More On Those Hollywood Pundits
By Michael Nevin (04/04/03)
A few years ago I saw a commercial for a medicine product where the actor stated, ''I'm not a doctor. I just play one on TV.'' The ad continued to promote the product using the actor who tries to connect with potential customers. As a viewer, you could determine the ad got your attention and you found the product's message to be credible. The key is that you found the message, not actor, to be credible. Or you are smart and didn't buy into the sales pitch at all but asked your own doctor.
We have been reading about many Hollywood stars that have joined in the debate about the Iraq situation and other hot political topics. Martin Scorsese spoke to a German audience saying that war is not the answer. ''There must be people who remember World War II and the Holocaust who can help us get out of this rut,'' he was quoted as saying. If he understood history, he would probably not have used that example to explain his anti-war stance. World War II was an excellent example of using force to confront a homicidal dictator who was on the verge of world domination.
Hollywood entertainers make and sell movies. They are good at it and they make money, lots of money. Hollywood may be one of the greatest examples on the planet of the success of capitalism. Many dreams of wealth and fame have come true in Hollywood. Freedom to turn an idea into profit and actors into millionaires, thrives in Southern California. A free and open market allows for the movie trade to operate here in America.
I find it ironic that the brutal, oppressive regime of Iraq is against everything Hollywood represents yet Baghdad has found many allies in''Tinsel Town.'' Tinsel, according to Merriam-Webster dictionary, is something superficially attractive or glamorous but of little worth. Sean Penn didn't go to Iraq in December, 2002, to shoot a movie; he went to make a political statement. The Iraqi government claimed, ''He (Penn) confirmed that Iraq is completely clear of weapons of mass destruction.'' Penn and his publicist were quick to deny any such statements but the damage had been done. Penn became a useful clown in Saddam's circus. Hollywood's political pundits should understand the situation or risk looking foolish.
We have seen the sad side of the rich and famous Hollywood elite. Sex, drugs, and alcohol are abundant on the scene. Many cannot cope with the fame as they sink into depression and find the lifestyle can be tragic. It is a high price to pay for such fame and it can be deadly. Some would say this is only a microcosm of problems facing the larger society. I say many in Hollywood have lost a solid grip on reality. Would you go shopping with Wynona Rider or let Michael Jackson baby-sit your kids? Let's not pretend that being a member of the screen actor's guild automatically makes you a role model or foreign affairs expert. Fame may bring you fortune but you must earn respect.
Hollywood entertainers have captured an audience because of their acting not political ideology. The majority of Americans support our government's intentions regarding Iraq, as do some in Hollywood like James Woods and Dennis Miller. They don't tend to get headlines because anti-war protesters like Susan Sarandon make better photo opportunities for journalists. Those who have studied the issues are welcome on center stage to debate. The others should stick to the movie script.
I'll continue to enjoy the movie experience, which allows me to escape reality for a few hours. When I want sports, I'll go to Pac Bell Park. When I want political commentary, I'll go to respected columnists, radio talk shows, or the Internet. When I need brain surgery, I want a doctor not a guy that plays one on TV.
It is an actor's right in our society to speak out on any topic he chooses. It is our duty to determine the person's credibility. The next time Martin Sheen blasts President Bush, we should see the following warning label on the screen: ''I'm not the real president. I just play one on TV.''
First published on ChronWatch.com.
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