Higher Standards for Public Figures
We're approaching Week 3 in the 2014 NFL season, but football talk has taken a back seat to discussions about assault, spousal abuse and child abuse. The reaction to these acts has been very strong and very loud - and very overdue.
The NFL has been very slow to realize that the players they employ are public figures, and as such, need to be held to the highest standards of societal conduct. The fact that they are at a great disadvantage should not, and should never have deterred them from doing the right thing. It's no secret that the NFL is the most vaunted sports league in the world, with incredible public interest, and billions of dollars being poured in annually. That does not detract from the fact that a number ofthose people who are the object of adulation on a weekly basis are highly defective characters. They were the best athlete in the neighborhood from a very early age. They were the star player in high school, and then Big Men on Campus in college. A great number probably never had to do their homework. Most of them got all the female attention that they desired. Few had to put their hand in their pockets to pay for anything. And of course, if you crossed them, you were probably met with a fist in the jaw. Many of these men were never told, "Hey! Don't do that! That's wrong!". Of course, there are many examples of exemplary individuals who play in the NFL, and sport in general. And a whole lot have learned to deal with the realities of life without making others suffer. Still, there are a great number who use logic to run their lives. All the better for them, and us. In any event, the NFL has their work cut out for them.
It's not just the NFL that needs to be addressed. There is a disproportionate number of socially defective people in public life, from sports to entertainment to politics, and they are being given a pass, until they hurt themselves or someone else. The NFL is getting the attention now because of this wave of publicity.
Adrian Peterson is the best running back in the NFL. As a Vikings fan, it frustrates me that my season is probably going to bring another top 10 pick. But he will be forgotten in a couple of years, because despite his tremendous talent, it is fleeting. And that's the lesson that these players need to have drummed into their heads. They're not "all that" forever, and they are serving as an example to society while they stand in the spotlight, because there are people that adore them, if even for a couple of years. They must hold themselves to a higher standard.
In Chapter 20 in the Book of Numbers, Moses is told by G-d to speak to the rock so that it will bear water for the people to drink. Rather than talk to the rock, hestrikes the rock with his staff. As punishment, he was barred by G-d from entering the Holy Land. He led the Israelites through the desert for 40 years, and was punished severely for a seemingly minor bit of insubordination. But this is the parable that fits for public figures.
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If they choose to be public figures, whether sports, entertainment, politics etc. They should be held to a higher standard. And the public should quit making excuses for the bad behavior.
Spot on Jon.
And if for anything else, this should put us all on warning, that this kind of behavior shouldn't be allowed by anyone.
May I point out, that this isn't a shock. Our value on athletes in particular has plagued college campuses for a very long time. I know of many cases, where girls have gone to the school only to be told not to pursue the case, since no one will believe them. The truth is, that the school values more, what these athletes bring into the school coffers than the justice due to the girls. A very interesting life lesson for both. The athletes go on to become what the NFL is dealing with now... and the girls go on to learn that they are expendable and should subjugate themselves to brutal men.
the Idea of this country was formeds on the premis of "Innocent until proven guilty" but with the advent of the Internet things have turned around and its now "guilty until you prove you are innocent"
We have become a society of judgemental people. I personally think its sad that those in the public eye have tobe very careful in expressing their opinions about certain topics. There is always some one who is watching every word in hopes of being able to say "So and So said this so that makes them a bigot or a racist. just look at most of the articles that are seeded even here on NT. Maybe it just makes some people feel more important to out or find something some one in the public eye says that they can find offensive. What it all boils down to is if you are in the publics eye then say what we want to hear or suffer our wrath....just how fair is that?
Agreed, and for that matter this shouldn't be accepted by anyone. It is crime to attack a person. End of subject.
LR,
OK, watch the video and tell me how you excuse knocking out a person? What would you do if you saw this on the street? Give them a pass or report them to the police?
Responsibility, Kavika. Responsibility.
It's not a free ride.
This is the nature of the NFL's challenge. Their inventory comes from a place that enables these people. No matter how "normal" they were before they got to college, the campus environment encourages them to act badly.
When "regular" folks leave the nest to go to an out of town college, they tend to get a little out of hand to begin with. Some of them can't follow through on the 4 year commitment because of that environment. How much more so for these athletes who are hoisted on pedestals? Some are truly convinced that they are exempt from socially/legally acceptable behavior.
Perrie,
I've said nothing about anyone being above the law. My point is that we have become a way too judgmental group of people, hanging on every word spoken in hopes of finding fault in others. If they are in the publics eye all the better. a classic example of what I'm saying is just the other day an article was seeded about a young person running for office who tweeted the word "Fag" In the comments made two of the people commenting and putting him down for the use of the word used the words retard to describe things......that to me is a double standard or a "do as I say and not as I do" mentality....
Why should Adrian Peterson lose his job if someone working in, say, an insurance office , who had the same allegations against him,would not?
Because Adrian Peterson is an NFL player. He is a public figure, whether he likes it or not. My thesis is that he should be held to a higher standard, because of his stature as a public figure. As I wrote in the article, these people are the subject of adulation from children and adults alike. They must be held more accountable, and conduct themselves in a manner that would complete them as people worthy of adulation.
"...and conduct themselves in a manner that would complete them as people worthy of adulation."....but then who decides exactly what is worthy of adulation.? You? is your view of worthiness any more important than Johns? Like I said by holding public figure to a higher standard than ourselves we become judgmental.....
