Am I the only one out there who found the media coverage of Whitney Houston’s death and funeral excessive? CNN covered her funeral all day yesterday. And then proceeded to air more specials throughout the evening. All week long – in a world filled with heartbreak, wars, the slaughter of innocent citizens, people desperately trying to survive – the lead story was Whitney Houston.
I don’t remember a head of state getting this much attention.
I, like so many, loved her extraordinary singing voice. I own some of her CDs. She was blessed with incredible talent. She could sing like an angel. But she had serious addictions that sent her into a downward spiral. That is what makes the media obsessed with her. There is something disturbing here; the morbid fascination our society seems to have with those celebrities who seemingly have it all and then crash and burn. It’s as if we get a sort of sick pleasure from watching someone else fall.
Her death was untimely. She was far too young. I feel for her daughter who has lost the mother she adored. But I wonder? If she had lived an addiction-free life, had made better choices, had simply kept performing with no need for tabloid coverage of her problems, would the media be covering her death and funeral with quite the same fervor? I doubt it.
The same thing happened with Michael Jackson’s untimely death. I suppose the same thing happened with Marilyn Monroe, although we didn’t have 24/7 cable channels then. We seem to love nothing more than reading and hearing about a fall from grace. Does it make us feel superior? I don’t know. But I find the media’s obsession very disturbing.
This, and so much more, is why I very rarely watch 24 hour news channels anymore. Give me PBS, NPR or the BBC; news organizations who acknowledge that there is a world out there beyond our little corner of it.
What are your thoughts?
I agree. We don’t even have a television to watch because of all the commercials and news. I prefer to not hear it.
Why is it we idolize such people? Of course she was a beautiful singer and her death was tragic but why idolize these sick people? Tragic.
xoxo,
Connie
I was gone most of yesterday but no worries, I didn’t miss anything because it was all that was on tv last night. She was beautiful and had an amazing voice. But it is time to move on. So many other things to talk about. Wish they would concentrate on “good things” more. (The media)
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I didn’t watch any of it. She was a great singer when she was younger and not drug addicted. Why does our country celebrate these performers with so much energy? Drugs and alcohol can kill. And in this case it probably did.
AMEN!!!
I agree. I was also surprised at the four hour ceremony at the church, where it was evident to me that some of the religious leaders were using her death as a platform. FOUR HOURS?..
I loved Whitney’s talent, and regardless of the reckless way she ended up wasting her life and all it’s potential, it is a tragedy. Not all the riches, nor caring family, could save her from her addictions and people who used her till the end.
The media makes these events a circus, and I don’t know what the answer is to that. Yes I do.. the public would have to stop watching, stop buying tabloids, stop buying into it, period. I don’t see that happening any time soon.
She was a troubled woman. One of many. They will not get this kind of “goodbye.” Some will die without anyone caring at all, or anyone there to even bury them. I did not see all this, because I rarely have my TV on. To me it is much like “reality TV.” A train wreck we cannot take our eyes from. That is terribly sad.
Brenda
Claudia, so well put, and much more eloquently then my outbursts of frustration at the way they have been portraying the poor woman.
I feel for her, and her family, this is tragic. But why is the subject relentlessly pursued by the news agencies?
Here in Canada we most likely have less coverage, but still it dominated the entire week.
I saw something on FB the first day, which put it all in perspective. There were two photos, one of Whitney Huston, and the other of a solder in the war who had recently been killed. He died a hero, he gave his life for our countries…and no one even mentioned his name. She was a celebrity, and there is a week long news flurry…enough said.
Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams
Oh, and just wanted to add. There are so many troubled people out there. An inch, a foot away from this. My ex-husband had acute alcohol poisoning last week. Had he not been in a clinical setting already, he probably would be dead. He is a brilliant doctor, but very troubled, as you know. Money and talent and intelligence will not save these people. Sad, but true.
Brenda
I think it’s because we believe ‘stars’ to be invincible and when they die, we have a difficult time dealing. .. I think that’s why we watch.
S
xo
I don’t watch the news or much TV because they obsess over just about anything. They will distort the truth or out and out lie for a story. The story is everything and getting famous for the story. People still believe what they hear on the news-bad decision.
