I got to thinking about Hollywood and its general political viewpoint recently, after hearing about another one of actress Susan Sarandon’s recent shows of activism.
Don’t get me wrong. I may have some differing opinions from Ms. Sarandon, but I champion her right to express herself and her opinions. .
My problem is that she and many of her film industry colleagues do not extend the same courtesy to those among their ranks who do not share their identical standpoint. Such people are, in fact, often ostracized by their peers, unless they are so well established in the industry-like Clint Eastwood or Bruce Willis or Robert Duvall-that they are untouchable.
Hollywood is all for “freedom of speech,” as long as those practicing this freedom share their opinions. If you plan on being a popular member of that community, then you had better forget about espousing any independent thinking or else your career may suffer. Those of the more liberal ilk tend to demonize their fellow professionals who lean towards being conservative .
Are the liberals in Hollywood so insecure that they feel the need to persecute and name-call individuals who have opposing views to their own? If they were really practicing what they attest to be preaching, then they would welcome a free exchange of ideas, even from folks who see things in a different way.
They claim to be so “open minded,” yet practice the worst forms of discrimination.
I remember watching a special on the American Movie Classics channel sometime last year.
Hollywood conservatives, such as Pat Sajak and Patricia Heaton spoke of the negative responses and attitudes they often got from many of their fellow performers once they were identified as being politically conservative..
Those in the liberal community in Hollywood seem to have such an exalted perception of themselves that they fancy themselves as being able to dictate the political direction of this country. They make sweeping one-sided speeches about topics they really have no real concept of. Their false sense of self-importance is only bolstered when reporters thrust a microphone in their faces and ask for their opinions.
Are their opinions important?
Yes and no.
Yes, in the sense that they have the same right as any other American to speak out on whatever they choose to. No, in that what they have to say is no more important than what Mr. Johnson, the manager of the grocery store down the street, has to say.
I don’t know about anyone else, but, as an “average” person, I have friends I care for deeply and associates I admire and we do not always agree on everything. I, however, would never dream of badmouthing them or keeping them from getting a job or deciding not to socialize with them based upon them having another viewpoint from mine. I can actually like someone whose politics are not a cloned version of mine and not be intimidated by them.
If I can get along with other people who think differently, so can those in Hollywood.
My advice to them?
Come down from Mount Olympus and start practicing the democracy you say you’re defending.
