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June 28, 2009 - MICHAEL and FARRAH: TOO MUCH?

by Father Edward L. Beck, C.P.

This week we lost two beloved entertainers, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. And our sympathies to their families and fans. I know that we perceive their lives as more important because they have lived in the spotlight. We’ve watched them grow older. We’ve traveled with them in the twists and turns and highs and lows of their sometimes tumultuous existences here on earth. And perhaps we’ve even lived vicariously through them. Television has already produced hour long prime time broadcasts on each of them, and the morning shows devoted multiple hours to every iota of their tragic lives. Just seems as though we can’t get enough. And isn’t Governor Sanford of South Carolina happy about that. But while there is a need for collective mourning, and I get that, there’s also something about it that saddens and worries me. I don’t want to begrudge Michael Jackson or Farrah Fawcett their final moment in the spotlight. Testimony and remembrance is due both of them. But when we allow their passings to eclipse all else that is happening in the world, I wonder about the message that it sends. And what is says about who and what we really value. Protests in Iran have intensified this week with 70 University Professors who held a meeting with challenger Mousavvi being arrested. And even more people being killed on the streets. And we’ve heard almost nothing about it. How easily the 24 hour news cycle can turn on a dime toward the sexier, prurient, and ultimately more vacuous. And yes, I know the argument that we simply give people what they want and are interested in. We go for the ratings. But whose responsibility is it to point the spotlight elsewhere even when no one seems interested in looking anymore? Doesn’t the media have an obligation to help shape people’s consciousness even if it’s not a popular endeavor? If not us, who? Michael and Farrah, God’s speed to both of you. And may eternal rest be yours. As for the rest of us, let’s make sure we continue caring too about the many other lives that still hang in the balance. Let’s shine that spotlight on those who depend on the illumination that only we can provide.

To watch Father Beck give the above commentary, click here: http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=7941395

To watch this weeks episode of Father Beck's FOCUS ON FAITH, click here: http://abcnews.go.com/abcnewsnow/focusonfaith