Great post. My husband and I had this exact conversation yesterday. I didn’t watch any of the coverage for these very reason. If we continue to glorify these kind of deaths what hope do we have for the next generation wanting to live everyday, extraordinary lives. There was a time not too long ago when our heros were actually people we wanted our children to emmulate. I agree, Whitney Houstons death was tragic and I feel tremedous sadness for the sorrow her family is going through but I can’t image the media coverage can be helping them grieve. I think I would want privacy during such a devastating time. Is it only us as Americans who see this as an event worthy of an entire days coverage? Patty
I actually accomplished more than usual this past week. I believe it was due to nonstop coverage. So often, I mean to only watch one program, and the whole day passes before I know it!
I think the program content is a sad commentary — unless someone needing help from substance or domestic abuse saw it, related, and seeks help before they also became a statistic.
Makes you wonder if people are naturally obsessed or if the media’s obsessive coverage which leads to it. Kind of like the chicken and the egg…which came first. I make a point to avoid it all if possible.
Claudia, I think you express what many of us are feeling, if there was this much thought and attention given to her to help her through the addictions she had, maybe she’d still be alive. I fear that we are living in a generation that thrives from this sad, sick publicity obsessed way of life. Sitting here day after day mending my leg, I finally had to turn the television off and enjoy the quiet……
I shall remember Whitney for her beautiful voice, and pray for her lovely mother and daughter to heal.
Hugs,
Margaret B
xx
I think it might stem from Princess Diana’s death. The outpouring of grief from Brits took the press by surprise.
Now they want every high profile figure’s death to have that same intensity.
Which isn’t to say that there shouldn’t be grief.
Perhaps folks like Whitney and MJ get the attention because they had the talent and we wanted them to beat their addictions, their problems… We wanted them to win, in some way…
But then, I haven’t watched any of the coverage. My husband must’ve caught something because he was wondering why on earth Whitney would be seen as a heroic figure.
Good post and I agree. I purposely tuned to something else that was mindnumbing. I don’t agree with the half flag either, that should be reserved for the special, especially for those in the military that gave their lives for us.
She had such a beautiful voice and died so young.
But the glamorization and a 4 hour media event is really sad. About the only thing I saw was the Nancy Grace statements – that was a great example of how media has just gone overboard.
I have found over the past 15 or 20 years the media, and I do find the U.S. media seems to be the worse culprit, is so obsessed with celebrity & political scandal that it dominates the media for months sometimes years. This is the reason I no longer read People Magazine or watch Entertainment programs. We do not do this in Canada. Our news programs will cover a scandal when it happens and honestly we do not hear about it again. The one thing we do cover in Canada are the funerals of fallen police officers, fireman and soldiers.
I find it a shame that celebrities and politicians get so much face time on magazines and television when those who do good everyday get a little bleep or nothing. Mind you those who do good do not do it for the publicity.
My husband commented that Mother Theresa did not get the coverage that Whitney Houston got. I think that says something about our society’s priorities.
Sue
I totally agree. I feel bad for her family, especially her daughter, but it was a choice she made, every day. I haven’t watched any coverage, and when Michael Jackson died I felt the same way, really this is what is captivating the world right now?
Mere
Claudia – I absolutely agree – great singer – tragic loss but not heroic in any way. I can’t believe the media coverage. I was too busy yesterday anyways to care but the couple of times I stopped for a cup of tea, I was amazed to see the extent of the coverage on TV.
And Sue is right. We don’t see this on Canadian TV stations. There was coverage when she died for a few minutes on the news and then a short report as new informagtion came out. The only funerals that are a big media deal here are the fallen police, fireman, soldiers being brought back from overseas and driven along the Highway of Heroes.
In fact, over the last 2 or 3 years, there seems to be a resurgence of homegrown episodic TV shows. There’s a lot less reality TV on Canadian channels and some of my favourite shows are filmed here like The Republic of Doyle. I hope this is an indication of things to come. I hate reality shows with a passion. Ok the rant is done. Over and out, J
GREAT POST CLAUDIA……I SAW A LITTLE OF IT….BUT THEN I SWITCHED CHANNELS AND WATCHED POLLYANNA……
HAVE A GREAT WEEK…….RIZZI
I agree with you, Claudia. My daughter and I watch PBS for our programs mostly and we do listen to NPR and BBC. I know that 20+ years ago, while living in Europe, I never listened to American radio or tv if I wanted to get the truth. It is very sad that in America we have our priorities so confused. What actually are we teaching our children?
Hugs…
Yes…it was WAY overdone.
The media seem to have this
God gave this woman a great talent…and, she threw it away.
The media have this obsession with celebrity. But then, if nobody watched, they’d move on to something else.
