I am a notorious hero-worshipper. I am always excited to see some celebrity in person and have seen a few in my time - - from presidents to pugilists and movie stars to musicians. This is a part of American life and, I am certain for most of the world. We cluster around the stage to touch the hand of Jay Leno on the Tonight Show; stand in long lines for tickets to our favorite concerts and, as portrayed in an earlier entry, crowd in with over 2 million to watch our president’s inaugural ceremony. But, with that given, we should all be cautious in our worship. These people are humans just like we are. They make mistakes, they have problems, they lose their tempers and get into trouble, sometimes serious trouble.
Every daily newspaper or TV news show has at least one story about a celebrity that has a problem or is in some kind of trouble. Our heroes are often featured in career crushing incidents or escapades. Government nominees are revealed to be less than what we expected; governors and other politicos are involved in scandals or outright criminal acts; sports figures are listed in altercations with police, other competitors or the public; DUIs are common.
In recent years we have read of the problems of baseball stars such as Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, and others. Football and basketball have their rebellious sons make the news with alcohol, domestic abuse and/or animal abuse and serious problems. Hockey players have been charged with criminal assault (isn’t that just normal play?). Well, let’s just say that our disappointment covers those in all fields of endeavor.
I am not so sure we should totally forgive all of these celebrities. After all, most of them owe their wealth and fame to the fascination of their fans, be it politics, sports or whatever. Most of them are possible role models for the youth of our country. They and their actions are imitated and mirrored by the young, so it was sad to read of the stumble by Michael Phelps the Olympic Champ, who has been touted all over the place for his great ethical training methods and his devotion to his sport. Now we find him toking on weed. Michael, I know you are young and enjoying your new wealth and fame - - - but stop and think, lad, I am
Just sayin’
I have known so many tokers that I am not really disappointed in him for this decision. I think it was really stupid of him.. but I'm not full of the antagonism that seems to be coming out because of it. My annoyance is that any actor or singer can toke and it's whatever.. but weed will directly affect his performance in swimming which is what he's famous for. How much more stupid can you get? Then, upon reading about this, they mention some DUI that he had in the past. I dislike how every newspaper dredges up all past sins .. but DUI's are on my zero tolerance list. I was yelling my butt off at that tv when the Olympics came around.. and he's been getting high and driving drunk in his off season. Sad. When will people learn different ways to deal with stress?
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ReplyDeleteI remember right after the olympics, there was some interview while he was in Las Vegas...reported that he was at parties with the Paris Hiltons of the world and I thought...oh sweetie, you can do so much better...be careful.
ReplyDeleteThen, he said that he wanted to become a professional poker player.
???
I mean, if that's your dream, then go for it. But I just remember thinking...oh dear. And hoping he wouldn't get sucked up into the whole thing.
His poor mom. And poor Michael when he had to talk with his mom.
You are so right. Michael, or his PR agent, has apologized for his behavior. That's a start, but he apologized for a DUI several years ago as well. Life experience awaits and hopefully it will be used to shape his future behavior. Choosing his close friends carefully would be the best start.
ReplyDeleteDr. K. Earle Cochrane said...
ReplyDeleteFame and/or sudden wealth is hard to handle for the young. We have 20 yr. old millionaires in basketball and football. Such salaries and bonuses are way out of line. Can you imagine how a poor lad from the backwoods would be tempted with so much? There needs to be a policy of guidance and restraint in our sports world. If Michael had a close teacher or agent with proper credentials to guide him he would not be in this mess. A good example is the Manning brothers in football, Peyton and Eli. Taught from their early success and closely protected by family and agents.
2/4/09 10:38 PM
My first comment above has been deleted and reposted today with editing. It is the only way one can correct a mistake in a comment.:)
ReplyDeletere: "If Michael had a close teacher or agent with proper credentials to guide him he would not be in this mess." from above...
ReplyDeleteWho's to say he doesn't and hasn't had a close teacher, or otherwise? Even people who have been taught proper ways still are free to choose what they will. Can't always blame the person who taught them, because that person (teacher or otherwise person in position to teach proper things) will not always be around them 24/7. Someday they'll have to take responsibility for what they say and do, even if they want to say, "Well, I wasn't taught better!", or "I didn't know!"
"Hogwash!", I say. In today's world, the finger is easy to point in every other direction but to the person who's doing or saying the stupid thing.
I'm just sayin'. :)
You are correct, Karilyn. What I should have said is that "he might not be in this mess." I believe that early teaching and behavior is a great influence on one's character. But, the bottom line is that each person, as an adult, is responsible for his/her actions. I don't think Michael blamed others for his present problems. He knows he made a big mistake. But will he learn from it?
ReplyDeletewill he? We can only hope, because other than this, he's a pretty grand young man!
ReplyDeleteAnd even a person's early teachings can be ignored and forgotten about, it would seem. I don't think the kid is addicted, though, because he was "clean" during the Olympics, when the officials were taking unannounced occasional tests, so, my money is on the kid, he's going to be okay.
Good picture of him on here, by the way, you get some great photos!