by KYYX4ever » Tue Aug 01, 2006 4:36 am
yes, SomebodySomewhere, I too do not expect Mel's career to suffer. (well, with his level of fame and money, what's a few million going to hurt, supposing there is some fallout ?). I for one am continually amazed when clebrities do or say stupid things, but it doesn't seem to hurt their careers any. I wonder when this started happening. Go back 80 years or so...Fatty Arbuckle's career pretty much ended after his and his associate's drunken shenanigans featuring rape allegations. Recall the fallout from MacCarthy's "red hunting" back in the 50s, and how many celebrities' careers absolutely suffered as a result. Then, in the late 60s/early 70s, Jane Fonda lost LOTS of credibility and fans with her anti-war/anti-soldier views. It took her years to ever get taken seriously again, and there are still lingering sour tastes in many mouths for her.
But today ? You have something small, such as the talent-less Ashlee Simpson's lip-synching debacle on SNL, and people were all "oh, there goes her career", but it did NOT hurt her career. Of course, in serious music circles, no-one takes her seriously anyway, but my point is, her "career" was not hurt. And look at all these politically active/outspoken celebrities today...do any of their careers suffer for it ? Anti-Bush--doesn't matter. Anti-left ? Hop right in !
I think this age is so politically correct that everyone's POV is supposed to be heard and included. Everyone gets equal time. (unless their views are so hateful, weird, or inflammatory. That's a different story.) Do you know what I mean. It seems like the more controversial, the better. It kind of helps you stand out in the crowd. Mel's comments were stupid, but this will pass. Feathers will be ruffled, but not for long...something will happen next week to divert everyone's attention.