August 2, 2006

Alcohol Reveals Mel’s Real Passion

Mel Gibson’s passion proved morally challenging again this week. But this time around, the only word being spread started with the letter “f” and caused the protagonist to bear the repercussions of another fault of humans - alcoholism.

And so the man who built his own private church (not a chapel, mind you, a church) in his backyard lost his halo.

Gibson was arrested for alleged DUI and driving 87 mph in a 45 mph zone.

If you count the many anti-Semitic comments he made during his arrest as reported by the authorities that took him in, he’s going to have to do more than just ‘Hail Marys’ for forgiveness.

Considering the current violence between Israel and Hezbollah, this was an especially bad time to say things like “the Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world”.

Even the publicist who worked for Michael Jackson has called this a “nuclear disaster” for Mel (scary choice of words if you think about it).

He may get absolution from a priest, but it may be harder to convince Jews (and business associates) like Steven Spielberg.

Gibson issued a public statement stating, “When I was arrested, I said things that I do not believe to be true and which are despicable” and “I am deeply ashamed of everything I said.”

Too little too late, Mel.

Like the ancient proverb goes - en vino veritas. In wine the truth.

Our inhibitions are unleashed when we are under the influence, and Mel Gibson sees to finally have given free rein to what he has been holding in for a long time.

Even when completely sober, Gibson refused to contradict his father who said that the Holocaust is largely “fiction.”

Multiple offenders get less pity, even if they are famous.   

We can admit that celebrity prejudice fascinates us. Gossip magazines flew off the supermarket shelves when Paris Hilton was accused of being a racist. However, that was gossip spread by a friend with whom she was photographed locking lips last month.

Reading of an occurrence from Us Weekly is quite different from a police report.

It somehow makes the allegations so much more legitimate and real. Accustomed as we are to hearing all sorts of news about celebrities - unconfirmed pregnancies, relationships, eating disorders and sexually transmitted diseases - the source changes the perception.

In his apology statement, Gibson admitted to a life-long struggle against alcoholism. That is something to sympathize with, as alcoholism often overcomes the person, and no longer serves as a social distraction but becomes a disease.

With proper care, it can be alleviated. Hatred is far harder to eradicate.

Gibson quickly decided to show the public he is bound to change his ways. According to his publicist, he’s already doing a stint in a rehab program. There may even be a Madonna-encouraged trip to Israel.

But somehow I doubt that he will seek to stamp out his anti-Semitic ideas permanently. This is a shame, because the one Jew he seems to be fond of taught love for one’s enemies.

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