I think, for me anyway, what upset me the most about it is that the media didn't cover it with dignity. If it is news, which you argue it is because of her being famous-coming from nothing-and dying tragically, then why didn't the media cover it like they did when Kurt Cobain, John Ritter, or Gilda Radner died - respectfully paying tribute to their life, their work and their families
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Excellent framework for the argument. I like your point and I am going to steal it.
I got really upset last night when there was a fucking CBS poll that was updating in real time on my TV about where America thought she should be buried--CA, TX, or the Bahamas. It was split 33/33/33 for the few seconds I could stand to watch it. Now, I *do* have my own opinion about what Anna said via her actions and choices in life and where she belongs, but you know what? That isn't relevant! And this isn't American Idol! You don't get to text in about where this woman should be buried when they finally release her decomposing body! You shouldn't even be *discussing* with a straight face the ludicrous possibility of unearthing her son and moving his body around.
Here here! Your example of the CBS poll is exactly what I mean. It isn't news if you choose to cover it like a reality TV show. Then it's just entertainment and belongs on EXTRA not CNN.
I think the problem people are having with the media coverage of Anna Nicole's death is not that it's being covered in the first place, but how grossly disproportionate the coverage is compared to other news stories involving celebrities and/or tragedy.
Dozens of celebrities with far greater worth to our culture have passed on during this decade and not a single one received even a 1/10th the media attention that Anna Nicole did in her passing. Furthermore, Anna Nicole has now received more media coverage than Hurricane Katrina did and, I'm sorry, but that's a huge wake up call that we're living in an unhealthy society.
I disagree that she's gotten more coverage than Katrina. I saw a lot of programs during the week of her death, but now the updates seem to be the antics of the judge or her mother's little cry-fests, but my experience has been that we've moved on from the initial shock and full-time media coverage.
What I was saying is that it isn't just a death. It isn't just a tragic death or semi-tragic death or who cares death. There is a huge legal battle going on. There's a judge who is auditioning to get his own television show and making a courtroom circus. This is more than just sitting on the couch for an entire 36 hour period on July 16, 1999 watching television helicopters scan the ocean where JRK, Jr.'s plane had gone down. Like it or not, there are legal developments and drug developments to report on, and we've been following tawdry legal battles ever since the advcent of A Current Affair and the heyday of the OJ trial.
The day she died CNN went for the longest period without a commercial break since 9/11, specifically 90 minutes. I think Katrina was on for about 50-60 minutes when it first hit. So yes, she has received more media coverage than any event during this decade next to 9/11 and including Katrina
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The problem with the OJ trial is that it is used quite a bit as the advent of modern day sensationalist news hitting the main stream media - who were normally sticking to the traditional "top 3" definitions of "what is news
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Independent of the much-better-articulated-than-I-could-do argument going on between the three of you in this thread, I wanted to say this was really a nicely written little rant
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When I was writing up Anna's accomplishments, I went back to helpimarock list of more important celebs who have died without much mention in the last few years (ODB, Layne Staley, etc.). Really, they all contributed much more to music and art than Anna did, or as you say, "as far as human achievement is concerned, you could do better" than Anna.
I agree with you, that her accomplishments aren't what I aspire to, and I treasure writers, actors, musicians, and politicians more.
However, I really do think she worked far, far, far harder in her life than Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie ever have. They will always be bigger celebrities, and that boggles me. I hate Paris and I would love a media silence on her for all time. I don't even like talking about her because it contributes to the problem.
Did you read the post I made that lead to Giz making this post? I'm curious about your opinion. Not in whether you agree with my position, but whether my rantiness competes with Giz's. :)
It was in my dialog above that I discovered how much I truly hide from mainstream media, too. The main caveat is that I LIKE tawdry legal, drug, and psychological stories, so I seek those out, but mainly from Court TV programming and the like.
Jessica what are you thinking?
anonymous
March 4 2007, 19:06:42 UTC
1. You like Dr. Phil? 2. You have passionate feelings about Anna Nicole and (loser) Howard Stern. 3. You watch your local news. Gross. 4. You think you know a blogger, and then you don't.
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I got really upset last night when there was a fucking CBS poll that was updating in real time on my TV about where America thought she should be buried--CA, TX, or the Bahamas. It was split 33/33/33 for the few seconds I could stand to watch it. Now, I *do* have my own opinion about what Anna said via her actions and choices in life and where she belongs, but you know what? That isn't relevant! And this isn't American Idol! You don't get to text in about where this woman should be buried when they finally release her decomposing body! You shouldn't even be *discussing* with a straight face the ludicrous possibility of unearthing her son and moving his body around.
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Dozens of celebrities with far greater worth to our culture have passed on during this decade and not a single one received even a 1/10th the media attention that Anna Nicole did in her passing. Furthermore, Anna Nicole has now received more media coverage than Hurricane Katrina did and, I'm sorry, but that's a huge wake up call that we're living in an unhealthy society.
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What I was saying is that it isn't just a death. It isn't just a tragic death or semi-tragic death or who cares death. There is a huge legal battle going on. There's a judge who is auditioning to get his own television show and making a courtroom circus. This is more than just sitting on the couch for an entire 36 hour period on July 16, 1999 watching television helicopters scan the ocean where JRK, Jr.'s plane had gone down. Like it or not, there are legal developments and drug developments to report on, and we've been following tawdry legal battles ever since the advcent of A Current Affair and the heyday of the OJ trial.
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I agree with you, that her accomplishments aren't what I aspire to, and I treasure writers, actors, musicians, and politicians more.
However, I really do think she worked far, far, far harder in her life than Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie ever have. They will always be bigger celebrities, and that boggles me. I hate Paris and I would love a media silence on her for all time. I don't even like talking about her because it contributes to the problem.
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2. You have passionate feelings about Anna Nicole and (loser) Howard Stern.
3. You watch your local news. Gross.
4. You think you know a blogger, and then you don't.
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