Gibson’s alleged sexist comments go practically unnoticed

Get your news from a source that’s not owned and controlled by oligarchs. Sign up for the free Mother Jones Daily.


Actor and director Mel Gibson, who is reported to have said some outrageously vile things when he was stopped for lawless driving a few days ago, is having both his drunken words and his apology analyzed and judged by the news media, crisis managers and members of the Anti-Defamation League. Gibson is alleged to have said:

“Fucking Jews….The Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world.” He then asked the deputy, “Are you a Jew?”

Gibson is alleged to have cursed and carried on like this for some time. What isn’t being discussed is that he is also alleged to have called one of the female officers a “bitch,” and called another one “sugar tits.”

There are some people who are defending Gibson because he was intoxicated when he ranted about Jews. This defense in itself is rather frightening, but nonetheless common in our culture. What is more disturbing, though, is that none of the pundits, crisis managers, media experts, or other analysts seems to be the least bit disturbed about Gibson’s alleged sexist remarks.

It is well known that Gibson is anti-feminist, and there was a time–at least in the United States–when calling women, especially women in authority, inappropriate names would have gotten someone into a bit of trouble. Now, though, it seems that if Gibson can somehow make it right with the Jewish community, he will home free, regardless of how he may have treated female officers of the law.

4 DAYS LEFT—AND EVERYTHING RIDING ON IT

A full one-third of our annual fundraising comes in this month alone. That’s risky, because a strong December means our newsroom is on the beat and reporting at full strength—but a weak one means budget cuts and hard choices ahead.

With just 4 days left, we need a huge surge in reader support to get to our $400,000 year-end goal. Whether you've given before or this is your first time, your contribution right now matters. All gifts are 3X matched and tax-deductible.

Managing an independent, nonprofit newsroom is staggeringly hard. There’s no cushion in our budget—no backup revenue, no corporate safety net. We can’t afford to fall short, and we can’t rely on corporations or deep-pocketed interests to fund the fierce, investigative journalism Mother Jones exists to do. That’s why we need you right now. Please chip in to help close the gap.

4 DAYS LEFT—AND EVERYTHING RIDING ON IT

A full one-third of our annual fundraising comes in this month alone. That’s risky, because a strong December means our newsroom is on the beat and reporting at full strength—but a weak one means budget cuts and hard choices ahead.

With just 4 days left, we need a huge surge in reader support to get to our $400,000 year-end goal. Whether you've given before or this is your first time, your contribution right now matters. All gifts are 3X matched and tax-deductible.

Managing an independent, nonprofit newsroom is staggeringly hard. There’s no cushion in our budget—no backup revenue, no corporate safety net. We can’t afford to fall short, and we can’t rely on corporations or deep-pocketed interests to fund the fierce, investigative journalism Mother Jones exists to do. That’s why we need you right now. Please chip in to help close the gap.

We Recommend

Latest

Sign up for our free newsletter

Subscribe to the Mother Jones Daily to have our top stories delivered directly to your inbox.

Get our award-winning magazine

Save big on a full year of investigations, ideas, and insights.

Subscribe

Support our journalism

Help Mother Jones' reporters dig deep with a tax-deductible donation.

Donate