Carol Platt Liebau: For Shame

Saturday, November 11, 2006

For Shame

Two University of South Carolina fraternity brothers are suing over their participation in Borat. Having seen the movie last night, it's clear why they'd be ashamed of what they said and how they behaved; it was pretty appalling.

But what's even more appalling is that these profiles in courage -- who have refused to allow their names to be released -- are asserting that they participated in the mistaken belief that the documentary, to which they happily (by all appearances) contributed a lot of racist and sexist dialogue, would only be shown outside the country.

As far as I'm concerned, that only makes it worse. Now they're upset that their friends and neighbors can see what pigs they are -- but they had no problem projecting an image of Americans as bigoted across the world, as long as no one here would know about it. For shame.

3 Comments:

Blogger Red Seven said...

Right on, Carol -- I haven't seen the film yet. I hear it's pretty cringe-worthy, so it'll probably wait for the DVD. I like to do my cringing at home. But I believe that in situations like this, alcohol doesn't alter one's personality; rather, it only loosens one's inhibitions and lets the ugly truth out. Yes, Mel Gibson, I'm looking at you.

9:17 AM  
Blogger Marshal Art said...

It only does that for people who are ugly already. Since you don't know Mel personally, perhaps you're admitting something more personal? Perhaps? Maybe just a little?

eddy-boy,

If the term was used in regards to all of Islam, you might be right. But since it is used for a specific group of thugs and murderers, you're wrong yet again.

12:03 AM  
Blogger Greg said...

I think a driving instructor used in the film is going to sue, too.

He says he does not want to be in an "R" rated video for ever.

That is so laughable!

These people agreed to be put on film and got paid for it. What are they suing for? Editorial control after the fact?

I suppose "Girls Gone Wild" participants will be lining up to sue next.

Having said that, if the makers of the film have broken any laws regarding misrepresentation or whatever, then I suppose they should be held accountable.

But back to Carol's point, how disgusting is it that anyone would be willing to embarass their own country before a foreign audience so long as (at least as far as they knew) people in their own country would never see it?

8:12 AM  

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