| Beyond One's Expertise |
8 September 2003
|
Depp Slams US, Retracts -- So What?
Actor Johnny Depp got himself into trouble last week by criticizing the US from his home in France during an interview with Stern, the German magazine. The former "21 Jump Street" and current "Pirates of the Caribbean" star said, among other unflattering things, the US was like a “dumb puppy that has big teeth." The right immediately condemned him, and the left nodded its quiet approval, and Mr. Depp quickly said the words were taken out of context. As much as one respects Mr. Depp as an actor, though, could anyone with any real political acumen and understanding possibly care what he thinks off-camera?
Mr. Depp is not stupid, and he has chosen very carefully to raise his children in France, away from Hollywood and all that his profession could do to them. He is articulate, and he is one of the English-speaking world's more interesting actors. That does not make him any kind of authority on the workings of the American political system, the goals of the current administration nor the cultural conflicts that are expressed in its streets and across its airwaves.
Mass culture has done a very dangerous thing. It has made everyone an instant expert on politics and the problems of society -- to the point where the acting profession makes a significant contribution to the political talent pool. Fame is more important in politics than understanding the issues. Democracy confers a legitimacy on the elected, but it does not ensure wise choices by the people.
Defering to those who have spent time studying, thinking and arguing happens in many facets of life. Certainly no one would take the medical advice of a random plurality of adults over that of trained physicians. Why then do movie stars' opinions on politics merit equal consideration with those of policy wonks?
Mr. Depp is entitled to his opinion, a premise for which one should gladly kill. One hopes that his thoughts don't adversely affect his career -- there has been far too much of that in Hollywood in the last century. By the same token, one would further hope that he would be appreciated and applauded for what he is, a fine actor, rather than what he is not, an expert on international politics.
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