A group of Los Angeles residents has organized for the express purpose of buying conspicuous billboard space to feature an image of Mel Gibson's face emblazoned with the international symbol for "no." The group's intent is to inculcate the concept that anti-Semitism is incontrovertibly reprehensible and should never be tolerated under any circumstances. This effort has been thwarted by the billboard companies' fear of reprisals from the studios that provide a preponderance of the revenue generated by outdoor advertising. Should the tumult surrounding Mel's recent fiasco abate, studios may wish to employ the actor again and might refuse to do business with a company that once featured such an image.

express - (adjective) specific; clearly stated [This word can also mean "relating to rapid travel; direct."]

conspicuous - (adjective) obvious

emblazon - (verb) to decorate with prominent markings

inculcate - (verb) to teach or impress upon through repetition

incontrovertibly - (adverb) undeniably; unquestionably

reprehensible - (adjective) deserving blame or punishment

thwart - (verb) to prevent (something) from happening

reprisal - (noun) a retaliation

preponderance - (noun) a majority

tumult - (noun) a state of noisy commotion and confusion

fiasco - (noun) a complete failure

abate - (verb) to die down; to make less intense