I couldn’t agree more. We treat celebrities as if they are heroes and true heroes as if they are of no importance. A sad commentary on America.
I’m totally with you, Claudia! I don’t watch much news at all anymore, but when I do, the networks you mentioned are my choices too. Another question is why are so many people in our society addicted to drugs, and why are so many crashing and burning? The whole thing is really sad. Jennifer
I appreciated getting to watch Whitney Houston’s funeral. I think she was a tremendously talented, and flawed human being. Her life is no more “valuable” than anyone else’s, but I do not have any problem with the attention her death has gotten. I wish that every soldier who is killed in war also had their funeral televised. Maybe we would have no more war.
The media, who had basically abandoned her in life due to drug abuse made loads of money from her death due to over coverage. Very sad. I feel sorry for her kids and family. She was not a saint, but certainly a great talent and one who died too soon.
I agree with you Claudia! Too much is too much. I’m sorry for what happened to her. It’s very sad since she was so young, so talented, and had a child who is now left alone in the world! But her death and the death of any celebrity does not merit all this coverage. It’s ridiculous! I could not believe it when I saw there was no end to it. Enough is enough! They do that every time a celebrity dies!
I thought her death was sad and I am so sorry for her family, especially her daughter but…I’m not surprised. She was on such a destructive path. I agree the media was obsessed by this story. I did watch a little of her funeral and it was touching but I’m not sure why all the media coverage. I admire her Mother for saying no to some huge stadium funeral and having it in her church. I guess I have mixed feelings about the media for sure. Hugs, Linda
I think that when someone famous passes away the fans who loved her want to be a part of saying goodbye. Was her funeral over the top? Maybe, but her family must of felt it important to share it with the public. Anyway, just my thoughts.
Danielle
You asked for thoughts, I’d like to share mine. I think there are two distinct issues here. One the news media; with 24 hour news channels now, every story runs multiple times. I agree topics are not always chosen or run wisely. There are many many issues that could and should have attention that are worthy of our viewing. But I don’t necessarily think most people get satisfaction from seeing other people’s tragedies. You’re so right everyone, there are thousands of people who suffer and die everyday. We ought to be bringing attention to their plight, also.
I for one, DO think that in Whitney’s case of prescription medications and drinking, we all need to take a long hard look. Oftentimes we think if we are taking legal prescription drugs then everything is OK, you add alcohol in to the mix, we are asking for trouble. Dr. Drew Pinsky’s coverage on HLN has been timely and graphic in this area. If all the coverage and scrutiny saves one life, then I say the coverage was justified.
As for Whitney’s funeral, I watched most of it. It was touching and intimate. Those that spoke or gave tribute in song, were not seeking attention, only to share their love, memories, and grief for their loved one, friend, and colleague. As a born again Christian I found it touching and spiritually uplifting. God loves all of us, even when we fall down. We can celebrate a life, knowing that she is now in a place without pain or struggle.
My heart breaks for her daughter. I didn’t watch, so this is the first I’ve heard much about the funeral.
For the media, it’s all about money.
For some people, it’s all about closure.
For the obsessed fans of celebrities, I don’t get it.
Well written, and thank you!
Everything has been said in the comments above. I will just say that I am happy to have you as a friend that isn’t afraid to say something that needs saying. I agree with your views on the subject wholeheartedly. Thanks for commenting on the situation, Claudia!
I totally agree. I don’t watch TV and only listen to a couple of radio programs at night. I catch up on world news via google news where I can pick & choose what to read. The day she died there were also soldiers who died but you hear nothing of them in the news. Very sad.
As usual well said. It’s like you read all our minds and put it to words. We turned off the TV and went for a walk. I know amazing for February isn’t it. But, so much better than watching all too much on WH. A smaller dose would have been just enough.
Give me Downton Abbey anytime!!!!!!
i totally agree ! If that is rich and famous i dont want to have anythimg to do with it . Give me a warm country day with a glass of tea on the porch :)
Great post. The tribute at the Grammy Awards was enough for me. I listen to NPR on my commute but avoid the 24 hr. news hullabaloo. I don’t understand people’s addiction to 24 hr. news. It’s all the same stuff– over and over and over.
Hugs,
Jill
I was very tired of the coverage as well. I likened it to Anna Nichole Smith’s death (didn’t think about MJ) and was so ready for them to get the funeral done and over. Sorry for her family and their loss and I agree with choices, but still, I felt it was overblown. Just my opinion.
