Mel Gibson: It's All About 'You'

Very insightful. I notice how much people use this "you" dynamic in everyday life. It's disturbing.

Jews for YEARS have been pointing to Mel Gibson and his family's ant-semtic antics. These horrific statements of his is no surprise to many many Jews. His apology is PR/damage control for Disney who owns GMA and is getting ready to release Gibson's latest movie. Afterall, Disney invested some bucks and business is business. For all those who see no problem with ANY (remember this is not the first) of Gibson's antisemtic remarks keep in mind.... "First they came for the Jews" People who hate, hate. They hate more than one group of people. (He did include some disgusting remarks about women too) If you tolerate his hatred torwards one you tolerate hatred for all. Watch and wait. It will ALL come out again. It always does when it comes to bigots. ....

Why does the writer take issue with Gibson's use of the word "loaded." It's slang, but it obviously means "drunk." Personally, I use words like that all the time: loaded, tanked, spiflicated, etc. I don't get it. "Loaded" is good American English. You know... "We want to be free to ride. And we want to be free to ride our machines without being hassled by The Man. And we want to get loaded." (from The Wild Angels) As for his use of the second person, it's probably just that annoying tendency people have not to say "one" ... There may some distancing of himself from his actions there, but it's a bit judgmental to read too much into that; I'd say anyway. No. The real kicker is his apology! "I am in the process of understanding where those vicious words came from during that drunken display, and I am asking the Jewish community, whom I have personally offended, to help me on my journey through recovery."
Well all that didn't spontaneously spring forth from his head fully formed like Athena. The man has probably spent some time talking that sort of nonsense over with some Protocols of Zion type of nutter who somehow inculcated him with some of that brain-rot. I think it would be a good idea for Mel to get a grip. He's asking the Jewish community to help him. All that's got to start with him. It might be useful for him to look into some slightly off-beat stuff like Will Eisner's graphic novel 'The Plot' for a take on all that conspiracy gibble-gabble or maybe some Gershom Sholem to get some ideas about Jewish mysticism. Then, after he's got an inkling about the history of anti-semitism and learns a little Kabbalah, maybe he'll be ready to meaningfully talk to America's Jews about their faith and history. I say all only this because I think bigotry and racism are handicaps, and we can easliy teach one another not to think that way. Obviously those flaws suffering from this kind of thiking have to be able to see how ugly they are on the inside first before any of that can happen.

How many people, especially those throwing around accusations, have accepted the responsibility of being a messenger for God. How many have heard God speak to them so fully that you HAD to act, even if it meant being ridiculed, attacked even? Really take that in for a moment. Now imagine going up against Hollywood to do it! Imagine telling the story of Jesus Christ to the world and have the world attack you for it. The world! How would you handle it? The audience can be a cruel and vicious animal. How many can appreciate the courage it took for Mel Gibson to risk what he did for God? How many would take the same risk, especially after seeing how he has been raked over the coals?

This is just sad.
I have an uncle who is a Holocaust-Denier and believes in an extremist, ultra-fundemantalist version of Christianity. Since he is not a celebrity, his beliefs appear chiefly to have hurt him, and divided him from the rest of his family.
Just an observation that my uncle appears to me to have a fundamentally resentment-driven approach to life. Perhaps Mel's family is the same. It really is sad, but unfortunately, someone of Mel's fame is in a position to influence others.

I am somewhat surprised that Ms Sawyer didn't mention his homophobic remaks which he has made on various interview occasions, in particular in Spain some years ago...these insulting remaks were made under the influence of being sober, not loaded! This man has alot of bigoted issues under that fraudulent surface for television. He is what he is and that resonates hatred.He is a disgrace to his profession!

I agree with alot of very good thoughts regarding the issues, but we must pul back and say it is written that we cannot call ourselves children of God unless we love our enemies. That changes everything. Anyone who has ever decided to take a position based on the rsponsibilty of caring for others can understand the pressure of Hollywood. Mel is a soul in turmoil, and if your father was antisemetic wouldn't it be a battle from cradle to grave to overcome that bigotry? Give him a lttle grace for admitting he could not imagine how forces so dark work on him! We can all learn from his blunder, and we are all guilty of choosing words that express social woes more than personal ones. His journey is not over, so why should compassion be? Mel kust know that he cannot find God's favor without praying for the peace of Jerusalem and the Jewish people, He did this out of lack of constraint, and he knows it. Try seeing him as the conflicted person he is, not a monster.

if your father was antisemetic wouldn't it be a battle from cradle to grave to overcome that bigotry? No, it wouldn't be a battle from the cradle to the grave. It would be part of the battle of growing up and differentiating myself from my parents, which everyone has to go through. If Mel is anti-semitic, it's his own evil, not his father's. HB

