just a bloke

There is a story tucked away in the HIT section of the Melbourne Herald Sun today – a part of the newspaper I admittedly do not usually read.

But it caught my eye because there is an interview with Aussie-New Zealand actor  Russell Crowe.

He off the phone-throwing assault in New York and he has been caught on video throwing punches outside a pub in New South Wales.

There was also that brawl in a London nightclub with a New Zealand millionaire and allegations of punch-throwing in Mexico.

I mention it because the first question put to the Oscar winner is: “Your reputation suggests you are quick to anger. Is that fair?”

And it’s the answer that intrigues me. Crowe doesn’t  confess or deny. He simply says: “I’m just a fella. I’m just a bloke”.

Does that excuse violent, anti-social behaviour?  I find that extraordinary. Does having an appendage excuse whatever you do?

I mean, I am not naïve. Alcohol-fuelled male rage does lead to a lot of domestic violence. Sometimes it is just male ego and testosterone-triggered anger.

But it raises the question: Are men more verbally and physically aggressive than women.? And I’ll  concede that some women can nag a partner until he snaps.

But for an intelligent and talented man like Russell Crowe to excuse his loutish behaviour on the grounds that he “is just a fella… just a bloke” is, to me, grotesque. And a massive, self-serving, excuse.

Thursday, January 19, 2006

©Copyright Derryn Hinch 2006