The Axiom Of Respect
Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior
By Treating Themselves And Others Respectfully
And Respecting Only Those Who Earn It

After hearing about one celebrity tantrum after another, Serena Williams' "tirade" at the U.S. Open pushed me too far, and I hope she did the same for you. ("Serena Williams: 'I Had Really Just Lost Control'")

In the past, I was always extremely disappointed when public figures behaved badly, but now I am going to do something about it: I am through with every athlete, actor, musician, or any other public figure who goes on an expletive-laden rant. I am vowing today not to watch, purchase products, or otherwise support anyone who thinks they are above the need to act decently and treat others respectfully.

For a long time, I was a huge fan of Sling Blade, the movie for which Billy Bob Thornton (who also directed and starred in the film) won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. Over the years, I heard snippets about his personal life that seemed a bit odd and watched his other films (which were not nearly as good), but I still thought he was a talented artist. Unfortunately, I watched his rude, arrogant radio interview on a Toronto radio station. ("Billy Bob Thornton Makes Waves During Music Interview") Now, I wouldn't give one cent to watch or listen to anything Billy Bob acts in or creates. If I see him on television, I turn the channel. To me, he no longer exists.

The same goes for Christian Bale. Unlike Thornton, I never thought Bale was a good actor, but I tolerated him. However, after his profanity-filled tirade aimed at Shane Hurlbut, the director of photography for Terminator: Salvation, you could not pay me enough to watch Bale in any film. ("Bale Apologizes For 'Terminator' Tantrum") He's gone the way of Billy Bob. They are both disgusting.

Sadly, Serena Williams' behavior has caused her to meet the same fate: I have always liked her and her sister, but after what she did to the line judge at the U.S. Open, I will never have another good thing to say about her. She is just like all the rest of those self-indulgent, egotistical, Kanye West-like celebrities.

If you feel the same, please join me and stop supporting public figures who are unworthy of respect. Maybe, if we hurt their wallets, they will shape up - or at least go away (which would be my first choice).

Anna Sherise
Co-Creator of Magna Sententia
Co-Author of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society