I agree with Senator McCain, that Mr. Gibson was not really apologizing for anything that he's said and done in his interview with Diane Sawyer. He definitely want's to salvage his image, so he will say and do whatever is necessary for that to happen. He was shifty-eyed, smug, smirky, and sarcastic at times. The above comments that he deserves a break because he risked the wrath of the world to make "The Crucifixion of Christ," is not necessarily true. Mr. Gibson has had an ax to grind for many years with the Jews and chose this venue to vent them at the same time making millions and millions of dollars in the process. Having studied the three major religions extensively, there is much more commonality than differences. For "Peace" sake, we need to focus on that, I believe. Doctors have said that the treatment presented in the movie was so damaging physically that Christ would not have survived the scourg- ing let alone the crucifixion. If Mr. Gibson was truly the person some of you believe he is, then tell me this? Why did he not donate the proceeds of that movie to World Hunger or some other worthy organization, instead of pocketing it or pouring it down his throat. I believe he is an alcoholic, but, like hypnotism, it will not make a person say or do anything that they truly don't want to say or do. It only realeases inhibitions and makes a person's shadow side appear. As a Christian, I will pray for Mr. Gibson to get the real help that he needs and for his children to get the help that they surely will need. But, as an avid moviegoer, I will not support his attitude or his addiction through my pocketbook. There are too many good actors out there to support. I don't want him "infecting" my mind.

The very people who complain about Passion of the Christ and 'anti-semitism' are the same people who have no problem with films that denigrate Christianity (Roman Catholicism in particular) and believe in the following scenario as goes on in Europe and Canada: say the most vulgar and hateful things about Christianity and it's defended as freedom of speech- make ANY criticism no matter whether it be true or not about Jewish people, customs or their role in the Western Political/Social/Economic process, have sympathy for the Palestinians or are skeptical about any matter concerning World War II and you are branded as an 'anti-semite' and thus should be arrested, sued into penury, or be branded as an 'undesirable' so that you cannot travel to countries in the First World.
Mel and his family have as much right to their beliefs as anyone else! He shouldn't be apologizing, instead those asking for an apology ought to 'take it on the chin,' as they so ask Christians or others to do when anti-gentilism or anti-Christianity raises its Head!

This is getting to be so OLD and REDICKULESS.Lets all taike a Stab at Mel without looking at ourselves in the Mirror,or taike a stab at Mel just because Hes in Hollywood,an Actor,Director.Now if thif was just an average guy Drinking getting pulled over buy lets say an African American and he uses the N word,or say its a Spanish Cop,and he uses the S word or some kind of Racist comment.Would we all still be so Offended,or showing some Form of Hatred.Even if it was some average Joe,and the Cop that pulld him over was Jewish,and he said the same thing.It wouldnt go this far.But,because Mel is Famouse and on T.V.,this was shown on T.V.,the Internet,Newspapers,and Etc.Lets all Hate,and say bad things about him.So those of you that to choose to do so,give your selfs a big round of Appluase to yourself cause you just like him are only Human.Dont Judge others unless you are ready to be Judged for your own actions.Its old,and this is Stupid.Get over it already,and get over your own Racism,and Yourselfs!

Good posts becca and L. Winterbourne.

But Jimmie, understand that if this was just a Joe Do who said those thing no one would care. But end of the day Gibson IS a Hollywood Act/Director, and with it comes the power inflenuce. Rightly or wrongly, who knows? Futhermore "passion for christ" movie, was said to portray the Jews undesirably. Now, do you think that his drunkin comments and that portrayal were not linked? He is a creator, and as such his creations are a reflection of him. Oh and yes, the comment here are to jugdement, even the forgive him ones. But we are all abit self-rightoues, especial when comments on ones "failure". It makes use all feel better about ourself

hmmm - seems a bit picky to complain about his choice of words. He was clearly embarrassed. Being an actor doesn't change that, It's incredibly stupid to assume that actors can appear however we want to anyone at anytime. We suffer from, and express emotional reactions the same as everybody else. Would she honestly have rather had Mel pre-script and act his apology?

Why is this even still being talked about? It's over and done with and apologies have been made. Can we move on now to the next celebrity oops? Peace.

I was under the impression Beliefnet was a Christian website and as such, articles like Ms. Rossi's have no place. Christ tells us to judge not so that we will not be judged. Why is Mel Gibson being singled out like this - he is human and we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Forgive him the way you want to be forgiven and let it go.

