While death is an unavoidable feature of life, our reaction to death reveals as much about us (perhaps more) than it does about the deceased. That assertion applies to America’s response to Kobe Bryant’s passing.
It has been a tough week for our country, if not the world. People everywhere are reacting with grief to the passing of the NBA icon, Kobe Bryant, and eight others, who perished Sunday morning during a fog-shrouded helicopter flight.
While I understand the grief being expressed by so many people, I also feel its time to bring up two issues that haven’t been given the attention I believe they deserve.
First, I don’t appreciate the way much of the media has covered the story. For example, on the day of the accident, one national television newscast ran a segment on the crash before reporting on the Air Force plane carrying two of our soldiers that crashed in Afghanistan, and also before it covered any news about the Impeachment Trial in Washington.
Just today, the major local newspaper, the Charlotte Observer, printed a lengthy article on our NBA home team, the Hornets–the team that drafted Kobe as a 17-year-old star and then traded him to the Lakers. The Washington Post punished a reporter who tweeted old articles about rape charges filed against Bryant.
These are but two examples of media selling to consumers.
But let’s face it: the media wouldn’t be selling if we weren’t buying. And buying we are. That’s the second issue worth mentioning.
It’s not possible to talk about the soul of America–our national character–without exploring personal character–you, me, and all of us. One way to learn about a person’s character is to ask, “Who do you admire?” While you’re at it, examine the books on their bookshelf, and ask what famous historical person they would like to have a conversation with. I promise you that what you find will reveal much of anyone’s character.
The first question is a minefield. Too many people in our culture will give you the name of an athlete or a performer. That’s because sports, TV/film, and music–“The Big Three”–hold center stage for so many in society. Those domains are what so many people know, appreciate, and devote attention to. And, all to often, somewhere in those three domains are the people they most admire.
What’s the takeaway? Our reaction to death reveals as much about us (perhaps more) than it does about the deceased.
