Any suggestion that a religious group is “controlling” something to the detriment of outsiders who are “not allowed in,” is not only anti-Semitic, it’s dangerous. It passively incites a takeover to re-assert control over such a group, which would in turn repeat history (see the holocaust). And history does repeat itself (I’d provide a plethora of examples, but that would make this article too long to read). Furthermore, it breeds hatred.
When Gary Oldman visited Playboy for his now infamous interview, he landed in hot water due to the aforementioned suggestion, claiming that Hollywood is “a town run by Jews.” He also denounced political correctness and defended Mel Gibson. In fact, he called Gibson’s arresting officer a hypocrite because it’s unfathomable that the officer would not have said, “F-g Jew” at any point in his life. Here’s the full quote:
Mel Gibson is in a town that’s run by Jews and he said the wrong thing because he’s actually bitten the hand that I guess has fed him—and doesn’t need to feed him anymore because he’s got enough dough. He’s like an outcast, a leper, you know? But some Jewish guy in his office somewhere hasn’t turned and said, “That fucking kraut” or “Fuck those Germans,” whatever it is? We all hide and try to be so politically correct. That’s what gets me. It’s just the sheer hypocrisy of everyone, that we all stand on this thing going, “Isn’t that shocking?” [smiles wryly] All right. Shall I stop talking now? What else can we discuss?
The most shocking revelation is the idea that Oldman is so far removed from society that he’d think hateful words are in everyone’s wheelhouse. Perhaps he should surround himself with a new circle of friends. As for whether society should shun Oldman for eternity, the answer is no. His awful interview inspired a valuable conversation, and no one will learn anything on an island alone. Oldman visited Kimmel to apologize, calling his words, “Offensive, insensitive, pernicious, and ill-informed.” Watch the interview below.