Rich and Zeev: In my view, you are both correct. Redgrave's comments,
however, are rarely placed in their proper context. Few people knew that she
had received death threats in 1977-78 because of her work in a documentary
sympathetic to Palestinians -- and was clearly frightened/rattled when she
arrived at the Oscars facing pickets, chanting and burning effigies of herself
-- led by the Jewish Defense League, which at the time was labeled a terrorist
group by a corrupt FBI. The press out here focused more on her comments than
on what she saw that frightened her. Making matters worse, Redgrave
reflexively (and errantly) made her controversial remarks in a way that seemed
to the Academy -- to vindicate her work outside of film. About four years ago,
she appeared on Larry King to talk about her career and activism -- and she
acknowledged her offensive remarks 30 years ago have painted her as
anti-Semitic, which in view of her work on behalf of oppressed Jews elsewhere,
was not true. She further affirmed Israel's right to exist and accepted the
fact that her remarks that night in 1978, will likely follow her to her death.
Like Fonda, Redgrave will never be forgiven by all. -d.
Date: Wed, 25 Mar 2009 18:53:41 -0400
From: lobb...@rogers.com
Subject: Re: OT[MOPO] Vanessa Redgrave's controversy at the Oscars-- a link to
the story
To: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU
Rich,
The phrase "Zionist Hoodlums" is very inflamatory to many Jews, even when it is
followed by compliments to Jews and their achievements. The mere derogatory
conotation of "Zionists" in that phrase, is an affront to millions of people
who are proud to be Zionists.
It is akin to to refering to participants in an Easter Parade as Christian
zealots. Or worse.
I apologize in advance if I'm taking this subject to places way off topic.
Sorry.
Zeev
----- Original Message -----
From: Richard Evans
To: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2009 6:24 PM
Subject: Re: [MOPO] Vanessa Redgrave's controversy at the Oscars-- a link to
the story
As Joe said she was specifically referring to the demonstrators, (who burned
her effigy that night), and did speak in praise of the Jews who died in the
Holocaust. So based on that speech, "anti-semite" was and is inaccurate. Was
going to say more, but I'll leave it with the observation that the majority of
celebs publicly support causes that just happen to be far more acceptable. And
whether deliberately or not, and however heartfelt, are raising their profiles
in a context that could potentially benefit their careers.
Rich
On 25 Mar 2009, at 18:24, Richard Halegua Comic Art wrote:
she did indeed get blacklisted for a time as an anti semite
At 09:58 AM 3/25/2009, Andrea Kanter wrote:
Hi Joe,
I thought she had been blacklisted, but didn't follow her career. I also
thought it was just part of the discussion, and was NOT making a political
comment. I was being curious. IMO, my comment had nothing to do with Toochis'
remarks, and very rarely do.
Andrea
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