I thought you were just being a jerk, friedo, but in a very funny way. BTW, it Roseanne Roseannadanna.
As to the Pope and the Catholic Church: I don’t think that either is above criticism and that there is plenty to criticize, but I don’t think Sinead’s tactic was effective. I’m a fan of Sinead, and I’m interested in religious issues, but I never really knew what the incident was all about. I think I assumed it was in reference to Northern Ireland. I don’t think most people cared what it was about; they just saw the Pope’s picture being torn, and got upset. Not being Catholic, it didn’t really bother me. I was more upset by her performance of one of my all-time favorite songs, Bob Marley’s “War”.
I think you’re a little off base on that one. First, there’s no such thing as “papal doctrine.” Second, individual Catholics are not subservient to the Church on all issues (and some people would say on no issues). Third, who better to criticize than a member of the institution?
Good point, Zoff. I was looking at it from the point of view of the artist who is being restricted from showing part of the body of work that composes her artistic career, but like you say, it was their show.