by Yannick Dyer

Created on: February 21, 2010

I would imagine being a famous person has its benefits, as well as its drawbacks.  The fact that you are a celebrity worth millions with a household name can give the elevated status in society that many people would envy to have.  However, the cons of being such a popular person involve lack of privacy and magnification of long awaited missteps and mistakes.  Tiger Woods was long known for his clean-cut, "family man" professional image that accompanied his great golf performances.  In fact he was a little too "clean" for some people and when the news broke about his infidelity, it scattered like wildfire.  This is mainly because of the media, who plays a big role in the destruction of famous people's lives (i.e. the late Michael Jackson).  Television news programs, gossip shows and tabloid magazines feast on these celebrities lives and air their dirty laundry in the most disgusting manner. In these days of fast-paced information and high-technology, trivial scandals become a big distraction in a world filled with serious matters that should hold much higher importance.

Whatever happened that led to the early-morning car crash should be kept between Tiger and his wife.  He does not owe us an explanation.  I repeat he does NOT owe us an explanation.  The main important thing is that nobody was seriously injured.  I cannot understand the media's obsession with someone's personal life.  These celebrities are people just like you and I.  We would not want cameras invading our driveways every time we leave and enter our homes.  We would not want people saying negative things about our families.   So why should we feel entitled to know what is happening in Tiger Woods's family?  Why should we demand an explanation for something that did not involve us in the first place?   Is it a valid notion to say that some people find solace in another person's downfall? I would imagine some of the most fascinated people with this scandal are the ones who cannot even enjoy happiness in their own lives and marriages.

I am sure there will come a day when Tiger will be pressured into revealing more information from his past transgressions and ultimately what occurred during the morning of the crash.  Would I think less of him if he chooses NOT to reveal those private matters?  Absolutely not.   There is no obligation for Mr. Woods to disclose discreet information with the public. 

Once we as a society can get past the infatuation of gossip and scandal, then I think we would be better off.

Learn more about this author, Yannick Dyer.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.