Inequality in Death
I want to start by saying that the sudden and unexpected loss of any life is tragic; the heartbreak and sorrow left behind can devastate a family forever.
What I want to address here is the inequality in grieving those who are tragically taken from us. The world places more emphasis on the loss of those who are rich or famous, and they are in the spotlight for days, or even weeks when they pass away. Although they deserve to be remembered, and their loss is traumatic for their family and friends, the attention given to these losses by the media is inequitable in comparison to other losses.
It's true that much of the overabundance in media coverage is due to the fact that the families of the rich and famous can afford to pay for large televised tributes to their loved ones. Not to be outdone, or to appear uncaring, networks produce their own tributes that cover every aspect of their lives. In the process the public gets caught up in the media frenzy making the events larger than life.
When we lose members of our military, police officers, fire fighters, emergency medical workers and others who serve our countries, their families and local communities honor them with services and tributes, and they may be mentioned for a day or two by the national media. After that we never hear another word; no televised tributes to their lives, no worldwide mourning for their loss, nothing that plays out for days and weeks.
It's honorable to show respect for one who has departed; to let families know we feel compassion for their sadness and grief. However, the media coverage should not be limited to only those who are well known.
It doesn't matter if you are rich, poor, famous, or an everyday citizen; every loss of life is tragic. If we are going to acknowledge a person's accomplishments and contributions, then we need to do this for everyone - not just for those who have a recognizable name. Share the media coverage equally; give air time to someone who is not rich or famous as well.
What I want to address here is the inequality in grieving those who are tragically taken from us. The world places more emphasis on the loss of those who are rich or famous, and they are in the spotlight for days, or even weeks when they pass away. Although they deserve to be remembered, and their loss is traumatic for their family and friends, the attention given to these losses by the media is inequitable in comparison to other losses.
It's true that much of the overabundance in media coverage is due to the fact that the families of the rich and famous can afford to pay for large televised tributes to their loved ones. Not to be outdone, or to appear uncaring, networks produce their own tributes that cover every aspect of their lives. In the process the public gets caught up in the media frenzy making the events larger than life.
When we lose members of our military, police officers, fire fighters, emergency medical workers and others who serve our countries, their families and local communities honor them with services and tributes, and they may be mentioned for a day or two by the national media. After that we never hear another word; no televised tributes to their lives, no worldwide mourning for their loss, nothing that plays out for days and weeks.
It's honorable to show respect for one who has departed; to let families know we feel compassion for their sadness and grief. However, the media coverage should not be limited to only those who are well known.
It doesn't matter if you are rich, poor, famous, or an everyday citizen; every loss of life is tragic. If we are going to acknowledge a person's accomplishments and contributions, then we need to do this for everyone - not just for those who have a recognizable name. Share the media coverage equally; give air time to someone who is not rich or famous as well.
Whether your contributions in life are on a larger scale, or many small things in your own community, every life is important and every loss of life tragic. Each one should be celebrated equally.
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