the media that convince me what he said the other night is reflective of his true feelings, learned at his father's knee. if he feels that way about me, then he doesn't need my money...I'll spend it elsewhere.

Which is exactly what you should do...and that is the repercussion he faces for what he says. However, the statements I have been reading suggest that he owes the public something for saying what he said. I disagree. He said it, nothing will undo it. He is allowed to be an idiot, make stupid, hateful statements and tarnish his reputation. He apologized. End of story. The public has to either accept the apology and move on or blackball him and not watch his movies.

If he were a politician, I would feel he did owe the public to right the wrong, somehow. Because they are paid for their leadership.

 

[Marie17]

Some of the responses on this board are a little bit on the hateful side.

To the person who stated that the Catholic League does not speak for the church - I already knew that. The Catholic League as well as the Anti-Defamation League speak out against wrongs regarding their religious faith. The Catholic league usually releases information regarding anti-catholicism (which is very rampant). The Anti-Defamation league usually speaks out against anti-semitic issues (which is also very rampant). They have also issued a statement to http://www.adl.org/PresRele/ASUS_12/4862_12.htm.

 

[MorganLeFey]

Which is exactly what you should do...and that is the repercussion he faces for what he says. However, the statements I have been reading suggest that he owes the public something for saying what he said. I disagree. He said it, nothing will undo it. He is allowed to be an idiot, make stupid, hateful statements and tarnish his reputation. He apologized. End of story. The public has to either accept the apology and move on or blackball him and not watch his movies.

If he were a politician, I would feel he did owe the public to right the wrong, somehow. Because they are paid for their leadership.

I think we're in agreement there. if he were an elected official representing me, I'd probably be looking for a way to remove him from office. since he's only a movie actor/director, I simply won't be giving him any of my entertainment dollars. I do think he shot himself in the foot, but there's no need for him to be publically lynched.

 

[cardaway]

OMG, I cannot agree with passing the buck onto public figures when a citizen commits a wrong. Why do we expect a higher level of responsibility from celebrities that everyday people? That is just wrong, IMO

and

Which is exactly what you should do...and that is the repercussion he faces for what he says. However, the statements I have been reading suggest that he owes the public something for saying what he said. I disagree. He said it, nothing will undo it. He is allowed to be an idiot, make stupid, hateful statements and tarnish his reputation. He apologized. End of story. The public has to either accept the apology and move on or blackball him and not watch his movies.

 

[MorganLeFey]

more on the story

the learned Rabbi Hiers is right...you don't unlearn bigotry in a day, but if Gibson wants to make the effort...he'll find help in the Jewish community if he asks for it.

 

[eclectics]

This country places far too much emphasis on glorifying celebrities and placing them on pedestals.

On this point I am in total agreement with you, but unfortunately we (especially our impressionable youth) do. And I'll also throw in that they get paid way too much, in proportion to what they deliver, imho.

 

[sodaseller]

Some of the responses on this board are a little bit on the hateful side.

To the person who stated that the Catholic League does not speak for the church - I already knew that. The Catholic League as well as the Anti-Defamation League speak out against wrongs regarding their religious faith. The Catholic league usually releases information regarding anti-catholicism (which is very rampant). The Anti-Defamation league usually speaks out against anti-semitic issues (which is also very rampant). They have also issued a statement to http://www.adl.org/PresRele/ASUS_12/4862_12.htm.

Citing the Catholic League is hateful, especially on these issues, since Donahue was extremely anti-Semitic in addressing Mel's movie

 

[PolyHereWeCome]

On this point I am in total agreement with you, but unfortunately we (especially our impressionable youth) do. And I'll also throw in that they get paid way too much, in proportion to what they deliver, imho.

Once again, eclectics, you took the words out of my mouth.

To think that the actions of a highly public actor spouting anti-semitism in the midst of rising anti-semitism in this country and Europe and the Middle East doesn't have a reaction is either denial or naivety. I wish it weren't so, but it is. Although celebrities are private citizens, their "special status" does make some people listen and it does fuel some to justify their own prejudices.

 

[DancingBear]

To the person who stated that the Catholic League does not speak for the church - I already knew that. The Catholic League as well as the Anti-Defamation League speak out against wrongs regarding their religious faith. The Catholic league usually releases information regarding anti-catholicism (which is very rampant). The Anti-Defamation league usually speaks out against anti-semitic issues (which is also very rampant). They have also issued a statement to http://www.adl.org/PresRele/ASUS_12/4862_12.htm.

There is a big difference between criticizing actions of the Catholic Church as an institution and the pope as its leader, and making statements like Mel did about "the Jews." Donohue tries to make them equivalent, but they are not (just as criticizing actions of the Israeli government does not equal anti-Semiticism).

 

[Minnesota!]

You know, I could care less what he said. If he was Jewish and said that "Catholics (which I am) are responsbile for all the wars"...who gives a damn? One guys opinion. I wouldn't be in the least offended. I think people just need to realize it's HIS opinion. Doesn't make it fact. I can guarantee he isn't the only one that feels this way.

I feel bad for him battling alcoholism. I don't care what he (or any other person, celebrity or no) spouts off about. I believe what I want to believe. It's a free country - we all can voice our opinions. This wouldn't be news if it was just Joe Smith making these comments

 

[DancingBear]

You know, I could care less what he said. If he was Jewish and said that "Catholics (which I am) are responsbile for all the wars"...who gives a damn? One guys opinion. I wouldn't be in the least offended. I think people just need to realize it's HIS opinion. Doesn't make it fact. I can guarantee he isn't the only one that feels this way.