BTW too many judges and not enough judgees makes for a sorry society.....
LR,
I wrote this article, so it's my opinion. I have no special authority or power to make any of the decisions you speak of, but I think I put enough out there to engage us all in the exploration of our own opinions.
The premise of my thesis is that public figures, whether they like it or not, are the subject of adulation and scrutiny. Athletes that sell us protein bars, energy drinks and the clothes we wear to work out in are purveying an IMAGE. Now, that image can be real, or it can be illusory. So, here are some questions, based upon my article, which is, as I said before, my opinion. I hope you can answer them, and include your context.
If a guy that sells me fitness products gets busted for drugs, is that my business?
How does that arrest affect my opinion of him?
How does that arrest affect my opinion of the product?
Was the athlete being honest when he endorsed the product, knowing that he was going to use drugs?
Is there some kind of breach of trust when an athlete endorses a health product, but uses drugs?
Now, these are not questions that deal with crimes with victims, because I feel that in those instances, the wrongdoing is more clear cut.
I'm trying not to opine on the Peterson instance, as I am a Vikings fan. I feel a loss of objectivity. But pictures of the child's legs were on the internet. It's not a pretty picture, John.
If people in the public eye would be subject to losing their positions every time they set a bad example, there would be few entertainers, politicians or athletes left.
OR
If people in the public eye would be subject to losing their positions every time they set a bad example, THEY'D BE FAR LESS INCLINED TO ACT IN SUCH A MANNER.
How 'bout that?
"If a guy that sells me fitness products gets busted for drugs, is that my business?" this is a world of buyer beware,...are you telling me you need some one to hold your hand when buying something. I do not need to know who all has been arrested for a DUI to decide whether or not to buy a certain alcoholic beverage.
How does that arrest affect my opinion of him?,..its your opinion and yours alone, just as my Opinion is mine
How does that arrest affect my opinion of the product? again you are asking me to tell you how you think,..its your opinion
Was the athlete being honest when he endorsed the product, knowing that he was going to use drugs? when I purchase any product for what ever reason I have never I say NEVER asked myself what the person in the commercial was thinking when I bought the item. I use the if I need or want it I buy it theory...
Is there some kind of breach of trust when an athlete endorses a health product, but uses drugs? if you need another person to tell you what you need to buy do you really need it? again the sales persons habits are irrelevant to my needs or purchases...
Thank you for your answers.
I guess I take things to heart more than you do.
so you would or did stop riding a bicycle because Armstrong was using dope to win????
Interesting example.
I tossed my Livestrong bracelet. I found a different charity to give my money to. I'm not aware of which bicycle he endorses, which partially dovetails into your earlier response.
To broadly answer your question, I did act upon that.
not trying to pick a fight....
"I found a different charity to give my money to" so do you say the charity is now suffering because of Armstrong action or are they suffering the lose because of your judgmental ignorance?
If you're not trying to pick a fight, you wouldn't give me 2 lousy responses to choose from. So since you're not, I'll give you my answer:
One of the premises of Livestrong is that you can come from a near-death battle with a disease, and come back to be a champion. Not just a champion, but a champion of epic proportion. Oh, and BTW, you'll actually have to cheat to gain that status. Had he merely competed over the next several years, faring in a respectable manner, that would have been enoughof a message to those who battle disease, and those who SUPPORT that battle.
Jonathan,...my point is or was I don't and won't let one persons actions dictate what I think or do. to let this happen is nothing short of ignorance....
You are kind of missing the point LR.
It what we find acceptable behavior as a society.
When you are in a store, and you hear some lady cursing her head off at a kid and whacking the hell out of it, don't you make a judgement. If you say that you don't, then there is something wrong with you, because we all do.
I won't see Woody Allen movies because he is a pedophile in my books. I won't see a Mel Gibson movie, because he is a bigot. I put my money where my mouth is at. And a man who beats a woman doesn't deserve to be a role model, unless you are advocating for that.
Of course not... it's not the bicycle manufacturer's fault. How about the fact that Armstrong lost all his endorsements because he cheated. Do you support cheaters?
There is a fundamental difference between Peterson and Allen or is that neither of them committed a crime, which Peterson did... assault.
Also, what we are talking about is institutionalized acceptance of bad behavior that goes from high school, through college and into pro because they are stars and feel entitled to behave this way, since they are never disciplined because the school wants to win, and winning is all that matters.
"You are kind of missing the point LR." I DON'T THINK SO.
"It what we find acceptable behavior as a society." Just who determines what is acceptable behavior? and just what is acceptable behavior?
"When you are in a store, and you hear some lady cursing her head off at a kid and whacking the hell out of it, don't you make a judgement. If you say that you don't, then there is something wrong with you, because we all do." it would be the store owners responsibility as to what conduct he or she would allow in their place of business. NOT mine. I would imagine depending on the severity of the whacking as to whether or not LEO were called.
"I won't see Woody Allen movies because he is a pedophile in my books. I won't see a Mel Gibson movie, because he is a bigot. I put my money where my mouth is at. And a man who beats a woman doesn't deserve to be a role model, unless you are advocating for that." again I say "I don't and won't let one persons actions dictate what I think or do. to let this happen is nothing short of ignorance....
special note,....there are exceptions to every rule, and Hanoi Jane is my exception or Achilles heal
Spygate, LOLOL, those sneaky Pat's...They don't even make good spys, traitors the lot of them.