I was reading Maureen Ryan's (The Watcher for the Chicago Tribune) article about the passing of Steve Irwin.  At the end of her article (before the official press release) Maureen mentions that readers can share their thoughts on the passing of the Crocodile Hunter in the comments section.  As I started to read, I knew it was going to end badly.

Most start off very sweetly,  People posting how sad they are, how they feel for his wife and children or even children posting that Irwin was their idol.  It was great to see so many people who enjoyed all things Crocodile Hunter.

As many other forum/comment viewers know, it didn't take long for someone to make a comment about how he doesn't deserve any mourning because of what he did to his child awhile back.  She was referring to him bringing his child into the crocodile cage with him.  Holding the baby in one had and piece of dead chicken in the other, he feed the cage's captives.  This did not sit well with many people around the world... and agreeably so.  I'm am sure that isn't on the father-of-the-year ranking scale.

The comment section took a blaze with posts about how these people were stupid and how those people were stupid.  A flame war about a man's death.  Have we nothing better to do?

Despite his fatherhood skills, there are children around the world who loved watching his show.  Weather you liked him or not, everybody knows "Crickey."  He was able to make nature programming interesting again, despite your views on his methods.  The world lost someone who had left their deep and visible mark on it.  It is sad. death is sad.

I have made many mistakes in my life and I can only hope that when I exit stage right, my wife and children don't have to watch or read news about my mistakes as a father or husband.  I only wish I could offer that same courtesy to the Irwin family.

It is entirely possible to feel remorse over someone's passing while acknowledging their faults.  While I believe he should have never brought his son into the cage with him, I also believe it takes a very black heart to tell someone who is mourning the passing of the Crocodile Hunter that they are stupid.  A very, very black heart.


 
   

 


 
 
shiny on
Re: Fame has its flaws
When you die (and I hope it's still several hundred years down the road), I've decided that I'll write a moving tribute to you -- and focus on the grammatical error you made in the second sentence of your final paragraph. Sure, people will feel the need to mourn your loss -- but they are fools. Fools who do not recognize the sinister character you are, one whose subject and participle don't agree.

Good post.

-- S
chilly on
Re: Fame has its flaws
WOW!!  If you write that... then that means... I'M FAMOUS!!  w00t!
tattooedjen on
Re: Fame has its flaws
People are so crazy.  It's pathetic that they have nothing better to do.  And it's sad that people have so much anger in them.  My oldest brother (not on MindSay) and I were talking about that just the other day.  How we have disagreements with our significant others, but after an hour or two, everything's fine.  And it's over.  Because we can't hold grudges that long.  It's too much damn work.

But there are people out there *coughMOMcough* that just hold 'em and don't let go.
misterghoulie on
Re: Fame has its flaws
"Come back next week when I rape a cow, just for spite!"- Dane Cook as Steve Irwin.
A tragedy is a tragedy is a tragedy.  At least he went quickly.
arrrgylesocks on
Re: Fame has its flaws
Well written (well you know... with the exception of what Shiny pointed out).

Some people are just stoopid poopy heads who think too much of themselves and therefore must be a-holes. 

That's being said, his death was a tragic freak accident.  We haven't told the boy yet, as one of his favorite videos is "Wiggley Safari" featuring The Wiggles and Steve, Terry, and Bindi Irwin.  There is one song that is called "Crocodile Hunter (It's Steve Irwin)" that has been stuck in our heads for the past two days.   It's the only time I've ever watched him on TV - I've never seen any of his other shows.  I spent yesterday trying to avoid letting Av see the computer screen when I was reading the news, or watching/listening to the news.  Because I knew he'd be like "That's Steve Irwin! Why is he on your computer Mommy?" and I really didn't want to get into explaining another death to him, because that would lead to another meaningful moving blog, which would lead to some grown-up man tears of some readers.

I am wondering about one thing - when was the last time you saw this much worldwide outpouring of grief for a celebrity?  With all these columns and TV specials and blogs and reader comments?  Just something I noticed.

...socKs.
chilly on
Re: Fame has its flaws
We don't need anymore grown-up man tears.

Your right... I'm not sure when was the last time that I've seen this much outpouring.  I'm glad you mentioned it, because now I notice it as well.  As a whole as well, most everyone I know (work, friends and family) all knew of him and while they wouldn't watch his show regularly, they enjoyed it when it was on.  I just think he really brought nature shows, educational shows and family shows into a big pot and mixed it up.  Then served it on a platter that everyone could watch and enjoy.  I do believe family entertainment is hard to come by.  If it is really good for children, it can be boring for adults.  His show was really something everyone could watch and be entertained.

While Steve Irwin has paved the way for others, Jeff Corwin comes to mind, The Crocodile Hunters place is empty.  There really isn't anyone with that much energy and excitement that he managed to bring to all of his shows.

Anyways, I would be interested to hear how you go about letting Av know about his passing.  I just wonder how that will be since we will continue to see Steve Irwin on TV for awhile.  Just wonder how the child mind understand death and TV.

Thanks for the reply!
sandyquill on
Re: Fame has its flaws
Fame has its drawbacks. Totally. Any other guy could have just passed away without people second-guessing his every move, motive, and moment.  And his family could mourn in peace.

I remember as a kid I never wanted to be "rich and famous." Just rich. "Famous" always means people are judging everything you do without all the information at their disposal that you have.

No, no one has anything better to do with their time than to snipe at each other.  Pity them. For far too many, the only fame they'll ever have is in the negative emotions they inspire in others.
chilly on
Re: Fame has its flaws
I'm with you...  I'll be happy being rich and would gladly hand off the "famous" to someone else.

Although, when you see the pictures of a famous person all glitzed up and smiling.  Hundreds of photographers taking their picture.  It does look appealing.  It is when you look at the tabloids you realize it isn't.

 
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