Stars Burnout

I’m tired of people being famous for being famous. And I’m really finding it exhausting how our society chooses its idols.

Tonight on the Sci-Fi channel’s Extreme Championship Wrestling, WWE (which owns ECW) Chairman Vince McMahon served up a mea culpa regarding his company’s three-hour tribute to double-murder Chris Benoit, who committed suicide (possibly days after killing his wife and 7-year-old son) before Monday’s WWE “Raw” show. In that tribute, there was never a mention of the deaths being a double-homicide/suicide. Instead, it was just treated as a tragedy that was under investigation. And tonight, McMahon acknowledged that because details of the deaths have come into light, there would be no mention of “Mr. Benoit’s name” in the show, other than the announcement.

That would be an acceptable statement, however, there’s no way that he did not know that investigators immediately suspected a murder/suicide. Yet, the WWE continued on with its tribute and martyrdom of Benoit.

I understand that, with Benoit, many people lost a loved one, friend and inspiration. And hearing testimonials of how out of character these horrendous crimes were only adds to the perplexity of the case. Nonetheless, it was still inexcusable of the WWE to honor Benoit’s memory in that fashion, if there was reason to believe he committed the murders of his family.

My reasons for this blog tonight are not to speculate on ‘roid rage, the pro wrestling industry’s problems, or its exploitations. Rather, this sad and disturbing case, along with celebutard Paris Hilton being released from the county jail, got me thinking about values in this country.

When, if ever, will we stop putting so much emphasis on celebrity? I know it’s easier to click on a TV show dedicated to the lives of familiar and pretty people than it is to introduce oneself to original thoughts of an intellectual, humorist, or even a historian in another medium, like a book. But simple isn't always best.

I don’t want to limit my distaste of celebrity worship to heiresses or Hollywood. I think it needs to extend into other forms of entertainment, including sports.

Sure there are plenty good role models in sports, far more than the seemingly increasing number of bad apples, but why do we find it so important to put grown men playing games on such a high pedestal?

An example that comes to mind is Dale Earnhardt. Already one of the most popular NASCAR drivers in history, Earnhardt became a hero of mythical proportions after his death. -- Shrines, T-shirts, tattoos, babies’ names, local holidays, mustaches, etc., etc… But how many of his followers really know anything about the guy. Is it mostly image? Why is a dead racecar driver held is such a high regard? What did he cure? Who did he save? How have his ideas benefited mankind? – I think you get the point.

I know it might be ironic, or even hypocritical, for me to complain about entertainers being worshiped since, for the last eight years, I have worked in sports. However, anyone who knows me knows that I don’t take it too seriously. I know there’s more to life than catching balls and final scores. And I admit that what I do does little more than entertain fans (in a serious manner), but outside of my office doors, I like to think I focus on more important things.

Unfortunately, the trend of following the life of a worthless, rich girl will continue, as will the sensational story of a wrestler's murders committed and suicide. But at some point, our culture has to mature.