Forgive and forget, or should we?

By Priyanka Kaura
Op/Ed Editor

Is it just me, or is the celebrity world infected with an extreme case of the softies. One minute, they create a huge uproar over some injustice or offense. The next, they’re back together, cameo-ing on each other’s records and visiting each other’s houses. I find it hard to discern between a worthy reason to forgive a high profile enemy and a poor excuse for publicity.  Here is my feeble attempt:

Rihanna vs. Chris Brown
The issue: Domestic Abuse
Duration of argument: 2 weeks

When Chris Brown was arrested on charges of abusing his then – (and now–) girlfriend Rihanna, we all thought Rihanna would speak up for herself. But instead, she ignored the press support, swallowed her dignity and pretended nothing happened. After further consideration, the two are currently taking a break from their relationship. Still, Rihanna’s initial wavering was a let down to her fans; hopefully she’ll follow her own advice: “Just live your life…you got no time for no haters.”

Shilpa Shetty vs. Jade Goody
The issue: Racial Prejudice
Duration of Argument: 2 years

A few years ago, Goody, a C-list star actress, and Shetty, a Bollywood actress, filmed the British program “Celebrity Big Brother 2007.” Long story short, Goody threw racist slurs at Shetty, British tabloids exploded with gossip and both women grew exponentially more famous. But recently, the two have overcome their (major) differences, reuniting like long-lost childhood buddies. This case is a little different, since Goody is dying of cancer. But one has to wonder—does it take terminal illness to make forgiveness forgivable?

It’s hard to determine what lesson to learn from our celebrity role models.  Perhaps to give in to threats to our physical and emotional safety? To live and learn, forgive and forget? To drop all grudges when we learn our arch enemy won’t be around much longer? More likely, we shouldn’t trust them at all.

Priyanka Kaura can be reached at pkaura@stoganews.com.

Printed originally on p.11 of the March 27, 2009 issue of The Spoke.