First, an admission: I listen to Richard Wagner’s music. Yes, I’m aware that he was a rabid anti-Semite, that his anti-Semitism may have been influential with Adolf Hitler, that he was, at the very least, a real piece of
work. That a man of such vile character could create music so incredibly beautiful is one of those things that continually blows my mind: how could someone demonstrating this level of artistry, sensitivity and depth in his work be such a buffoon in his beliefs? But he was. And I still find the music irresistible.>
I’m reminded of Wagner now by the recent release of “Apocalypto,” Mel Gibson’s epic Mayan shoot-‘em-up (with arrows). Gibson, as we all know by now, has some serious anti-Semitism in him, too. Perhaps he’s not (deliberately) as public about it as Wagner was (Gibson had to fall off the wagon before we really knew what was going on inside his head), but the man’s got issues with members of the tribe. Gibson’s also an artist of unquestionable talent. Still, when the latest movie came out I was hopeful that Americans would avoid it in droves, sending Gibson and other haters a message about the place their beliefs hold in America. No such luck. “Apocalypto” debuted as the No. 1 movie in America. But no thanks to me. I see a lot of movies, but I skipped this one. And I think all people concerned about racism and ethnic hatreds should, too. Jews or not.
Those who avoid Wagner have a legitimate point: let’s not honor this man, they say, even in death. But here’s where I see a difference: Gibson’s alive. By boycotting his movie, we can send a message to him that might yet have an effect. Maybe it will help him re-evaluate his thinking. Probably not, that stuff is deep-rooted. But either way, wouldn’t a paltry showing at the box office send a message to others with similar views? Not just other filmmakers, but in all walks of life: anti-Semitism doesn’t pay. True, Jews alone are too small a demographic to make a real impact on ticket sales, but if everyone concerned about these issues stood up and said, “I’m not going,” I for one think that message would be heard loud and clear. Money talks.
But that’s not what happened. Instead, the message sent was: you may be a rabid anti-Semite, but if you enter rehab and do a spot with Diane Sawyer, you’re in the clear. “Apocalypto” has already been nominated for a Golden Globe. So now I’ll sit around hoping the people who vote on these awards (and, later, the folks who choose the Oscars) show their wisdom and send Gibson home empty handed.