I feel bad for him battling alcoholism. I don't care what he (or any other person, celebrity or no) spouts off about. I believe what I want to believe. It's a free country - we all can voice our opinions. This wouldn't be news if it was just Joe Smith making these comments

Thanks for the restatement of the obvious. OF COURSE it wouldn't be news if just Joe Smith was making these comments. (Of course, Joe Smith might suffer other consequences). Instead, it's a high profile celebrity who makes his living off of the public, and who has chosen to make his religious views a center of his activities, and to spread his views (at least on some issues) to others.

As you said, "he isn't the only one that feels this way." We don't need public figures making those others who feel this way any more comfortable with those beliefs. Just because it's a free country and you can voice your stupid opinions doesn't mean you shouldn't be criticized and held accountable when you do so.

 

[MorganLeFey]

As you said, "he isn't the only one that feels this way." We don't need public figures making those others who feel this way any more comfortable with those beliefs. Just because it's a free country and you can voice your stupid opinions doesn't mean you shouldn't be criticized and held accountable when you do so.

I concur.

this evening I walked to the subway with two friends from work. one woman is in her 30's, the other in her 20's, and I'm in my 40's. obviously none of us was alive during WW II, yet all 3 of us felt a "connection" to the Holocaust -- I lost distant relatives, the 30-something is the grandchild of survivors, and the younger woman visited Auschwitz not too long ago and still carries the vivid images in her head.

each of us also had a minor run-in with an anti Semite at least once in her life. the last thing any of us needs is some nutjob thinking "well, if Mel Gibson got away with saying it...I can get away with ..."

 

[DawnCt1]

each of us also had a minor run-in with an anti Semite at least once in her life. the last thing any of us needs is some nutjob thinking "well, if Mel Gibson got away with saying it...I can get away with ..."

I don't think Mel got away with it. I think he is paying the price now and will continue to pay the price in the future. I wonder what impact it would have on him however to actual produce and direct a mini series on the Holocaust. While many would think it would be an economic boon and a privilege for him to do it, and of course it would, my guess is that he would learn much more about the loss and the suffering than he could have ever known otherwise. Sometimes the best lessons we learn are the ones that we have had to learn the hard way.

 

[Saxsoon]

Thanks for the restatement of the obvious. OF COURSE it wouldn't be news if just Joe Smith was making these comments. (Of course, Joe Smith might suffer other consequences).

Actually they stated they wouldn't care if HE was Jewish and made those comments.

Also, I was going to say something about the anti defamation league. Does what they say carry any weight, or are they some little group? I have never heard of them before.

 

[LukenDC]

I don't think Mel got away with it. I think he is paying the price now and will continue to pay the price in the future. I wonder what impact it would have on him however to actual produce and direct a mini series on the Holocaust. While many would think it would be an economic boon and a privilege for him to do it, and of course it would, my guess is that he would learn much more about the loss and the suffering than he could have ever known otherwise. Sometimes the best lessons we learn are the ones that we have had to learn the hard way.

I agree. It's people like Gibson who need to immerse themselves in the study of the Holocaust. Now if he planned to make a documentary that cast doubt on the Holocaust or used spurious sources, then that would be an entirely different matter.

 

[DawnCt1]

I agree. It's people like Gibson who need to immerse themselves in the study of the Holocaust. Now if he planned to make a documentary that cast doubt on the Holocaust or used spurious sources, then that would be an entirely different matter.

I think that if he were to make the documentar the way it should be made; the way it happened, it could be a life changing experience for him.

 

[MorganLeFey]

Actually they stated they wouldn't care if HE was Jewish and made those comments.

Also, I was going to say something about the anti defamation league. Does what they say carry any weight, or are they some little group? I have never heard of them before.

anti defamation league

 

[MorganLeFey]

I don't think Mel got away with it. I think he is paying the price now and will continue to pay the price in the future. I wonder what impact it would have on him however to actual produce and direct a mini series on the Holocaust. While many would think it would be an economic boon and a privilege for him to do it, and of course it would, my guess is that he would learn much more about the loss and the suffering than he could have ever known otherwise. Sometimes the best lessons we learn are the ones that we have had to learn the hard way.

no, he didn't get away with it, and for that I am grateful.

 

[cardaway]

Once again, eclectics, you took the words out of my mouth.

To think that the actions of a highly public actor spouting anti-semitism in the midst of rising anti-semitism in this country and Europe and the Middle East doesn't have a reaction is either denial or naivety. I wish it weren't so, but it is. Although celebrities are private citizens, their "special status" does make some people listen and it does fuel some to justify their own prejudices.

Naivety? I see we are back to saying there is something wrong with everybody who doesn't agree.

Adults who do bad things because of what a celebrity says is somebody you already needed to be worried about. It's the Hollywood version of hearing voices.

If a child hears what Mel said, and asks his parents for an explanation, and comes out of it with the understanding people are looking from Mel, do the parents get credit for the outcome? If yes, why does it only work one way?

Anything that affects kids IMO is on the adults. It's no different then letting them listen to an athlete that ends up being one that took drugs. If the kid then starts taking drugs, no way do I agree with anybody but the parents being responsible for the long term outcome.

It works both ways IMO.