Lights, Camera....act sad.

I'm trying to think of the most traumatic thing that has ever happened to me. I think it is a tie between trying on a cute dress I couldn't manage to zip up and button, and breaking up with my first love. Regardless, try to recall the most depressing or unexpected bad thing that has happened to you. If you are like me, it was probably hard to talk without crying...

I had countless conversations with my parents, on their family room couch, petting the dog, SO distraught I could not even manage to mumble "I don't want to talk about it". Like when I found out my Opa passed away, unexpectedly. You completely break down. I broke down for months (even now), when I saw an accordion, Stroh's beer, or see my Oma (completely heartbroken).

Here is my point. I'm a very open person, and rarely am I speechless. However, I know for a FACT that if my child (I don't have one yet, but I can only imagine) was kidnapped and murdered I would NOT be going on local OR national television to talk about it.

While not all families have the luxury of hiring a PR person to handle crisis situations and to "speak on behalf of the family", I don't think it's ever appropriate for grieving people to go on TV and state the obvious.

"We are very sad. I want my daughter back", says a mourning Father...minutes after the ambulance takes his daughter's body away.

"He was SUCH a good student. Star athlete" , claims an Uncle of a 14 year old, killed by a hit and run driver.

"Who would have done this to my son?" , asks a sobbing Mother...in her front yard, as police wrap yellow tape connecting trees to the porch.

Rarely will you see a resident of an affluent community speak to the media regarding tragic situations, especially involving family members. It seems, to me anyway, that most people that talk to the media after TRAGIC situations are from very poor areas. If the previous statement is true, why is this?

You could argue that most people embrace public recognition regardless of the circumstances. Or that we are all just looking for our "15 minutes". Maybe people feel obligated to speak to the media, since they are pounding on their front door just minutes after the family learns of their Daughter's tragic death.

I will NEVER forget driving down Auburn Road, between Crooks and Adams, and seeing one of the most disturbing sights EVER: mangled metal, that was once a boy's Huffy. A small tennis shoe, resting alone, feet away from the wreckage. You could still hear faint sirens in the distance. There was a Channel 4 van, parked in the driveway...reporter with notepad in hand, making her way to the front porch. Brownie points for being FIRST ON THE SCENE, Ruth...but at what cost? I mean, right?

How can "they", the "media", do such things? Is everything a story? Are some tales better left untold?

Neveah, the beautiful little girl from Monroe, has been plastered on billboards, the news, local publications, and on anything with a canvas. It clearly "made national news". The Mother of the slain little girl was on Nancy Grace (who is quite possibly one of the most annoying people...ever).

Here is some footage:

My first question: Why. WHHHHHHHHHHHHHHY did this woman think it was a wise decision to go on NATIONAL television to "clear up rumors". Let me remind you...YOUR YOUNG DAUGHTER WAS ABDUCTED UNDER YOUR CARE AND WAS MURDERED. Do the rumors really matter? Wait a year, write a book...watch it climb on the NY Best Sellers list and reap all the benefits of going "global" with your sorrow.

I am not going to slam her for being void of emotion. We all handle tragedy differently. I'm completely inconsolable when tragedy strikes me or my family. Not all people are, and that's fine. She, her friend, and the child's Uncle all seem like they are, in a sick way, enjoying speaking to the media. I mean, right?

Watch it again...........


RIGHT? Lit Marlboro in hand, he should have been holding a Tim Horton's coffee in the other. Do they just not know any better? I could understand going on national television to beg the American public to assist in searching for her daughter. Or, after a criminal sentence, holding a press conference to "close the case".

"While we are sad we lost our daughter, we are pleased the killer was found and will spend the rest of his life behind bars". Boom. Done. Official statement. The end.


I cannot tolerate people/families that build relationships with local media to exploit tragic situations by turning them into an pseudo episode of Maury Povich or Montell. I do not think there is a direct relation between class and economic status. We all know wealthy people that are jerks and some of the nicest people I know are completely broke. Class is a mindset, but it seems that most people that elect to go on TV to discuss personal, tragic matters...are simply misguided and ignorant. Shame on the media for taking advantage of the ignorance of others. Shame on the families for subjecting their loved ones to more scrutiny. Shame on "us" for watching this garbage.


Speaking of which....anyone see the last episode of Jon and Kate Plus 8? I should have TIVO'd it.