Spring Break
The media circus is one show I won't be attending
Christopher Woolf
Issue date: 4/11/07 Section: Opinion
Do you know what really boils my blood? The scandal-mongering, celebrity-obsessed media! They are slowly destroying the honorable values and intentions of journalism. I must admit that I'm rather conflicted: it's not that I don't understand the media's insatiable desire for the bizarre, celebrity-driven dramas, I'm more upset that so many journalists have been reckless in their craft.
Quite possibly the worst offender in all of this is Geraldo Rivera, host of Fox's now-canceled Geraldo at Large. This program, coupled with Rivera's previous shows, served as a prime example of the tabloid-driven news environment of today that has been masked and paraded as "real" news.
Some years earlier, Rivera broke a story involving the death certificate of Robert Reed, the actor who portrayed Mike Brady on "The Brady Bunch". Rivera touted Reed's death certificate and revealed to everyone that the colorectal cancer that led to the actor's death was caused by presence of HIV. While it is true the actor was HIV-positive, there is at best a disputed link between the two conditions. Rivera only succeeded in further stigmatizing the presence of HIV and AIDS in the entertainment industry, as well as to tarnish the reputation of a deceased man who could mount no retaliation.
Rivera's (arguably) worst mistake came in 2003 during his tenure as a war correspondent in Iraq. He disclosed details of an upcoming operation, even going so far as to sketch a map in the sand for his audience. The military immediately condemned his actions, resulting in a near-expulsion from the region.
Now, it may seem hypocritical for a Journalism major to attack a sensationalist media in a sensationalist article, but there are subtle differences. One should remember that the thoughts expressed here are my own opinion and open for debate. I would encourage anyone with an opposing viewpoint to come forward and speak their mind. It is only through the free forum of ideas that we will know the "ultimate" truth; a truth steeped in objectivity and sound reasoning.
Quite possibly the worst offender in all of this is Geraldo Rivera, host of Fox's now-canceled Geraldo at Large. This program, coupled with Rivera's previous shows, served as a prime example of the tabloid-driven news environment of today that has been masked and paraded as "real" news.
Some years earlier, Rivera broke a story involving the death certificate of Robert Reed, the actor who portrayed Mike Brady on "The Brady Bunch". Rivera touted Reed's death certificate and revealed to everyone that the colorectal cancer that led to the actor's death was caused by presence of HIV. While it is true the actor was HIV-positive, there is at best a disputed link between the two conditions. Rivera only succeeded in further stigmatizing the presence of HIV and AIDS in the entertainment industry, as well as to tarnish the reputation of a deceased man who could mount no retaliation.
Rivera's (arguably) worst mistake came in 2003 during his tenure as a war correspondent in Iraq. He disclosed details of an upcoming operation, even going so far as to sketch a map in the sand for his audience. The military immediately condemned his actions, resulting in a near-expulsion from the region.
Now, it may seem hypocritical for a Journalism major to attack a sensationalist media in a sensationalist article, but there are subtle differences. One should remember that the thoughts expressed here are my own opinion and open for debate. I would encourage anyone with an opposing viewpoint to come forward and speak their mind. It is only through the free forum of ideas that we will know the "ultimate" truth; a truth steeped in objectivity and sound reasoning.
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nirmalnihangs
Nirmal Singh
posted 8/21/07 @ 11:53 AM EST
I agree. i dont find this bizarre attention seeking act from celebs/media the least bit entertaining. actually, it makes me give less of a d..n about the celebrities, and makes me want to read more and more about unsung heros who tried to do genuiine good for tohers, such as Bhagat Puran Singh (no relation) who worked for many years caring for homeless cripples, leading a life of sheer simplicty, only carying a few posessions, and carring and crippled boy who was even incontinent on his back whilst he cared for others. (Continued…)
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