He said what he believes in his heart. And somewhere in his antisemitic heart he believes that Jesus wasn't "really" a Jew, only in name. I've actually had klan members tell me "Look at the pictures, Jesus was white." Antisemites, any people who hate just for the sake of hatred, are stupid people. They actually believe the pictures. You can't unring the bell, and his failure to say, "I", and own his actions only makes me believe he doesn't mean a word. My husband and I have made the decision that we'll never knowingly watch anything he makes or is behind.

"Another thing, most do not know what "antisemitic" really means ! anti" in English means oppressively against...."semitic" means people of Shem, one of Noah's sons...who is direct ancestor to Jesus Christ. Therefore, if you are "antisemitic" you would be against Christ and the people of Christ....for Christ was of the True House of Judah....unlike the Pharisees and Scribes , who only claim to be and are NOT Jew...Revelation 2:9 & 3:9. BU-WA-HA-HA-HA!!! Pure tripe. More anti-Semitic spin from someone clearly guilty of not wanting to admit the obvious.
It's disingenuous not to admit that the most current, widely applicable understanding of the definition of "anti-semitic" is to refer to acts/thoughts/actions, etc, against Jews. anti-Semite  / ntismat, ˌ ntaɪ- or, especially Brit., -ˈsimaɪt/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[an-tee-sem-ahyt, an-tahy- or, especially Brit., -see-mahyt] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
noun a person who discriminates against or is prejudiced or hostile toward Jews.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Origin: 1880 85]
Related forms an‧ti-Se‧mit‧ic /ˌ ntisəˈmɪtɪk, ˌ ntaɪ-/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[an-tee-suh-mit-ik, an-tahy-] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation, adjective an‧ti-Se‧mit‧i‧cal‧ly, adverb Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.0.1) Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Random House, Inc. 2006. American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source an ti-Sem ite (nt-smt, nt-) n. One who discriminates against or who is hostile toward or prejudiced against Jews.
Main Entry: an ti-Sem i tism Pronunciation: "an-tE-'se-m&-"ti-z&m, "an-"tI- Function: noun : hostility toward or discrimination against Jews as a religious, ethnic, or racial group - an ti-Se mit ic /-s&-'mi-tik/ adjective - an ti-Sem ite /-'se-"mIt/ noun

As a reader of belief.net, I'm shocked that this article was actually written. The only thing this rant said to me was, "I'm Jewish and I don't believe in forgiveness." One of the funniest things I have read here. Jews believe in forgiveness - as long as the person is sorry. Come on - you watch this guy squirm he isn't sorry he said it - he's sorry he said it and got caught.

How many have heard God speak to them so fully that you HAD to act, even if it meant being ridiculed, attacked even? You're kidding me, right? MEL GIBSON talks to G-d? A man who hates anyone and everyone who doesn't look like him, love like him, talk like him, believe what he believes, is a "messenger of G-d." What a crock. Mel Gibson is a holocaust denier, an anti-semite and a hateful human being. If that is what Christians call "holy," no wonder the rest of us worry.

"abject"? "unqualified"? Did you even read or see what he said? Big grins during an "abject" apology? If you're smiling at me when you tell me you're sorry you hit my car, I'm NOT going to believe you are "abject". Why would anyone believe he was abject? He gave some crappy excuse about the war in Lebanon. Then said the cops weren't "blameless". Please. Nothing "uqualified" or "abject" about that. No apology, nothing but excuses. "Waahh, I'm a drunk. I'm an alchie. That gives me the right to say anything I want." No, it doesn't. He kept saying, "When YOU'RE loaded", not "When I'm drunk I get stupid". He blames the criticism by the Jewish leaders on his movie, The Passion, and their refusal to apologize for criticizing it. I say to mel,... Suck it up, you big wuss! People criticize movies every day. Accept YOUR responsibility for YOUR stupid and dangerous actions and words and sit down and shut up.

Excuse me, but doesn't the Bible teach "judge not lest ye be judged?"
It doesn't seem to me that Mr. Gibson will ever receive forgiveness, no matter what he says or does. I think you all should be ashamed of yourselves. Or perhaps none of you have ever done something you are ashamed and sorry for.
Try "turning the other cheek" and practicing what your religion preaches for a change. Give the man a break.

Edwinna, Excuse me, but doesn't the Bible teach "judge not lest ye be judged?"
Sorry, that's your bible. Try "turning the other cheek" and practicing what your religion preaches for a change. That is not what our religion teaches. It teaches for give those who are actually sorry. It also says NOT to turn the other cheek. Exposing oneself to harm is a sin.

