I don't know why everyone is so outraged. How many people smoke weed and go to strip clubs? Are those things really that big of a deal? Of course, there is something to be said for the fact that he is a role model. But if he admits his mistakes and changes, isn't that all the more powerful testament? I believe the issue is the expectations placed on famous people.
Imagine the pressure on such celebrities. God blessed them with athletic abilities, not necessarily wisdom. I think the media is to blame. I think they are the outrage. The problem is that they have made celebrities gods, that we idolize and follow their every move. (At least millions of Americans.) Americans have bought it, hook, line, and sinker.
The media creates scandals. Then they tear people down. Any minor mistake is a huge ordeal. Instead of looking at people realistically as humans, with lives that are a little screwed up, they promote whatever their view of perfection is. One minor mistake is huge drama. A perfect example of this is drugs. Especially drugs and presidential candidates. If a presidential candidate used drugs in their past, it is a HUGE ordeal. Is that really going to change anyone's vote? Does anybody really believe Bill Clinton didn't inhale?
Barack Obama used illegal drugs. But I couldn't care less if a presidential candidate did. In fact, it probably makes me more likely to vote for them, because they were involved in that lifestyle and had the wisdom to use their time for better things.
I hope this doesn't permanently change people's view of Michael Phelps. He already conquered learning and behavioral problems. Getting past this would make his story even more of an inspiration to kids.
2 comments:
This post reminds me of the Paul McCartney interview in which he was asked if he had smoked marijuana. His reply, to paraphrase, was that he felt he had to be honest and thus say yes, but he wasn't advertising it for kids to know; it was the interviewer (and the media, by extension) that would make light of it and thus allow it to corrupt kids.
I'm not sure where I ultimately stand in terms of "role model responsibility," but it's clear that the media has some responsibility, too (which they often forget/ignore).
I agree with you in a sense for the most part, but there a re a few things that I don't buy. For one, this isn't the first time Michael Phelps has had some difficulties with the law, or the lack of obeying it. And for a person to say their sorry and it was wrong, is of course, the right direction in which to head but a larger point looms in my mind. That being, if one says he has made a mistake and strives to set an example for others to follow, that is commendable. But for one to say they have made a mistake and apologize for that behavior and continue down the path of ill-gotten habits, seems to run counter to what I think a "role-model" should be. It unfortunate that we as a society have created these idols have support them with ludicrous contracts that no reasonable person should even consider supporting. I certainly think that the media has played a huge role in the uprising fame and idol worship that some of these supestars carry with them. Many, if not most, let it go straight to their head which is truly a shame. But, as we've seen before, going back to the MP story of saying one thing and doing the other, maybe it's a mentality issue that only happens to those who have reached the pinnacle of "success". Sort of like those great superstars who say they "retire" only to found sitting in the next media spotlight with a bic pen in one hand and cigar in the other signing a grossly exaggerated contract! It's all about marketing and what sells is the hype that comes with the package. We as a society are foolish to follow such shinanigans.
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