PRIVATE LIVES GONE PUBLIC
AND OUR SEARCH FOR IDENTITY FROM THE MASS MEDIA
The death of pop-icon Michael Jackson stunned the world last weekend. Later in the week saw Imelda Marcos celebrated her 80th year of life with a truly imeldific flair. In contrast, Cory Aquino battling colon cancer was admitted to a hospital. The continuing saga of the Hayden Kho, Jr. sex video scandal is far from dying-out in the press. Thus, last week’s headline news in the Philippines were about life, illness, sex and death. These are common issues we all face yet become uncommon to those whose lives are public.
Who in the world has not heard about Michael Jackson? His larger than life image has dominated the performing art for almost half a century. He made a remarkable impact on the music industry. He was a recognizable figure wherever part of the world. His music has been playing non-stop across the globe. In our lifetime we have listened (actively or passively) to his music, seen his music video or read about him in the newspaper. Some may have looked upon him with disgust in the midst of the scandal and accusations of molestation, yet his notoriety has sparked an even growing popularity. He has been the object of both ridicule and adulation. His eccentricity and seemingly devious demeanor has become subject to both disdain and awe. He had secured his place in the annals of human history.
The Philippines’ famous widows, Imelda Marcos and Cory Aquino, in their own right have claimed global fame for themselves. Both have become legendary in their status. Whether, you prefer one from the other is not important; we may disagree with one another about their roles in history; we may love one and loathe the other yet we can not ignore the prominence they have achieved, good or bad, in our collective experience as a people. Both will be remembered long after their lifetime.
Hayden Kho, Jr., however not as globally known, is noteworthy in the news about his sex video scandal which has rocked as far as the internet permits. Despite the flooding of porn in cyberspace, the special interest in his sex videos sparks from the fact that he is a celebrity doctor, a handsome commercial model, a TV personality and his “sex partners” in the sex videos are showbiz people themselves. His May-December affair gone sour with Vicki Belo, the toast of Philippine aesthetic medicine and rejuvenation; a famous personality herself, added to the spice of the controversy. Sex, lies and videotapes are the familiar ingredients that make up this unfolding saga a soap opera.
Indeed, our mass media has gone beyond the borders of just bringing us information and entertainment. It is so powerful that it has the ability to shape the way we think and alter our perceptions of issues, people and events. Because of the vital role of mass media, presidents were elected; persons were capitulated to power or stashed away dishonored. From the mass media hailed our heroes as well as the villains of our times. Mass media may ascribe almost divine image to an otherwise mundane character while portray others as evil and conniving. Any ordinary, if not dreary, event may suddenly become romanticized to stir our senses. While we were entertained by soap operas, variety shows, film and live performances; various artists, producers and advertisers laugh all their way to the bank.
The art of journalism has become almost literary. In this case, eloquence is not the problem, afterall, media practitioners has the responsibility to protect the sensibilities of the public. And they do so by making the unsalacious interesting and the gross palatable without compromising the truth. It is when truth becomes blurred-out of proportion and stupefied in its context. Thus, sensationalism may emerge to serve the commercial interest of individuals, sectors or institutions. While propaganda, depending on how it is use, may be beneficial or detrimental for those who vie for influence.
In this age of investigative journalism, documentaries and “Reality TV” nothing escapes the cameras, the unceasing prying and the close scrutiny of private lives. Gossip has become the culture and the advancement in the digital technology has aggravated the situation in the sense that everything now is being transmitted in an instant. Whether it is a text message, a video or a photo can now be consumed by anyone access to any form of mass media communication. The accessibility of television, radio, internet and print media coupled with the availability of mobile phones and handy digital gadgets has paved the way for amateur journalists who lack the proper training and the ethical responsibility of a legitimate media professional. However, there are certain personalities who benefits from this brand of journalistic barbarism. Nowadays, it is quiet common for anyone to get that needed attention from the public by being notorious or absurd. Scandals and controversies are the things that make the media world go-round.
There is a saying that “publicity, good or bad, is still publicity”. Media personalities, celebrities and showbiz people, even political personages, worked hard to aspire for fame. Because with fame comes fortune and power. It is unfortunate that many forget that fame comes with a price and a responsibility.
Indeed, there is a price for being famous. Sometimes the stakes are too high that it demands so much on one’s personal life. To bask in the limelight means that private lives are public. Being a “public property”, one has to conform to standards the public demands. And to try to live-up to their expectations can be a futile experience. The geniuses, the remarkable and great among us, who have been put in the pedestal of distinction, can only thrive as long as there is public acclamation. Many prominent figures give up privacy and personal solitude to sustain their distinct reputation. Much to their detriment, the pressures may result to loneliness, dissatisfaction and unhappiness.
