Celebrity DUI

I've been thinking about the recent coverage and talking-heads comments regarding the Mel Gibson DUI and his subsequent drunken, allegedly anti-semitic, rant while being arrested. My first reaction was to not post anything about it as that would be hypocritical to my basic stance on modern celebrity status - which is, to say the least, a little cynical.

Having said that, though, I think there may be some material available of interest to reflect on in terms of what is it we expect of our celebrities? I mean, we basically hand them the status in one form or another - so we must have some expectations of them as well. One would have to be visiting this planet for the first time not to readily concede that racism, sexism - name an "ism," exist in practically every society around the globe. Why are we surpised or react in such a polarizing fashion when we get a glimpse of the behavior acted out by a celebrity? Is it a function of their status - their media power and potential to incite community and political reaction? There is something going on here that may be worthy of examination. Face it, if you or I were pulled over for a DUI and made some less than complimentary comments about some segment of society - Pat Robertson certainly wouldn't be coming to our rescue on the 700 Club with, "He's man that has given his heart to Jesus, and I don't understand these attacks on him."

I'll spend some time with this - and post it when I get it fleshed out - right now -
back to "December Fan," the translated essays of the Buddhist monk, Rev. Kiyozawa, an interesting read!