The jubilation was short-lived when the authorities and Samantha’s parents declined to disclose what had happened to the university student. People felt that, in view of the pubic money spent on the search for Samantha, they had a right to know.
The right of the public to know is a fascinating debate. Many of us are glued to the news when young people like Samantha and another missing woman Anne Marie Shirran, who is still missing, are the subjects of concern.
Why does concern turn to animosity when the subjects are found safe, and people are given the impression that they were never truly in danger? The lack of information has prompted wild speculation online about what might have happened to the young woman. People have gone from heartfelt concern to harsh judgments. Samantha was missing; Samantha was found. Isn’t that enough?
As this is being written, 33 miners are trapped underground in Chile, waiting for a rescue that may not be accomplished until Christmas. The US media is transfixed. Announcers are hyper about the promise of detailing the lives of the trapped miners, as they cope with the stress of being imprisoned underground for months. This is the ultimate reality show.
Do we need to know that Michelle Obama is angry because President Obama met with Oprah, even if it’s true? Do we really care if Angelina is getting bored with Brad or why Kim Yu-Na fired Brian Orser? -
The miners are trapped but they are alive. Isn’t that enough for the public to know? Do we really need to know how they’ll cope until they are rescued? Isn’t that a personal matter? Yet, there’s no doubt intimate details of this story will grip the public until the miners are rescued.
What is it about the lives of others that keep people buying gossip magazines, even though we know that three parts of what is written is bold face lies? Even if it’s true, why do we care?
Do we need to know that Michelle Obama is angry because President Obama met with Oprah, even if it’s true? What does that mean to us as we go about our daily business? Do we really care if Angelina is getting bored with Brad or why Kim Yu-Na fired Brian Orser?
My mother used to say, “Never believe anything of what you hear and only half of what you see.” She also said “People who don’t have a life talk about others; people who are proud give a false impression by talking about their great life and possessions; people who enjoy life talk about ideas.”
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