Much worst is the fate of the infamous. There can never be as harsh a judgment as from the “court of public opinion”. Any judgment rendered by judicial institutions that are contrary to public opinion is not enough to save face for an already tarnished reputation. For victims, “trial by publicity” is as cruel as the death penalty but to live with the shame is hell. It leaves an indelible scar etched forever in the mind of the public. The option to live life privately or publicly is not the luxury of those who wanted fame badly. The ambitious among us has no choice but to live as demanded by the public.
Somehow, we can not blame mass media for its unfaithfulness to its noble purpose. Eventually, we shape our mass media by what we consume from it. If its gossip we want, its gossip we get. We like the soap operatic drama because we try to find the reflections in our own life. Unconsciously, we are drawn to those whose lives seem to be larger than us. From them, some daydream for their own fame. Aspiring to be in showbiz or politics, some imitate their “idols” hoping one day they will be one to be idolized. However, we may try to probe into the inner sanctum of famous people but more often than not we get disappointed to learn that they are as common and regular as we are. There are those who tend to look for heroism from the mass media when there are none in their own reality. Others look for scoundrels and corrupt characters to blame for their own dilemmas or mask their own flaws. From the media we may draw-up our own “gods” and “monsters” in an attempt to fulfill our own psychological wishes. Who we idolize or despise may tell who we are and vital in shaping our identity. Thus, any misrepresentation of character in the media may affect the perception of anyone and create a false impression on those who identifies with such character.
Despite the inconsistency of purpose and our role in its perpetuation, the mass media has been the instrument that gives us the perspectives we need to live life meaningfully by its presentation of ordinary lives that makes a difference in the greater scheme of things. We learn the lessons of the past and give us a glimpse of possibilities and insights to our tomorrow. Whether it is in politics, art, religion or business, and in whatever area of human endeavor, we find inspiration for us to emerge from mediocrity to greatness. Moreover, mass media has the power to unite and bring us together for noble causes.
Ultimately, we have the power to influence mass media rather than manipulate us to serve the commercial interest of the industry by weighing down every single item that is presented to us. We do not have to believe everything because they are in the media. It is possible to manage a wiser attitude towards what we watch, hear or read. We should learn to be more open and critical at the same time. We must be ready to change our habits and transcend our petty subconscious so that mass media for us will not be just a mere springboard for our frustrations and an escape to feed our delusions of fame and grandeur. Yes, it is possible for anyone to live a remarkable existence like those figures we admire most. On the other hand, anyone can achieve prominence as those we despise most. By turning our passivity to more active stand for a better mass media, we may be able to find ourselves, our identity; to discover what we can truly achieve and what greatness and possibility lies beyond our present limit, with or without publicity.
DJ FLAME
July 6, 2009
AND OUR SEARCH FOR IDENTITY FROM THE MASS MEDIA
The death of pop-icon Michael Jackson stunned the world last weekend. Later in the week saw Imelda Marcos celebrated her 80th year of life with a truly imeldific flair. In contrast, Cory Aquino battling colon cancer was admitted to a hospital. The continuing saga of the Hayden Kho, Jr. sex video scandal is far from dying-out in the press. Thus, last week’s headline news in the Philippines were about life, illness, sex and death. These are common issues we all face yet become uncommon to those whose lives are public.
Who in the world has not heard about Michael Jackson? His larger than life image has dominated the performing art for almost half a century. He made a remarkable impact on the music industry. He was a recognizable figure wherever part of the world. His music has been playing non-stop across the globe. In our lifetime we have listened (actively or passively) to his music, seen his music video or read about him in the newspaper. Some may have looked upon him with disgust in the midst of the scandal and accusations of molestation, yet his notoriety has sparked an even growing popularity. He has been the object of both ridicule and adulation. His eccentricity and seemingly devious demeanor has become subject to both disdain and awe. He had secured his place in the annals of human history.
The Philippines’ famous widows, Imelda Marcos and Cory Aquino, in their own right have claimed global fame for themselves. Both have become legendary in their status. Whether, you prefer one from the other is not important; we may disagree with one another about their roles in history; we may love one and loathe the other yet we can not ignore the prominence they have achieved, good or bad, in our collective experience as a people. Both will be remembered long after their lifetime.
Hayden Kho, Jr., however not as globally known, is noteworthy in the news about his sex video scandal which has rocked as far as the internet permits. Despite the flooding of porn in cyberspace, the special interest in his sex videos sparks from the fact that he is a celebrity doctor, a handsome commercial model, a TV personality and his “sex partners” in the sex videos are showbiz people themselves. His May-December affair gone sour with Vicki Belo, the toast of Philippine aesthetic medicine and rejuvenation; a famous personality herself, added to the spice of the controversy. Sex, lies and videotapes are the familiar ingredients that make up this unfolding saga a soap opera.
Indeed, our mass media has gone beyond the borders of just bringing us information and entertainment. It is so powerful that it has the ability to shape the way we think and alter our perceptions of issues, people and events. Because of the vital role of mass media, presidents were elected; persons were capitulated to power or stashed away dishonored. From the mass media hailed our heroes as well as the villains of our times. Mass media may ascribe almost divine image to an otherwise mundane character while portray others as evil and conniving. Any ordinary, if not dreary, event may suddenly become romanticized to stir our senses. While we were entertained by soap operas, variety shows, film and live performances; various artists, producers and advertisers laugh all their way to the bank.
