Posted on 02/21/2003 1:46:43 PM PST by X-Servative
Over the past few weeks, pop superstar Michael Jackson has been taken to task in interviews that examined his life and relationship with children - stemming from pedophilia allegations in the early 1990's. Over the same time period as the Jackson assault, convicted pedophile and fugitive Roman Polanski was nominated for the Best Director Oscar for his work on The Pianist. See any problems here?
Both of these men are modern day artists who have had a significant impact on their fields of music and film respectively. Additionally, each of them suffered traumatic experiences as children, and in Polanski's case, the brutal murder of his wife, Sharon Tate (who was eight months pregnant) at the hands of Charles Manson and his "family" added to his trauma. But do horrible experiences such as these excuse abhorrent behavior?
After his conviction, Polanski fled to France, where he continued his film career, culminating with 2002's The Pianist. He is unable to step foot on US soil as he would be arrested the moment he arrived. Has he paid the price for his crime? Does he deserve to be recognized for his achievements? Why the assault on Michael Jackson and the adulation for Polanski? What does this say about Hollywood? Our society?
Current American pop culture is morbidly fascinated with the surreal life. Just look at the recent ratings success of the finale of "Joe Millionaire," the third-highest rated show of the past year behind the Super Bowl and Academy Awards. People watched in droves to witness hearts get broken and deceit revealed (probably hoping for Evan to get a right cross from one or both of the would-be millionaire brides).
Since his exile to France, Polanski has kept out of the American media, except for the occasional rumor that he has negotiated a deal with the Los Angeles district attorney and will return to the United States to accept a lifetime achievement award from the Academy. Meanwhile, Jackson continues to find himself in an unending media firestorm. From dangling children over balcony railings to physical transformations (real and imagined), Jackson’s split personality of desiring solitude and craving attention from adoring fans continues to keep him front-page news fodder around the world.
Additionally, it does not help Jackson’s case when publicity seeking attorneys and opportunists use his story to gain free face time on television. With multiple twenty-four hour news channels competing for ratings, opportunities abound for anyone looking for their 15 minutes of fame. But does the fact that someone is odd compared to our "standards" make him an easy target? Trial by public opinion is a slippery slope we as a people have already begun to slide down.
As we get closer to this year’s Oscar ceremony, the opportunity for the media to examine Polanski’s past will be clear and present. But will they? The man is a convicted pedophile (by admission) and fugitive from the law. His support over the years from the Hollywood establishment and subsequent Oscar nomination might tell us more about Hollywood then it does the man.
The Jackson and Polanski stories are a bridge connecting our media culture over the past quarter century. To even the most benign observer, the difference in treatment of these two celebrities is quite apparent. The media today (primarily television) is looking for "Breaking News" and an opportunity to scoop the competition. In doing so, people like Michael Jackson are preyed upon because of their peculiarities. Had Polanski been tried today, he might have never have been convicted, or he could have paid his way to freedom. Either way, he benefited from a less intrusive media and years out of the spotlight. I guess celebrities really are treated differently.
I would guess NO standards.
Double-standard for sure.
After all, Polaski is a convicted rapist. Jackson, on the other hand, hasn't been convicted of anything other than in the court of public opinion.
Polanski gets cut a break because he is chic, an artiste, unlike Jackson who is considered uncool, a sideshow freak.
Just curious...
Is there a statute of limitations on statutory rape?
OTOH Mr. Polanski drugged and raped a 13 year old girl and was tried and convicted in a court of law. He fled his punishment just as Mengele did.
Pretty clear to me...
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