COMMENTARY: Angelina Jolie Does Not Deserve The Epithet "Ignorant"

Angelina Jolie was called "ignorant" this week by a group of women who were victims of sexual violence during the Bosnian War (1992-1995), because she is directing a love story film taking place in Bosnia during that war.

In a letter to the United Nations Refugee Agency -- in which Jolie is a goodwill ambassador -- the Women Victims of War said, "Angelina Jolie's ignorant attitude toward victims says enough about the scenario... We believe she has no more credibility to remain the ambassador."

It is estimated that some 50,000 rapes against women and girls -- some as young as 12 -- occurred during the Bosnian War. These mass rapes were part of the "ethnic cleansing" policy of Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic and his genocide of Bosniaks (Bosnian Muslims).

Rumors surfaced in Bosnia in October, 2010 that Jolie's film included a scene in which a Serbian rapes a Bosniak woman, and then marries her. These rumors proved to be untrue, as the film's love story is about a Bosniak woman who falls in love with a Serb man.

Despite the clarification of the love story in this film, the Women Victims of War still are opposed to it, as is indicated by their letter to the United Nations this week.

While these women have the right to express their opinion of Angelina Jolie to the United Nations, their use of the epithet "ignorant" to portray Jolie is irresponsible and repulsive. Moreover, their statement that Jolie should no longer remain an ambassador in the UN Refugee Agency because of this film, is not relevant to Jolie's ability to perform the tasks required of an ambassador.

The fact is that Jolie -- probably more than any other American actor -- has been a godsend for charitable causes and for humanity in general. She even adopted a Cambodian boy in 2002, and an Ethiopian girl in 2005.

Indeed, these actions convey Jolie's genuine empathy and her constant endeavor to help less fortunate people.

If one word could be used to describe Angelina Jolie and her ongoing humanitarian efforts, that word should be "philanthropist."