Wednesday, August 02, 2006

"I'm a hateful moron, and it's YOUR job to fix me."

I've avoided writing about Mel Gibson because I despise him and life is short. His latest apology, however, has sent me over the edge:

"I'm not just asking for forgiveness," Gibson said. "I would like to take it one step further, and meet with leaders in the Jewish community, with whom I can have a one-on-one discussion to discern the appropriate path for healing."


Mel's privilege really seems to be acting up. When you spew hate-filled venom about a group of people, you apologize as a first step. You then take action to address the hate you feel, unearned benefits you have relative to the group you attacked, and the inequality of the situation. There is one thing, however, that you do not do.

You do not place the burden for your atonement and education onto the group you have just attacked.

As long as people refuse to acknowledge this, they won't make any real progress. Mel claims he doesn't really hate Jews. Now, c'mon Jews, figure out this mess for him. Saying you're sorry is necessary, but not sufficient, to move beyond hate and continued harm.

As long as we're on the topic of making amends, when is Mel going to apologize for calling the female police officer "sugar tits"? Don't worry, I'm not holding my breath.

7 comments:

QuakerDave said...

I think the man is still on that same bender that started this.

Of course, we can never under-estimate the ability - and willingness - of the American people to buy into donkeydump.

Why shouldn't he think this will work? Like the guy said on Olbermann the other night, most of Mel's hardcore audience thinks the same stupid way he does. One anti-Semite my wife is unfortunate enough to have to deal with at her place of employment is mad at St. Melvin because he's back-peddling on what he spewed out that night. A good Nazi stands by his words, I guess.

Great post.

Madame D said...

"Appropriate path for healing". Um, I thought nobody really gave a rat's ass about Mel Gibson anymore. At least, I don't. So, why should they be hurt by what a drunk no-longer-golden-boy has to say? He doesn't matter, not in the grand scheme of things, and I'm betting that anyone who's Jewish in Hollywood right now is thinking "oops, there goes that bridge...good luck getting back, baby."

Kim said...

"You do not place the burden for your atonement and education onto the group you have just attacked."

Clapping for SE!

The "sugar tits" comment, right.
A downright creepy comment he chose --offensive, sexist, cetainly -- but also just CREEPY.

Right, Mel -- go on and apoligize to the Jewish community -- like "I was drunk" is any excuse. Drunk as a skunk, that kind of crap wouldn't come out of my mouth -- never. I belive you just showed your ass and we all know it.

No excuse, Mel -- oh, and the female officer awaits your (bullshit but still you owe her) apology.

hexy said...

Ugh. I am so glad this moron decided he didn't want to be seen as an Aussie anymore. We don't want you either, Mel!

An opinion writer (whom I generally despise) wrote in my regular paper today that she was quite annoyed that the anti-Semitic comments were getting more press than the fact that he was drink driving. All I could think was "Well, the misogyny barely MADE the press, so hey. Hardly super accurate coverage"

Blue House Studio World HQ said...

I almost missed this whole thing as I do not watch TV. I tripped over it on the Internet two days ago. Why I am I not surprised, you ask? O.k., you didn't but I'll tell you anyway. I have never believed his BS about not being an anti-semite. Stuff like that is rarely made-up. It's sort of a true colors things that cannot be taken back. Or at least that's what I believe in my Jewish heart.

J.R. Kinnard said...

Here's the picture:

Mel Gibson--drunk off his ass, an open bottle of freakin' Tequila at his side, driving 40 MPH OVER THE SPEED LIMIT down a historically treacherous highway.

That isn't an "Oops!" kinda thing...that's a throat-clearing scream for help. Then he amplifies things by blaming his self-hatred on Jews, women, and anybody with a bigger dick (last example added for emphasis).

Have you looked at the guy lately? Dude needs help. I think Howard Stern's suggestion seems an appropriate punishment: Make Mel wear a Hitler mustache for 1 full year.

EloH said...

"I would like to take it one step further, and meet with leaders in the Jewish community..."

Good. A fully-equipped schochet would be the best candidate for this job, imo.