Even though there is a difference in the source of the mediums, that does not the make the nature of the two dissimilar.
There is a difference in scope, though, which is the point Gibson's detractors are making. Everyone who made fun of the loss of Ledger lacked tact, by standard measurement. Gibson, because of the scope of his audience, was potentially hurtful.
But, hey, the point is moot.
Poking fun at life. Which so happens to have death in it.
For most people, poking fun has it's limits. Many people have made fun of life's futility but didn't joke about 9/11 right after it happened. Were they wrong to respect the dead and the living who mourned them? Was it wrong to get mad at the people who danced and celebrated when the towers came down?
It's a personal matter, I suppose.
Not saying Ledger's death = 9/11. Just saying that the fact that it's okay when done indirectly doesn't make it okay when it's done pointedly.
I don't think it's ever appropriate personally.
Then that's where you and many people differ. But just as you didn't go out of your way to make a hurtful comment at the expense of posters during their times of loss and/or grieving, I believe that Gibson should have shown restraint. Freedom of speech is nice and all, but knowing when to shut up is nice too.
