Susanna has suggested that I'm not very happy with her. And that just reminds me of why I despise getting involved in this kind of blog war. Susanna's blog is one of my favorites. She's a great writer and I generally appreciate her points even when I don't agree with them. I've jumped into these interfaith debates before with both feet and managed to offend people I had no desire or intention to. Sometimes, though, it can't be helped.
Meryl began this dialogue by suggesting that a movie accusing "the Jews" (again) of responsibility for the execution of Jesus would be likely to collaterally revive the anti-Semitism that has always accompanied such assertions. Susanna, while strenuously deploring any potential anti-Semitic response, appeared to be saying that, regardless of the consequences, it was more important that the movie "tell the truth." Which immediately raises more questions than I can even summarize here. Among them:
What is "the truth?" A incredibly sticky question, especially when religious beliefs are involved, that millions have fought, died and anguished over since the dawn of civilization.
It's a friggin' movie. Since when is it so important that a movie "tell the truth?"
Since it's clear, nonetheless, that popular films can influence trends in thought and action, what responsibility do filmmakers have for the foreseeable consequences of their work?
Isn't it better to just ignore such speculation, sit back and hope there will be no consequences to worry about?
Well, I'll respond briefly to that last question. By definition, bloggers tend not to ignore controversies that are important to them. Inevitably, intervention brings with it a firestorm of point and counterpoint arguments that usually get nowhere, but there's usually a point at which each of us feel it necessary to put in our two cents anyway. And damn the consequences.
Susanna, I'm not happy with the position you took on this issue, and I'm really not happy with the direction the comments by many of your readers has taken. As a matter of fact, if they're any indication, the impact of this movie is likely to be far worse than I would have thought possible. But I am happy that you continue to call 'em as you see 'em. I wouldn't want it any other way.