The art of journalism has become almost literary. In this case, eloquence is not the problem, afterall, media practitioners has the responsibility to protect the sensibilities of the public. And they do so by making the unsalacious interesting and the gross palatable without compromising the truth. It is when truth becomes blurred-out of proportion and stupefied in its context. Thus, sensationalism may emerge to serve the commercial interest of individuals, sectors or institutions. While propaganda, depending on how it is use, may be beneficial or detrimental for those who vie for influence.
In this age of investigative journalism, documentaries and “Reality TV” nothing escapes the cameras, the unceasing prying and the close scrutiny of private lives. Gossip has become the culture and the advancement in the digital technology has aggravated the situation in the sense that everything now is being transmitted in an instant. Whether it is a text message, a video or a photo can now be consumed by anyone access to any form of mass media communication. The accessibility of television, radio, internet and print media coupled with the availability of mobile phones and handy digital gadgets has paved the way for amateur journalists who lack the proper training and the ethical responsibility of a legitimate media professional. However, there are certain personalities who benefits from this brand of journalistic barbarism. Nowadays, it is quiet common for anyone to get that needed attention from the public by being notorious or absurd. Scandals and controversies are the things that make the media world go-round.
There is a saying that “publicity, good or bad, is still publicity”. Media personalities, celebrities and showbiz people, even political personages, worked hard to aspire for fame. Because with fame comes fortune and power. It is unfortunate that many forget that fame comes with a price and a responsibility.
Indeed, there is a price for being famous. Sometimes the stakes are too high that it demands so much on one’s personal life. To bask in the limelight means that private lives are public. Being a “public property”, one has to conform to standards the public demands. And to try to live-up to their expectations can be a futile experience. The geniuses, the remarkable and great among us, who have been put in the pedestal of distinction, can only thrive as long as there is public acclamation. Many prominent figures give up privacy and personal solitude to sustain their distinct reputation. Much to their detriment, the pressures may result to loneliness, dissatisfaction and unhappiness.
Much worst is the fate of the infamous. There can never be as harsh a judgment as from the “court of public opinion”. Any judgment rendered by judicial institutions that are contrary to public opinion is not enough to save face for an already tarnished reputation. For victims, “trial by publicity” is as cruel as the death penalty but to live with the shame is hell. It leaves an indelible scar etched forever in the mind of the public. The option to live life privately or publicly is not the luxury of those who wanted fame badly. The ambitious among us has no choice but to live as demanded by the public.
Somehow, we can not blame mass media for its unfaithfulness to its noble purpose. Eventually, we shape our mass media by what we consume from it. If its gossip we want, its gossip we get. We like the soap operatic drama because we try to find the reflections in our own life. Unconsciously, we are drawn to those whose lives seem to be larger than us. From them, some daydream for their own fame. Aspiring to be in showbiz or politics, some imitate their “idols” hoping one day they will be one to be idolized. However, we may try to probe into the inner sanctum of famous people but more often than not we get disappointed to learn that they are as common and regular as we are. There are those who tend to look for heroism from the mass media when there are none in their own reality. Others look for scoundrels and corrupt characters to blame for their own dilemmas or mask their own flaws. From the media we may draw-up our own “gods” and “monsters” in an attempt to fulfill our own psychological wishes. Who we idolize or despise may tell who we are and vital in shaping our identity. Thus, any misrepresentation of character in the media may affect the perception of anyone and create a false impression on those who identifies with such character.
Despite the inconsistency of purpose and our role in its perpetuation, the mass media has been the instrument that gives us the perspectives we need to live life meaningfully by its presentation of ordinary lives that makes a difference in the greater scheme of things. We learn the lessons of the past and give us a glimpse of possibilities and insights to our tomorrow. Whether it is in politics, art, religion or business, and in whatever area of human endeavor, we find inspiration for us to emerge from mediocrity to greatness. Moreover, mass media has the power to unite and bring us together for noble causes.
Ultimately, we have the power to influence mass media rather than manipulate us to serve the commercial interest of the industry by weighing down every single item that is presented to us. We do not have to believe everything because they are in the media. It is possible to manage a wiser attitude towards what we watch, hear or read. We should learn to be more open and critical at the same time. We must be ready to change our habits and transcend our petty subconscious so that mass media for us will not be just a mere springboard for our frustrations and an escape to feed our delusions of fame and grandeur. Yes, it is possible for anyone to live a remarkable existence like those figures we admire most. On the other hand, anyone can achieve prominence as those we despise most. By turning our passivity to more active stand for a better mass media, we may be able to find ourselves, our identity; to discover what we can truly achieve and what greatness and possibility lies beyond our present limit, with or without publicity.
DJ FLAME
July 6, 2009
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