Spring Break
Celebrities' bad decisions can teach us something
Craig Bidiman
Issue date: 2/20/09 Section: Forum
Chris Brown hit Rihanna. Alex Rodriguez took steroids.
Michael Phelps took a bong hit. Joaquin Phoenix went crazy.
Big surprise, Hollywood!
In the last few weeks, there has been a media frenzy of celebrities who have made decisions that will forever alter their legacy. After all, it is human nature to make a bad decision once in a while, but when celebrities make a bad decision, it is multiplied tenfold due to the overwhelming influence of the media on our culture.
Sure, I am quite the media guru, but when it comes down to it, I don't possess the necessary connections to cover such top-shelf stories such as these. So instead, I would like to diverge myself to the world analyzing why these celebrities do the things they do when they ultimately have a major public image and influence to maintain.
When R&B artist Rihanna, 20, cancelled her scheduled performance at the Grammys last week, much speculation was in the air as to why she made this decision. Then news surfaced that R&B artist Chris Brown, 19, admitted to assaulting Rihanna, who he had been dating. Hey Chris, what does it feel like to virtually have your career ended at 19? Better watch out for Jay-Z.
Ultimately, this is a part of a much bigger issue. Why would any man assault a woman? Regardless of anger, fear or whatever parameter is involved, there is no excuse for this sort of action, especially when the public eye is always straining on your every move. If Facebook bumper stickers are any indication, this guy will never see the success he once reaped in before his crime-free days.
In the world of sports, two names ring more bells than Quasimodo: Alex Rodriguez and Michael Phelps.
First stop: A-Rod. We understand that being able to hit a ball really far is quite pivotal in the game, but when many baseball players are being scrutinized and banned from the game for their use of illegal substances, what made A-Rod think he was able to get away with it?
Michael Phelps took a bong hit. Joaquin Phoenix went crazy.
Big surprise, Hollywood!
In the last few weeks, there has been a media frenzy of celebrities who have made decisions that will forever alter their legacy. After all, it is human nature to make a bad decision once in a while, but when celebrities make a bad decision, it is multiplied tenfold due to the overwhelming influence of the media on our culture.
Sure, I am quite the media guru, but when it comes down to it, I don't possess the necessary connections to cover such top-shelf stories such as these. So instead, I would like to diverge myself to the world analyzing why these celebrities do the things they do when they ultimately have a major public image and influence to maintain.
When R&B artist Rihanna, 20, cancelled her scheduled performance at the Grammys last week, much speculation was in the air as to why she made this decision. Then news surfaced that R&B artist Chris Brown, 19, admitted to assaulting Rihanna, who he had been dating. Hey Chris, what does it feel like to virtually have your career ended at 19? Better watch out for Jay-Z.
Ultimately, this is a part of a much bigger issue. Why would any man assault a woman? Regardless of anger, fear or whatever parameter is involved, there is no excuse for this sort of action, especially when the public eye is always straining on your every move. If Facebook bumper stickers are any indication, this guy will never see the success he once reaped in before his crime-free days.
In the world of sports, two names ring more bells than Quasimodo: Alex Rodriguez and Michael Phelps.
First stop: A-Rod. We understand that being able to hit a ball really far is quite pivotal in the game, but when many baseball players are being scrutinized and banned from the game for their use of illegal substances, what made A-Rod think he was able to get away with it?
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