Morality? What's That?

We really are a nation that has lost its way. We have become enslaved to our entertainment: our television, the computer, sports. By "enslaved", I mean that we are so infatuated by and so dedicated to the entertainment mediums that they have become what is most important in our lives. Heaven forbid that we miss the next episode of "24". But, that will be OK if we remember to set the DVR ahead of time (we can't plan our future beyond next week financially, but we will remember to set the DVR!). We are so embroiled in the escapism that is embodied in our entertainment that we have started to accept the soap opera morality portrayed by the story lines as our own. We now consider the absurd behavior of actors and athletes as something to be overlooked. "That is just how celebrities act". We excuse adultery, alcohol and drug use, criminal behavior; all because of their status.

Over the last week we have been inundated with a media deluge on the subject of Michael Jackson. It has been impossible to pick up a newspaper, turn on the radio of television or check a news website without stories about the death of Michael Jackson. I will be the first to admit that he was an icon in the music world. He was extremely talented and a great performer. However, has everyone forgotten the whole "touching kids inappropriately" thing? The only mention I heard (and I will grant that I did not hear much; I kept turning it off) was one reporter slipping in that "he did have his demons" into the midst of his fawning. But for Michael, that is OK. No one holds it against him, or even thinks it should be mentioned. Because he is a celebrity, and under the pressure of the public spotlight, irrational, immoral and criminal behavior is overlooked.

The biggest story from the sports world of the last week was the shooting death of Steve McNair; the former NFL quarterback of the Titans and Ravens. Once again, a tremendously talented individual and a real star in the NFL with great accomplishments. His death is a tragedy. But, amidst all the reminiscing about his feats and skill, everyone seems to be glossing over the circumstances of his death. He was killed along with (and possibly by) his girlfriend. The problem? He was Married! With four sons! He was in the middle of an adulterous affair with a women 14 years younger then himself that had apparently been going on for some time. He had purchased cars for her; paid for her condo; went on vacations together. But no one is willing to stand up and say "his actions and behavior were wrong and probably lead to his death". So far the only thing I have seen that criticizes him at all was Fox Sports columnist Jason Whitlock: and he refused to be a "sanctimonious moralizer". He sees nothing wrong with the affair (he does not know the state of their marriage or what "agreement" they may have), and seems to condone the chasing of younger women. His complaint against McNair, and a very valid one, is the obvious neglect of his children and the harm he has caused them.

Death at such young ages, 50 and 34, is always a tragedy. Especially when it comes as unexpectedly as these did. These men had families and children that I am sure grieve for them, and I mourn for their loss. But we cannot excuse their behavior because of their position. In fact, it should be the opposite. We used to hold these type of people to a higher standard. They were role models that we were happy to have our children look up to. Now we use them as an example of how not to act. At least, I hope we do....