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The Daily Cardinal Est. 1892
Wednesday, November 06, 2024

'Passion' should spark discussion

Over the past week, pre-release controversy over Mel Gibson's upcoming film \The Passion of the Christ"" has officially kicked into full swing. The concerns over Gibson's film are focused on possible anti-Semitism that could result from a careless depiction of the death of Christ. Passion plays have fueled anti-Semitic violence in Europe, and it is a legitimate concern that Gibson handle the topic with care. 

 

 

 

In recent days, dialogue between Jewish leaders and Gibson representatives has pushed the issue into an examination of Gibson himself. He's been asked questions about whether he believes the Holocaust actually happened (his father, quoted in New York Times Magazine last March, claims the Holocaust never occurred). His response, which acknowledged the Holocaust but tip-toed around any commentary on the significance of it compared to other tragedies, is of little consequence. 

 

 

 

What should be discussed is not Gibson, but the proper way for a film to depict the final 12 hours in the life of Jesus-and the proper way to view the Jewish involvement in his death. To revise the gospel story would turn the film into something other than what it is meant to be. However, I don't believe anyone-including Gibson-wants viewers to see ""Passion"" and leave with anti-Semitic thoughts. 

 

 

 

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Should Gibson be deleting scenes, as reports are stating he has in response to recent concerns? The latest scene to hit the cutting room floor shows Jewish priest Caiaphas declaring ""His blood be on us and on our children."" While I could understand outrage if Gibson was bringing this line into the story himself, it is a passage from Matthew. It is from the source material that Gibson is trying to put to the screen. 

 

 

 

The events in ""Passion"" are, to say the least, a touchy subject. However, to force Gibson to edit material out in fears that the viewer may interpret them in dangerous ways is to dilute and dishonor the original material. Rather, it should be a point of discussion and a point of tolerance. It should not be treated as hate speech. It should not be censored. It should be examined. Carefully. 

 

 

 

I applaud the actions of both Jewish and Christian communities that have increased efforts to discuss the film. Many groups are focusing on the core of the issue-that the involvement of a small group of collaborators does not mean an entire group should be blamed. The concept that the Jewish people should be collectively blamed, facing anti-Semitism and hatred from Christians, is no more rational than the concept that Muslims should be collectively blamed for the attack on the World Trade Center. 

 

 

 

Many seem to fear that such a hateful view, which has survived for so long through history, will be bolstered by ""Passion."" The fact is that hateful views are not a matter influenced by film but rather by ignorance and intolerance. Both Christian and Jewish leaders alike should be working together to make sure there is no confusion that the role a small handful of Jews may or may not have played in the death of Jesus should in no way result in anti-Semitic attitudes and actions. 

 

 

 

wwtemby@wisc.edu.

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