Entitlement — most celebrities are tainted by the sense that they deserve such a privileged right. This impression can take shape in a number of ways.
Some A-listers believe they can drive the streets of Hollywood after a night of drinking without facing jail-time for a DUI charge. Such was the case for Paris Hilton.
Others believe they can assault the picture-thirsty paparazzi without consequence. Kanye West fell victim to this assumption, only be thrown in the slammer for a brief stint.
And others, still, believe their words are so valuable that they can freely run their mouths off about political bias and social prejudice. British comedian Russell Brand, who hosted the MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 7, is the most recent celebrity to make a name for himself in this category.
Though the police did not reprimand Brand for his vulgar opening to the VMAs, many individuals have called him out for his remarks since the show — and the Graphic staff would like to put in a few cents, as well.
Brand, who had a cameo in the 2008 film “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” is relatively unknown in the United States. Though he has appeared on some American programming in the past, no one, let alone a foreigner, has the right to publicly defame our government and its citizens.
To start the night, without a word about the VMAs, Brand outwardly endorsed the Democratic Party in the 2008 presidential election.
“Please elect Barack Obama,” he said. “Please, on behalf of the whole world.”
Now, this would have been acceptable had he presented a suitable platform, a suitable audience or suitable justifications, but his Republican Party bashing that followed was out of line. For example, he called President George Bush, who has been our nation’s Commander in Chief for almost eight years, a “retarded cowboy fella” and someone who, in England, “wouldn’t be trusted with a pair of scissors.” In addition, he referred to recently named Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin as “a VILF — a vice president I’d like to … fondle.”
Brand’s comments were inappropriate and derogatory on a number of levels, but the harsh words did not end there. He continued by belittling those who wear purity rings, which symbolize celibacy until marriage. The Jonas Brothers — Kevin, Joe and Nick — were the butts of his remarks.
Brand claimed the brothers are “ungrateful” for wearing the jewelry, as they could have their pick of the ladies if they so desired. Such a message is destructive to the youth of today, as it hurts those who are trying to promote good values in our world. Though Brand later apologized for the comments, the damage had been done.
What was MTV thinking, allowing this disrespectful individual to be the welcoming face of an awards ceremony celebrating our country’s pop culture? Tweens of all ages gathered in front of their televisions two Sunday nights ago to watch the likes of Katy Perry, Rhianna and Miley Cyrus, only to be bombarded by small-minded liberal leanings and jokes about abstinence.
This is not the first time Brand has demeaned serious issues in our nation, either. Back in 2001, only one day following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, Brand showed up to his MTV video jockey job dressed as Osama bin Laden. Though he was fired from that position for the act, and rightfully so, Brand has been welcomed back to the station. Look how well that turned out, MTV.
And, this is not the first time MTV has hired an offensive host for the VMAs. In 2007, Sarah Silverman stirred controversy during her opening monologue of the awards show. The American comedian and actress unreasonably attacked both Paris Hilton and Britney Spears (even belittling Spears’ children, calling them “the most beautiful mistakes you will ever see”).
Those in the spotlight today are blinded by a feeling that they can say whatever they desire if given a microphone — regardless of the platform. All common sense is removed from the equation.
Celebrities are the idols of our time, but individuals like Brand should cause us to reevaluate this proclaimed hierarchy.
09-18-2008
