Because it needs to be said and I need to say it

[bennet_7]

I've spoken about this in other people's posts but I need to say it in my own too.

I am sickened and horrified by the reaction of many public figures the arrest of Roman Polanski. That film makers, writers, actors, and artists I admire are coming to his defense, demanding his release from custody, and referring to his rape of a 13 year old as a "case of morals" appalls me.

He doesn't deserve to be given special circumstances because he survived the holocaust, lost his wife, is a great director, or because it happened 30 years ago. He raped a child.


People who write about it better than me:

And the Best Child Rapist Award Goes To... - Letters From Hollywood: Roman Polanski's Rape Of Child No Big Thing - The Fall of Roman: I Rest My Case - Why Robert Harris' NY Times Pro-Polanski Op-Ed Is an Offensive, Self-Serving Disgrace - Not on, Hollywood - The Defenses to the Polanski Arrest Are Irrelevant - People who have signed the free 'Roman Polanski petition'


Sign the 'Art Does Not Excuse Rape: Polanski Must Face Justice' petition. It's not much but it's something.

Comments

[koalathebear.livejournal.com]

My mind is boggling about this but then I chalk it up to the fact that directors/actors/producers are show biz people. They're not moral philosophers, they're not jurists or academics. Many of them are pretty doughey - the fact that they can chalk it up to water under the bridge, "it happened a long time ago" and "look how clever and creative he is" just goes to show how dopey they are :P

[vintagejoy.livejournal.com]

Horrific. I don't understand how art can be an explanation, let alone an excuse. I signed the petition.

[bennet-7.livejournal.com]

Funnily enough one of the guys who started one of those insane petitions is a philosopher (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bernardhenri-levy/artist-rally-behind-polan_b_302371.html).

I'm just so shocked that these people are so quick to jump on his side. And so many of them. Because in demanding his release, they are supporting a rapist.

[bennet-7.livejournal.com]

It's insane. People are saying that he has already been punished. I'd like to know how. From where I'm standing it looked liked he lived in Europe, owned multiple homes, continued to make films, and continued to be respected and idolised by the film community.

I'm supposed to think that because he couldn't travel to the U.S. to accept his Oscar he's been punished? NO.