You are right; that’s why I didn’t watch any of the funeral coverage. It reminds me of the never ending media coverage when Princess Diana died, then the noticeable LACK of coverage when Mother Teresa died shortly after. What warped values!
It appears from Comments pretty much everyone agrees with your post.
All this media coverage – –
what about the individuals who give their life while performing their military duties . . .
where is their media coverage???
hugs
Gerry
She was beautiful and oh so talented, but it was all too “over the top”. I did watch the funeral and was amazed at the production. I felt sad over how her life had gone so wrong. I feel sad for anyone who goes in such a downward spiral due to an addiction like that. People forget that she was just a person like you or me. The funeral made you realize that. I don’t know of anyone personally that has had addictions that destroyed their lives like this. I know they are out there, everyday people. And I would be saddened by them as well.
Claudia – I’m with you. I liked hearing her sing, but I never bought any of her music because of her lifestyle and her choices. I tend to pick the performers I admire and support based on their behavior towards themselves and others.
The morbid fascination has always been there in our society – fascination with scandal, with addiction, with sin, with evil. It is depicted as glamorous and exciting, when often it just ends in heartbreak and death. A child has lost her mother. That is the important thing to remember in all this. There are so many who have lost loved ones. There is nothing glamorous or exciting in a life that ends too soon.
I was in the dentist chair last Thursday and there was a television in there that showed something about her. I was stunned and asked the assistant if Whitney had died. She was shocked that I didn’t know. But I never watch tv, and when I do, it is taped or netflix…probably something from England. So I didn’t know. I was sad to hear it. I knew she had been struggling for many years. My heart goes out to her family.
I am not sure what those news channels are doing, but it is not news, or facts, that they usually peddle. So I don’t even look.
I love watching the news when I am in England or Europe, it is so very different from here. At least when they talk about our country lol!
I hope you are doing very well Claudia.
Hugs,
Terri
INFELIZMENTE ISSO É UMA GRANDE VERDADE,AQUI NO BRASIL TEM UM JOVEM JOGADOR DE FUTEBOL QUE A MÍDIA NÃO DEIXA EM PAZ,TENHO PENA DO GAROTO NÃO SEI SE TEM ESTRUTURA PARA SUPORTAR TUDO ISSO.
I couldnt have said it better myself and I feel exactly the same way….
Robyn
We don’t have TV so of course we didn’t watch it, but I did use the fact of her death as an object lesson to my 15-y-o daughter, who thinks everyone in Hollywood is “so happy because they’re rich and famous and beautiful.” Good opportunity to let her learn that even beauty and riches can’t overcome the pain so many people carry within.
totally agree with you! Way over the top. I think what drives a lot of this these days is social media. things like this go so viral.
Well said. I am one of those who chose not to watch much of the media circus surrounding this tragic early end to a talented but troubled life. I certainly didn’t watch any of the ‘specials’ cranked out to add viewing numbers to the major networks. A person died, partly because of some bad choices she made. It is sad and so common.
Hubby & I would rather spend time with our grandgirl. We took her for her first visit to the zoo on Saturday. What a joy for all of us, and it was a much more productive use of our time than watching oversensationalized news.
Claudia,
Thank you for saying exactly what I was thinking? Seriously, she was a woman with a beautiful singing voice and a lot of problems. Not a hero. Flags at half mast? Seriously?
I find it disturbing too, but then I find all the “reality” tv disturbing too and I don’t watch that either. I was at work, but can’t say I gave it a second thought. I do feel bad for her daughter. I wonder if Whitney gave much thought to how her behavior was affecting her daughter. It’s so very sad.
Love the picture on this post.
Clara
Redeemed Junk and Stuff
I agree.
yes, yes, and yes.
I ditto your feelings, Claudia. I ask myself this (and pardon my harshness) but why do people seem fixated on those stars who have drug and alcohol dependencies? They seem to be glorified and given so many chances over and over again. Like Lohan. We do need to focus on the real people in our world who should be on the forefront of the real news. Not the Hollywood garbage.
I don’t watch much of the news either. Just mainly local stuff here.
xxoo
Becky
I never watch any celebrity’s funeral because I don’t put people on pedestals. Maybe if people stopped Tweeting and blogging and watching it on TV the media would take the hint as they watch their viewing numbers plummet and then stop shoving it in our faces all day every day on the boob tube. We don’t really know these people, so why some people feel the need to feel such a strong connection to them is beyond me. Really, I have so much more to do in life than spend my time worrying about one stupid celebrity. Sorry for my rant.