I like Michael Moore.
Moore is the controversial director of Bowling for Columbine, a documentary that focuses on America’s gun laws and their effect on society both pre- and post-Columbine.
Moore always provides unbiased commentary-something that is not available in the news media-on the events that shape our world.
His works reveal a brutally honest, yet quirky insight, unlike the propaganda we are usually fed.
This year, Moore won an Oscar for Bowling for Columbine, which was deemed best documentary.
After receiving the award, Moore shared his thoughts on the war, saying: “We like nonfiction, but we live in fictitious times.
We live in a time where we have fictitious election results that elect a fictitious president…when a man is sending us to war for fictitious reasons…We are against this war, Mr. Bush.
Shame on you, Mr. Bush. Shame on you.”
Following Moore’s comments, the audience went from thunderous applause to shocked gasps and loud boos.
Some say that the Oscars is not the place to display opinions on the war.
If that is true, then the theme of the Oscars should not have been toned down.
Some stars arrived at the Kodak Theatre [where the Oscars were held] wearing less glamorous attire.
Some wore peace pendants and gave peace signs as subtle hints of their views.
Others took the opportunity to drive themselves in fuel-efficient cars, making the statement that war is not the answer.
No matter what our views are, we are at war.
We have to accept that, but that does not mean that our opinions should not be heard.
It is damaging to know that people booed Moore because he gave the most outspoken anti-war sentiments.
But what is mind boggling is that since the war begun, there is a general overtone that equates speaking against the war with being unpatriotic.
But I commend Moore for speaking out; his words forced the industry, actors and viewers alike to think about his message.
Moore is most revolutionary in covering issues that the mainstream keeps under wraps.
It is time for us as Americans to take a stand in what is right.
Moore should not be seen as an enemy because he expresses his opinions.
Moore’s words were too radical for mainstream ears.
But it’s radicalism that gets attention.
Mosheh M. Gains can be reached at JournalistMG@aol.com.
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