We've all heard about the poor nurse, Jacintha Saldanha, who allegedly committed suicide (autopsy being done to confirm) after being duped by the pair of Australian "shock jocks", Mel Greig and Michael Christian. My sympathy goes out to her loved ones.
Do I blame those DJ's for her death, no. They could not foresee that such an event would ever happen and now they're full of remorse. I do blame them for trying to catch a human mistake, to the dismay of the unknowing victim, for the amusement of their audience.
Truthfully I never liked "shock jocks". Hell, I don't even like Don Rickles or any other comic or "celebrity" who degrades or embarrasses others or does outrageous negative things to get a laugh or to scandalize. Howard Stern is one that comes to mind. But that's my opinion, obviously there's quite a large number out there who don't share those same views. They, like those who supply it, like to push things to the edge or beyond it. Nothing off limits.
2DayFM, the station who hired these disc jockeys, had been warned, this past year, by Australia's independent communications regulator when a radio host, while on the air, talked a fourteen year old girl into revealing she had been raped. This created listener outrage and some sponsor backlash but obviously not enough to stop such actions. The money still flowed and the people still tuned in. I don't understand the mentality of it all. I'm not saying to get them or anyone else like them off the air because, hey, if I don't like it I don't have to listen to it. What I am saying is lets have some common sense here. Think a little about the possible repercussions that might happen. Freedom of speech, as other freedoms, come with responsibilities.
The saying goes: it's funny until someone gets hurt. Well, unfortunately someone did.
How do you feel about this or "shock jocks"? Do you listen to any of them?
I don't think it's necessary to embarrass or degrade any one for a laugh. I don't care for it and I don't listen to those stations. There's so much negativity all around us, and I am in constant awe that this behavior thrives in our society. People don't get rich over doing good or promoting positive actions - they get the most listeners from "shock and awe" tactics. Sad commentary on our society, I think.
ReplyDeleteYeah, Debora, it is a sad commentary on our society. Thank goodness there are a lot of people out there who are doing some good, even if it's small gestures.
DeleteThanks for stopping by.
Hi Donna! No, I don't listen to any of them. I will listen to Howard Stern if he's interviewing someone, but other than that, like you, I can't stand this form of humor.
ReplyDeleteI think phone scams are childish. I very much dislike practical jokes.
I do think we need to keep our sense of humor. Everyone is too PC these days, but like you said, we also need to be responsible.
We do need to keep our sense of humor. If we can't laugh at ourselves then we're in trouble. But when humor is made by demoralizing someone or thing it's no longer funny.
DeleteAppreciate you coming by.
I feel exactly as you do, Donna - Don Rickles included. I do not listen to shock jocks, and I feel angry and embarrassed for the people they dupe. I simply cannot understand the attraction/enjoyment in watching people squirm or blush.
ReplyDeleteIn this case, I don't blame them for this nurse's death, either. I can't help feel something else was going on in her life that caused her to react (if she indeed killed herself) in such an extreme manner. My heart aches for anyone so sad or disillusioned. I'm glad these shock jocks are off the air, but I do not blame them for this horrific outcome.
Great post.
Thanks Debbie. I was thinking the same thing that there might be other events happening in this woman's life to make her go to such an extreme. But we'll never know. I hope her family will be okay.
DeleteThanks for commenting.
I don't listen to shock jocks, although I don't care if others do. That's America, we take the good with the bad. However, like anyone else, if these shock jocks indirectly or directly cause injury to another person, they shouldn't be allowed to hide behind "freedom of speech" or "entertainment" as an excuse. They should be judged in a court of law like anyone else.
ReplyDeleteI was very sad to learn of this recent event in the UK and send my condolences to the woman's family.
If you have freedom of speech you can't stop others from listening to it. But freedom means responsibility and like you said they should not be allowed to hide behind them.
DeleteThanks for your thoughts.
I don't like shock jocks, either. I think our society has become desensitized to what is acceptable; shock jocks keep pushing that boundary (how low can they go) but for no respectable reason. I'm with you in saying I don't have to listen to them; I just wish floods of other people wouldn't listen to them, either.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Thanks.
Thanks Christine. Our society has become desensitized to so many things. I just thought I was getting more nit picky and cranky as I got older but no, things are changing and some are not good.
DeleteGlad to see you here. Thanks
It's not entertainment, unless you're twisted and enjoy the suffering of others. I have no use for shock jocks, disgusting bits of flesh posing as humanity.
ReplyDeleteYes, I tell it as I see it.
Aw come on now Sandy, don't hold back.
DeleteRemind me never to get on your wrong side. lol
Thanks for coming by.
Did someone mention evil shock jocks?
ReplyDeleteMuhahaha!
Something right up your alley, Freddy. Watch it or Alien is going to stomp you.
ReplyDelete