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A tale of two racists.
Mel Gibson was apparently raised by a father that is openly and adamantly antisemitic. However, Mel Gibson's long standing public image and body of work do not reflect racist or antisemitic tendencies. He also struggles with alcoholism and on occasion has revealed the deep seeded programming of his childhood. He is a racist like a recovering alcoholic is still an alcoholic. Unfortunately for Mr. Gibson, he is both. Although his life's work, circle of friends, and documented public life showed no indication of racism until his arrests for drunkenness and statements made with abusive behavior toward the police, he was attacked and immediately labeled as a racist in the media. This will always be with him. He may have occasionally stumbled and revealed his demons in his life, but he at least tries to rise and be a better person. We should expect behavior that strives for redemption, a conscious attempt to be "better" from someone with such an upbringing.
We all know of Rev. Wright's upbringing as a black child into manhood, his service to his country in the Marines, and the good things he has done for his community. But he does not try to come together with non-blacks, he openly and without apology preaches racial hatred, stereotypes, and racially based anti-American rhetoric. Regardless of his heritage and past life, he intellectually chooses to perpetuate racism and the culture of victimization for opportunity. The hypocrisy is when we coddle these excuses and express understanding for such unadulterated continued hatred. There is no attempt at redemption or reconciliation in the actions of Rev. Wright.
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"It rubs the lotion on Buffy, Jodi and Mr. French's skin" - Uncle Bill from Buffalo
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