When Your Hero Hates You...

[Cruel_Sandwich]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 6:21pm

Well, maybe not YOU specifically, but your race, religion, etc., do you completely cease supporting them in any way (buying their art and whatnot) or do you continue?

For example, one of my biggest heroes and biggest influences is Roald Dahl. He was one of the most incredible writers (Not just of children's books) that I have ever had the pleasure of reading and his outlook on the world really spoke to me as a child.

Too bad he was also extremely anti-Semitic and once said something to the effect of "There's a trait in the Jewish character that does provoke animosity . . . I mean there is always a reason why anti-anything crops up anywhere; even a stinker like Hitler didn't just pick on them for no reason." Lame.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 6:22pm

"And I won't feel bad at all,
When the hero takes the fall,
Oh oh, oh oh, oh ohhhhhh..."
-- The Bangles

[Jane2]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 6:36pm

Namo's in good voice today...

anyway, I feel that way every time I hear a story about someone's anti-semitism. Why should I continue to admire a person who wouldn't mind if I were wiped out? I have no problem in saying that whatsoever.

[Cruel_Sandwich]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 6:38pm

I always feel so conflicted. I try to admire the art and not admire the person. But I guess only a truly twisted mind could have created THE TWITS.

[Jane2]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 6:43pm

I understand what you're saying. I may fall absolutely in love with a painting and then years later find out that the artist was a Nazi, or supporter, or neo-nazi, etc. I'm so disappointed to hear this, and then I can never look at that painting the same way again.

[kellybean2]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 6:52pm

How can you still refer to him as your hero?

[Cruel_Sandwich]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 9:21pm

It's kind of a complex question. There's no excuse for his behavior and words, but I cannot deny his pure talent.

I believe that bigotry is in everyone. Everyone has their own hidden prejudices toward people who are different than themselves. I have mine. You have yours. It truly is in everyone.

The issue is what do you do with those feelings? You cannot use them in a harmful way like Roald Dahl did, but you cannot bottle them up inside because one day they will just randomly pop out. You have to deal with your own bigotry because, in a way, bigotry is a form of anger. You have to use that negative energy and channel it into something positive.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 9:25pm

Kill your idols, dude. Be punk rock about it.

[HDThoreau2]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 9:50pm

Sage advice from the voice of the alternative reality.

[romantico]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 9:57pm

Why haven't you enlisted HD? Are you a COWARD?

[supportivemom]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 10:33pm

When I was younger, my dad asked me not to see the movie Julia because of Vanessa Redgrave and her PLO stance and Jane Fonda because of her Vietnam stance. I also try to separate the artist from their political views but at that time, I respected my father and never saw the movie even though both are incredible actresses. He also told me never to buy a Volkswagon and I couldn't take German in high school. My maternal grandfather was German! My dad is 81 and has survived through a lot. I don't think all Germans are bad because of the Holocaust. There are extremists in every culture and religion and you can't base an entire group on a few "bad ones". In my community, I love to see the Jewish and the Arabic community all eating at the Middle Eastern restaurants enjoying each other's cultures.

[Jane2]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 10:36pm

I agree, mom, but Cruel is talking about a specific person whom you "know" is bigoted towards you. How do you feel about that?

[supportivemom]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 11:19pm

Jane- I've dealt with it all my life. I was always the only Jewish girl in my class. I live in the bible belt south. I used to have a lot of my friends telling me when I was younger that they couldn't play with me because I killed Jesus. I remember always saying na-uh- it was the Romans! When I worked at State Farm in the 90's, I worked with very conservative people who LOVED Rush Limbaugh. When I first started my job, it was in December and the other employees couldn't understand why my desk wasn't decorated for Christmas. When I told them I was Jewish, I started getting bible verses on my desk. My boss told me not to talk about being Jewish because I would not get respect from my employees. He was the same person who when I was paying for my food in the cafeteria, I was getting out my change. He said (for real)- while he was chuckling- "Oh- showing your religion again?" I said- oh- I GET it- I'm Jewish and I'm getting out change- wow- that was funny! (you get the tongue and cheek here?) Anyway, I guess this is a little off subject because none of these people were my heroes. I could never have a hero who was antisemetic. These people were also homophobic. I'm not gay but I have no problem with those who are. I used to supervise women who would come to work and tell me what they did last night with their husbands- that was okay to share in their eyes but when I stood up for gays in the military- well- you can probably see that picture. I used to work with women who would sell out their co-workers, try to get them in trouble, talk behind their backs, and yet still read their bibles at lunch! I do remember being a fan of Vanessa Redgrave and then I was in shock when I saw her acceptance speech at the Academy Awards. She is a great actress but certainly not my hero!

[Jane2]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 11:26pm

Got it! thanks

[HDThoreau2]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 11:51pm

Namo, Craig has your back Dude.

Don't work so hard.

Don't let 'em see you sweat.

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 12:47pm

I'm vaguely aware of Vanessa Redgrave's political views. I can't seem to find her Oscar speech online. Can someone post it, or post a link to it?

[kellybean2]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 12:54pm

I still don't understand what Dahl ever did to be considered anyone's hero.

[Act0r721]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 4:26pm

Write amazingly creative books that children worldwide loved?

Yet, I actually don't believe in heroes. Even someone fantastically talented or wonderful in heart has their faults. You can idolize traits (writing ability), but don't idolize the person.

Another question is - can you be friends with someone who doesn't hate you, but doesn't support you? The example I am thinking of is being gay and someone who voted no to gay marriage or thinks it is wrong, but still wants to be your friend.

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 4:32pm

You HAVE to separate the artist from the art. Art becomes pointless if you don't. The problem is we are living in an information overload era where we have to know everything about everybody. The works tell you more about the person than anything...I could never enjoy Picasso, Edith Wharton, Miles Davis and many of my other idols if I knew they were racist or mean people in real life.