Should I say anything about the greatest golfer in the world?
This morning I heard a member of Big Media say that, despite all the important news that should demand at least some of our attention, a certain golfer's peccadilloes will dominate Big Media because, well, "that's what the people want."
But is that true? Do you call your local TV station or favorite news anchor and beg for reports on the most salacious aspects of a person's life? Do you thirst for gossip? Think of it this way, and it is all rather simple: Who first broke the story about the World's Greatest Golfer who crashed his car? Was it Big Media, or someone like you, a "consumer"? I think you know the answer.
Clearly, Big Media seeks to exploit any story -- let's be honest -- for fiscal gain. The tale about the World's Greatest Golfer has profits apparently written all over it.
But what is the news here, really? It would be nice -- wouldn't it? -- if someone stood up and said, "Move along, folks. There is nothing for you to see here. Move along." Didn't someone, somewhere, used to say and do exactly that? Move along. Mind your own business. This is a private matter.
The World's Greatest Golfer is naught but a fallen god. OK. We get this, and we've gotten this hundreds of times in the past: People are not perfect. Wow, thanks for the BIG LESSON.
OK. The World's Greatest Golfer might lose his endorsements. Is that really big news?
OK. He might have to mount a comeback, ask for a mulligan; he will have to "dig deep." Haven't we heard this sort of thing before, ad infinitum and yes, ad nauseam?
Yes, yes. We know our heroes are mortal, stained, blemished, weak. Yes, yes. There are indeed many who enjoy feasting on our heroes' sins; who find pleasure in others' pain. But are we not sick of all this -- YET?
Big Media: A fast-food joint that comes to you dishing out triple scoops of schadenfreude. For free. Everywhere. 24/7.
Resist Big Media. Let's kick the ever-living schadenfreude out of it.
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3 comments:
Science has yet to perfect the instrument capable of detecting my interest in any celebrity's issues. Count me out of the voyeur festival, thanks.
Cheers.
R.,
You are counted out. But please, do tell us: What is your private life REALLY like?
Bliss to you!
BG
Totally Off-topic: You might enjoy the conversation going on over at my friend Will's regarding the decision of his Presbytery concerning ordination.
Cheers.
BTW, my life is extraordinarily boring.
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