Direct link to article... [littlegreenfootballs.com]
I suspect most of us can name a celeb that has offended you or yours at some time, maybe even multiple times. Big names often included go from Mel Gibson to Sean Penn. The Dixie Chicks. Maybe Roseann Barr. Or Orson Scott card. I could go on picking from various outposts of genuine outrage. Notice I include not one pundit or radio talker. I refer to artists that also have politics. Or religion.
I think boycotting their work is an unhelpful concept. Mostly we hurt ourselves more than the offending actor or singer. In the instance of actors writers and directors by avoiding a movie we keep our money from a lot of people. Many of whom might be just as offended as you were by someone in the cast or crew. From the young kid that sells you your ticket to the theater itself. From that great big studio like Paramount or some little indy film maker. Sure you won't have to set eyes on the celeb or see that name in the credits. You also won't get to enjoy one tiny bit of any worthwhile part of the movie. Or see any of those talents at work.
I came to this choice later in life. Even reluctantly. But let's say I can't stand Mel Gibson or Sean Penn. Click on the names to see their IMDB filmography. See how much fun or interesting things you would miss.
Now we have a very recent instance where an actress has had a public spat with Sean Penn. A woman who is a Republican. Harsh words were exchanged. Sadly due to a boycott campaign, she has withdrawn from a play so as to not hurt ticket sales.
What gets me is the argument and the personal politics had nothing to do with the play. The cast may well now have to include a less ideal actor for the role. The next really unfortunate thing here is both of these people came to their feelings and politics honestly. Opposites to be sure, but very alike in sincerity and passion. Frankly I don't care how he or she votes, advocates, eats, or whom is chosen for a lover or spouse. I'll go see the play or movie based on the same reasons I see any play or movie.
Maria Conchita Alonso, who starred in movies such as "The Running Man" and "Moscow on the Hudson," said Sunday that she had resigned from a play because of threats of boycotts and protests over her support for Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, a Republican gubernatorial candidate and a founder of a Minuteman border-patrol chapter.
"I said, 'Well, you know the ... production doesn't need to be hurt by me," she said in an interview. "I told them, 'Listen, it's the best for everybody.' "
Alonso had been set to appear in a Spanish-language production of the Vagina Monologues in San Francisco in February. Last week, she appeared in an online campaign video for Donnelly, a tea party favorite, saying she supported his calls to return film production to Hollywood, increase domestic energy production and reduce government interference in citizens' lives.
Alonso, 56, was born in Cuba and raised in Venezuela and has a history of political activism, notably opposition to the late Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez. In 2011, she got into a heated exchange with Sean Penn at the baggage claim at Los Angeles International Airport over his support of the Socialist leader. Penn called her a pig; she called him a communist.More: Actress Quits Play Because of Protests Over GOP Video