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Celebrity culture going downhill
by Michelle Minnoch

While I have always been addicted to the news (680 is always on in my car and I get my national news from Global National every night), I also read about the trials and tribulations of what's going on in the world of entertainment.

Over the past few months though, it seems we (they) are taking giant steps back in terms of humanity.

People, whether they like it or not, hear about the goings on in La La Land, and some of these people who are in the public eye have made unacceptable choices and irresponsible decisions. As these familiar names in the news get coverage for their antics, it leaves me to wonder, What were you thinking?

Case in point, of course, Mel Gibson. Someone who has had a large fan base and was well respected made some damaging remarks, anti-semitic remarks, that shouldn't even be in the forefront of anyone's mind. I don't care if you are intoxicated or just plain stupid, remarks made about another religious group is unacceptable. Period. No excuses here.

Case number two, and only days old is the Michael Richards fiasco. Comedians should be used to and should be aware, that yes, you may get heckled on stage. You could be laughed at or yelled at, but your job as a comedian is to make jokes, not racial slurs. Apologizing on Letterman may feel like a good thing at the time, but referring to African Americans as "Afro Americans" in your apology just doesn't seem sincere and it doesn't look like you really get it.

The last, and probably most disgusting thing I have read about it is the O.J. book and TV special. Thank God it was cancelled. Only in Hollywood would they market a book for someone acquitted of murder (but later found liable in a wrongful death lawsuit), who has no problem telling the public how he would of done it if he was the guilty party.

Are you kidding me? I think pulling the TV special and book had something to do with the cries of outrage from the public, but more to do with the stories floating around the internet - people who knew of the case in depth were looking for areas of inaccuracy. Sure, he can not be tried for the same crime twice (double jeopardy), but I think there are people out there trying to find any kind of loophole or inaccuracy so they can say, "see, I knew he did it".

We live in a celebrity fascinated society. I admit, I am on the ride along with everyone else. But, these people are human - could they be having a bad day?

Having a bay day to me is when your car breaks down at the worst possible time, getting to the check out line at the grocery store only to realize your bank card is at home on the kitchen table, or getting a speeding ticket when you are running late and speeding because you have people waiting (guilty of all three).

Having a bad day is one thing; verbally attacking a group due to their religious beliefs or racial ethnicity is another. Reliving a crime that is 12 years old is unimaginable - especially when there is probably a 50-50 split on the opinion of guilt or innocence. It is unfair to capitalize on your fame when your most recent claim to fame is "The Trial of the Century".

I am just as bad as the next gal who loves reading the celebrity gossip. But, when you are reading who wore what at the Oscar's, and turn the page to see Mel's mug shot, it just isn't fun anymore. It's disturbing, disgusting and almost embarassing to read about.

Good thing I subscribe to National Geographic.