No, "judge not lest ye be judged" is in the Xtian bible and it is of no account to us. My religious and spiritual belief teaches forgiveness, tolerance and love. You want to know who I am to judge who is sorry or not? After that film and hiscomments, and the Sawyer interview, I know Mr. Gibson is not sorry. He has it in for the Jews and the liquor loosened his tongue so that he got a chance to vocalize his hatred for us.

eastcoastlady, Was Jesus a descendant of Judah ? The answer is YES ! Therefore He was of the geneology of David the son of Jesse , who ancestory goes back to Shem , the son of Noah....anyone against Christ , would also be an antisemite....LEARN the etymologies of words, and understand that the very ones who use this term are not even of JUDAH !
They CLAIM to be, but that is all they can do !
And the ones that made the biggest outbursts about the Passion of Christ, know who their own ancestors were. Imposters of Judah, those who slipped into the seat of Moses, and the Priesthood of Judah as their Scribes, and also called Pharisees ! This religious community were made up of Kenites, sons of Cain, the first murderer, they sought to kill Christ, because He pointed out who they were. Jesus knew these Kenites Pharisees/Scribes were ripping off the people and God, this is why Jesus turned over the tables of the money changers and chased them out with a cat-of-ninetails from the Temple....read John 8:44,Christ tells them exactly who they are descendants of, literally !

Mel knows many Jews in Hollywood, and they know him. But he was given a merciless time with the Passion film by Jewish leaders, so maybe he has reason for some deep felt resentment. His main offense was DWI.

No, he does NOT have reason to feel "deep resentment" toward Jews or anyone else. Big deal, people criticized him, HELLOOOO, he's a public figure. Put yourself out there and SOMEone is going to dislike you. Big deal, he "knows" lots of Jews. You know what? I went to school with a guy whose father was a Grand Wizard in the Klan. This guy used to say, "I can't be racist. I have some black friends." Knowing Jews doesn't mean mel is not antisemitic, it just means he knows them.

But he was given a merciless time with the Passion film by Jewish leaders Because the film was vile.

With all the immoral, degenerate crap that goes on in Hollywood it is simply amazing how the Jewish Community is up in arms over comments made by a person who had a couple too many beers to drink.
Geraldo Rivera wants to hit Mel Gibson and Joan Rivers wants him dead. I feel that such feelings of violence are far worse than the remarks of an intoxicated person snapping at a Jewish Police Officer who had probably been watching him since the "Passion" movie to trap him with something, anyway.

I made a vow that I wouldn't buy, rent or watch another Mel Gibson film again, when the Passion flick came out. For multiple reasons: it skewed the history, it was anti-semitic (as Mel and his papa's words have proven), it gorified and glorified a religious and political "righteous" view point. Did anyone ever notice that the Passion came out the spring before the 2004 elections? It was as if to get the blood flowing (literally and visually) in Christian voters. Mel deserves this scrutiny. The only problem is that people could've opened their eyes to his agenda long before now.

Nancy,
We are all children of Cain. Your post is the proof.

Jim, I have advanced training in psychology. It is almost impossible to maintain a lie while you are drunk. Mr. Gibson cursed out Jews from the time he was pulled over until he was booked. That's at least 2 hours. A drunk cannot maintain that facade for that long. He meant what he said. Mel's sin was that he put other human lives in danger AND that he is a hater. Not the paradigm of Christian virtue, I should think.

It is okay to critize Christians, and to call them all sorts of names , but when one stands up for their belief , they are ridiculled beyond any reason. Funny, how prejudice is onesided for some....But the truth is, prejudice swings both ways ! Freedom of speech and the right to believe in Christ and / or any other religion is protected by the Constitution of the United States.
Mel Gibson did NO HATE CRIME, all he did was express his opinion, like it or not , that was not a crime. His crime was drunk driving, and who knows if he wasn't slipped a mickey !

Oh and Nacy -
What the hell does any of this have to do with Mel?
This is not a forum for your views on who is or who is not a Jew. It is a forum about whether or not Mel's apology was sincere. Try to kept them straight and stay on track. Thank you.

Foxylady, Where on this entire blog have I claimed to hate Christians? I have encountered one who says we are children of serpeants and devils. Is she a Christian? I have encountered a white supremacist. Can one adore Hitler and still be a Christian? I think Mel is full of crap. Does that mean I hate all Christianns? I've disagree with a few. Does that mean I hate all Christians? Passion of Christ merely followed the scriptures. No it did not. It added on from the ravings of an anti-Semitic nun. I'm sorry you don't know your own scriptures well enough. Forgiveness is to be made whether one asks for it or not. No, that is in your bible, not mine. We are to forgive if a person is sincerely penitant, not if they give lip service, just as we aren't to reveive cheap grace for just sying we're sorry to get off easily.

God doesn't forgive if a sinner does not ask for it, and TRULY mean he/she is sorry for what he/she has done.