Thread: Society is Forgiving

It is often typical of humans to look at the disgusting things in life, the bad things people do, and judge. It is easy for individuals to think that society is unforgiving, that people will not forget the bad things you have done. It is all too often that people say, "They are certainly done for".

It is easy to focus on the negative. This is because the good is actually more abundant.

I want to direct your focus right now towards celebrities. You can probably think to yourself of many celebrities that have nose-dived and ruined there careers. You can probably think of many names that are associated with actions that are typically deemed despicable.

However, let's just take a look at what society really accepts through some examples. Maybe you agree with some, maybe you won't, but it is certain that these celebrities have done some bad things, some good, and society has, for the most part, accepted them back.

+ Christina Aguilera;
Christina started out rather innocent with her "Genie in the Bottle" hit and many thought this a great new waves with others like Britney Spears. However, she gradually became controversial up to her "Stripped" album with songs like "Get Dirty". This, in conjunction with sexually provocative videos, brought a lot of controversy to her name. It has been a while now after her "Back to Basics" album, but it is certain that it has been well received and many have been able to relate to her new personal and sincere lyrics. Her new image, likely galvanized by bearing children, has certainly allowed for re-entrance into mainstream media. With this new image, society has easily accepted the "new" Christina as an experienced and strong woman.
- The "Controversial" Christina
- The "Beautiful" Christina

+ Britney Spears;
You already expected this from the get-go. Britney is an easy thing to discuss and everyone can typically contribute to this conversation topic. I don't feel I really need to discuss much about her but just look at the fact that she was definitely scrutinized (and still is) by the media and yet her new album is easily received.

+ Kelly Clarkson;
So she started out amazing and then went very hateful and her popularity significantly dropped. Now her new single "My Life Would Suck Without You" is out and it has jumped the billboard. Is it thanks to her marketers? Publicists? Whichever it is, the people have gobbled her up and love her.
- Fox News on Kelly

Now, these two cases rely on the sales of records. So what about someone who has done wrongs and then been accepted in alternative means?

+ Arnold Schwarzenegger;

Oh boy, did this start a riot during his political campaign. Arnold admitted to smoking the joint and admitted that he did indulge into it. However, how did the votes fall? Is it possible that people understand this interested and indulgence? Is it generally accepted? This is easily a controversial topic, but the point is that Arnold made governorship and has begun a grand political career.

+ Tom Cruise;
Now this is really hard for me to express because I honestly despise Scientology. However, for the sake of this, focus on his acting career. Tom Cruise apparently ruined his image after the "Oprah incident" and it was generally thought that he was insane. Despite that, he managed to make a generally good return, as an actor, in movies such as "Tropic Thunder" and "Valkyrie" which have done rather well in the box office.

+ Mel Gibson;
So Mel loves his drinks, makes some anti-semitic remarks, drives while intoxicated, and can make a movie. Many thought of him as a real ass after what he has said and done. However, he has really fallen through the cracks after "Apocalypto" as it is generally accepted as an all-round decent movie.

So, with these examples, can you think of examples of redemption and forgiveness? I have really focused on celebrities as a starting point, but there are certainly endless examples out there.

What do you think...?

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