You have an excellent point. As someone who has many non-mainstream beliefs, I totally agree with you that voicing a different opinion or belief shouldn't equal "getting squashed."
I think where Tom Cruise went wrong was when he specifically mentioned Brooke Shields. It made it look like he was attacking her instead of just expressing his belief. He appeared judgemental instead of just someone in the public eye discussing a particular issue that is important to him. Usually, he comes across as someone with strong, distinct opinions and beliefs, who is also quite considerate of other people. In this case, he wasn't considerate of Brooke Shields at all and I think it could hurt his public image somewhat.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2005-07-01 09:45 pm (UTC)I think where Tom Cruise went wrong was when he specifically mentioned Brooke Shields. It made it look like he was attacking her instead of just expressing his belief. He appeared judgemental instead of just someone in the public eye discussing a particular issue that is important to him. Usually, he comes across as someone with strong, distinct opinions and beliefs, who is also quite considerate of other people. In this case, he wasn't considerate of Brooke Shields at all and I think it could hurt his public image somewhat.