Sunday, February 21, 2010
Morally Wrong
The 2010 Winter Olympics are now underway in Vancouver Canada. Canada is the perfect place to host the Winter Olympics, due to its cold conditions all year. To prove that they are the ultimate location, they decided to build the biggest, fastest, and longest tracks ever in history. Because the tracks were all new, they had not been tested by the athletes yet. Olympians in the Luge event dove into the track with caution, only to find out that it was not going to be an easy task to finish the course without letting up at least a little bit. Nodar Kumaritashvi, one of the lugers, was one of the first to go in the event. He began very smoothly; everything seemed to be going his way for a great run. After reaching around eighty-eight miles per hour around one of the biggest turns, he came out of it a little sharp. When he over corrected, his body went spinning into the air and hit a metal pole, head first. The scene was tragic. All of the viewers watching it saw a man die on live television. They did not know he was dead until after they showed the medics trying to resuscitate him. At this point, I was wondering why the cameras where still on, and why there wasn't a commercial break? What has happened to the Media today? I really don't understand why a television company feels they have to right to do this. I suppose money just talks that much now days, since I am sure every channel that showed it got higher ratings. I myself found it rather disturbing. I can understand maybe a picture of the incodent being shown, but the video was way too much. They also showed replays of it on news channels. I feel that the media has lost all morals in today's society. Nodar did not diserve to have his death disrespected. Unless he signed a contract that says the media can show his death on television, if it was to happen, then I don't know how these people haven't hot in trouble yet. Coaches, fans, and fellow Olympians showed thier appretiation and respect at Nodar's funeral. I am glad his death was at least respected in that matter, but as far as the media showing it on TV, and Vancouver trying to be the best by creating nearly impossible courses for it's athletes, I am not even close to impressed.
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It was a tragic day for the Georgian Team. It was the day of the opening ceremony and they lost won of there teammates. If these games happened in the US, the FCC would have fined the company horribly for showing someone dying on live TV. It is int he US moral system that you show respect for the fallen luger and remove the video from every network available. Since this took place in Canada, critics and syndicates do not have the moral to remove the video. They did to little and to late, and even blaming the luger at his own fault he died. They stated "he was reckless, coming to fast and over corrected his mistake which caused him to be thrown in the air when hitting the wall." I know it was pretty idiotic that they left the poles exposes. What did they think, every athlete is Mr.Fantastic?
ReplyDeleteIt was too bad that the media had to show his death. Looking back on everything, it does seem like the media handled this situation in an unprofessional way. I am sure the media did not want to be disrespectful. I feel that they were just trying to do their job, and got caught up in the moment. As for the high risk track, I think the Olympians safety has to be of first concern. None of the tracks, or events should be too dangerous for the athletes to compete in. The media will be talking about the safety of Olympic athletes for a long time.
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