Knee-jerk Neeson

LIAM NEESON’S comments about his primal urge for revenge (Mail) has made many feel uncomfortable. Forty years after his original response to his friend’s rape, the actor says he would react very differently today.

There is no point pretending some people don’t have knee-jerk reactions and a way of life driven by bigotry, hatred and revenge.

The unfortunate fact about human nature is not that we have such basic instincts, but that some believe it is all right to abide by them rather than question and overcome them.

This is not simply about racism, but also explains the bigotry behind thinking that leads to bullying, gang violence, vendettas and wars.

The use of stereotypes, perceived undesirable differences and the glorification of violence are rife in films and on TV. Yet those are the areas where change would have a most positive influence.

It is ironic that Hollywood is threatening to disown Liam Neeson. Perhaps he should turn his back on the film industry with its double standards and obsession with violence, and spend time in schools challenging primal instincts. Mrs EFROSYNI HOBBS, London SE9. THE reaction to Liam Neeson’s controversial comments should be: ‘Let’s catch the rapist.’

But in our politically correct, upside-down world, the criminal act is ignored and opprobrium is poured on the head of a man who simply had thoughts about doing something.

B. EKINS, Chessington, Surrey. IT I LOOKS as though Liam Neeson’s ill-thought- il out publicity stunt will cost c him his career. What a fool.

SANDRA PARSONS, Keston, Kent.