Sometimes I laugh at the sensationalism that’s put before the actual news going on in our world.
People are losing jobs, the economy is in turmoil and Mother Nature hints every day the earthlings are pissing her off.
Yet, every time I turn on the television, I’m always bombarded with celebrity gossip and their ever-so-tired scandals.
One scandal still making headlines to this day is the Tiger Woods scandal.
We know he slept with almost a dozen women and we know he’s admitted himself to rehab for sexual addiction somewhere in Mississippi.
Woods was the golden boy who could never do wrong in the eyes of Americans. You never heard anything but positive comments about him when others spoke of him.
Woods was the ideal guy every boy or man wanted to be.
He inspired movements where young people chanted “I Am Tiger Woods” in Nike promotions.
Woods popularity instantly earned him the “role model” card.
Should someone at the height of their success be considered a role model? That’s arguable.
I feel whenever an athlete or celebrity makes it to a certain status they’re instantly labeled a role model.
One thing I can’t stand with the American public is how celebrities are put under the microscope, and, with every move they make, people watch.
What for?
This man popularized a sport people didn’t care about more than 20 years ago and the media targeted him because he was a squeaky clean individual without skeletons.
Personally, I feel the label of a role model isn’t fair because you have to live up to others expectations and face criticism when things don’t go right.
People may say he chose this lifestyle so he has to deal with the scrutiny.
We all know the wrongs Woods committed but, the question at hand is, is it any of our business?
I’d have to say absolutely not.
Americans get wrapped up in others scandals they forget what’s going on in their own closet.
I get so tired of hearing he owes his fans and those who look up to him an apology.
Reality check — he doesn’t owe us anything.
When the balls stop flying on the course and him spending time with his family on his own time, I certainly don’t think about him.
He broke his vows and the only people he has answer to are his wife, his kids and the big JC up above.
I’m in no way condoning adultery, but, if I were Woods, I would have told reporters and anyone critical of me to mind their business.
I think people should allow him to deal with his problems instead of prying for exclusive interviews or talking to these slutty mistresses just to earn ratings.
Had this been the average Joe from around the block, no one would care. They’d be too busy talking how his wife was a fool for staying instead of warning her.
I don’t understand how many Americans like to crucify people instead of acknowledging they’re human nature.
Everyone isn’t perfect but there’s always room for forgiveness.
You can’t get mad at someone you idolize when they make mistakes.
People do things all the time that are disappointing but eventually you’ll get over it.
This is only part of the common sense America lacks.
If you have to rely on someone famous to be a role model for you or your child, you’re stupid.
Being a role model starts with you and evoking confidence into yourself.
Do things that make you happy and memorable for your character.
It’s OK to admire someone, but you have to know what glitters isn’t always gold.
By C.J. DANIELS
Editor
chdaniel@umail.iu.edu