Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Natalie Portman and Anti-Semitism

If you're reading the news, you'll know Natalie Portman has taken a strong stance against the anti-semitic rantings of a Christian Dior employee named John Galliano.  Galliano has subsequently been fired from his position--good for him!

Personally, I find anti-semitism revolting.  I believe I'm in the majority of people who would say the same.

But in 2008 Portman couldn't care less about Barack Obama's strong relationship to Jew haters.  In fact, she didn't just personally support Obama, she actively campaigned for him!  At this time his association to Rev Jeremiah Wright, and the ensuing controversy, was well known. Wright was, and is also pals with Louis Farrakhan and Muammar al-Qaddafi--another name in the news recently.


Obama spent 20-some years sitting in Wright's church listening to his anti-semitic rants--a feat only accomplished when one shares the same hatred.  If Obama didn't share these views he would have been on his feet, out the door, as would any person with a conscience and a brain.

Galliano is a nobody outside of the fashion world.  Barack Obama is President of the United States.  Who's anti-semitic views are more dangerous to Jews?

I applaud Portman for standing on principle, even potentially putting her bottom line at risk (Dior endorsements), but I cannot help but note the hypocrisy.  How could Portman be so comfortable with Obama given her convictions?

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