Roger, wonderful analysis. I’m particularly taken by your theory on their self-hatred and their extremely public anti-American pronouncements. I’ve noticed these often or usually come out of the blue, until you notice they’re starting to promote a new movie, CD or tour. After the pronouncement and their re-validation, they often disappear for months or years. I’ve had a theory that there is a little Hollywood machine that sends various artists/actors out at certain times to say certain things — things that get them in good with Hollywood while horrifying the rest of us. I know this cements their “us vs. them” mentality as it’s crucial they view themselves separate and superior to the rest of us.
Having grown up in L.A. and seen these miserable and dysfunctional people up close, I know all you say is true. But now, my only fascination with these people is how truly awful and unadmirable they are. They’re different, all right. They are beneath contempt…and I think they know it and it makes them even crazier.
Back in the 90s, Bill Clinton (whom I voted for twice) validated the amoral and narcissistic Hollywood way of life. He made them all feel great about themselves. Now, Bush and co. (including his supporters, of which I am one) invalidate them, they are on the outside, and I think that’s a big driver of BDS and all that has followed.
