Ideas That Can Change Lives Versus Ideas For Reality Shows That Exploit Children
Posted: Wednesday, June 16, 2010
by Fran Larson
http://www.franniesquotes.com/
Maybe you received this e-mail that is going around the globe. It read like this:
This is the new "wear your seat belt" ad the UK is doing - started by some
guy not hired to do it, but because the cause is important to him, he came
up with this idea, and now it's being hailed across the world as a beautiful commercial. ...And now the video has gone "viral." Click here to watch this amazing video.
I admire this commercial that the UK has put out. It had to begin as someone's idea someone's thoughts.
I have often wondered why individuals that are so clever at things that are questionable or immoral just to get money can't use their mind for the good things that could be discovered. For example, computer hackers, bank robbers and all kinds of scams are ways of getting money unfairly from others. It is ashamed that an individual's mind, such as these mentioned, can't work for something good.
The latest things individuals are using their "ideas" which have been cleverly planned are the want-to-be celebrities. We have all heard of the balloon boy and the party crashers. I saw on television yesterday a news clip about a nine-year-old girl who is capturing alligators. Her parents, who apparently are more concerned about the celebrity thing than her safety, taught this to her.
Just this week, we found out that Abby Sunderland was attempting to become the youngest sailor ever the circle the globe via the sea. Her very own parents put her in harm's way. Later we find out that there was a reality show that would feature this event.
The American Sailing Assn. was critical of the timing of a trip that placed Abby deep into the Indian Ocean when the Southern Hemisphere winter was at hand. Charlie Nobles, the ASA's executive director, acknowledged that storms could develop at any time in this inhospitable region. (grindtv.com) 16-year-old Abby hit rough seas and lost radio contact in the Indian Ocean. Thankfully, she was rescued from her disabled sailboat by a French fishing vessel. They ferried her to an island in the Indian Ocean.
It is my guess that we will see more and more of these money-hungry, wanna-be celebrities as time goes by. I just wish people like the Sunderlands would use their knowledge and cleverness to help the world be a better place. Maybe they could have made a commercial like the UK's Embrace This.
Norman Lear said, "It seems to me that any full grown, mature adult would have a desire to be responsible, to help where he can in a world that needs so very much, that threatens us so very much."
This Article has been viewed 63 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (10 total)Our country's obsession with celebrity is rather frightening. I hope that people start to shift their focus to more important things, although it does not seem likely.
I agree with you 100%. I think it is horrible what people will do these days to get on a reality show.
This kind of thing is not new however. There have been flagpole sitters and others who put themselves and others in harm's way to be famous.
What a moving article, Fran. I couldn't get into the video - you're right, it's gone viral! I'll try it later.I'm absolutely horrified horrified at what parents will put their children through for the sake of celebrity-ship. I'm equally appalled at the fact that people will want to watch these kind of shows. What a warped mentality.It does seem such a shame that people can't use their creativity etc. for good.
People goes much beyond for generating money by any means.. you cant stop their ideas, yea we can wish there should be something very clear format to get it learned something valuable..
Very Good Fran!
You are right, Fran, people will do anything for their 15 minutes of fame. Sadly, others are often hurt. Selfishness? or stupidity?
fran,well said. (of course that is not long enough to be considered a comment but...)i think your point was, well said!!bing
Fran well written as always, I watched the video and I was moved.
Very nice and thought proviking article.
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