Who are these people to make such statements? I sometimes have to wonder what the motivations of the various pundits and cable news networks are when items like this are released. The point being that while Mr. Hasselhoff was drunk, the tape was made for a purpose. It’s no secret that Mr. Hasselhoff is an alcoholic, and has tried to stay sober on and off for years. Like any other addict he has moments of relapse. Like any other addict he cannot see fully how he is behaving, or it’s affect on his family, while he is under the influence.
Knowing this and understanding that he is no less human and prone to weakness, than anyone else Mr. Hasselhoff asked his kids to make the video tape if he ever fell of the wagon. Unlike the laughable Public Service Announcements that often fill the airwaves, this tape provides a real look at what alcoholism can be. It’s a personal motivation for Mr. Hasselhoff, helping him see the effect he has on those most close to him. One more reason to stay sober for one more day.
The reaction by the media at large was not filled with intent to educate the public or to motivate others about the demons alcoholism can pose. The media just showcased a story of the moment, highlighting a low point in the life of a public figure. It was a cheap grab at ratings, and it could have been far more.
I’m sure that some where helped by seeing the tape. Mr. Hasselhoff has said it was eye-opening for him to see how he was acting. Presented in the light of inspiration, this personal moment could have helped millions. I feel that it was maybe one of the best PSA’s in years, perhaps decades. It’s rare when we get to see the honest downside of alcohol abuse especially in the form of entertainers and celebrities. Far too often the various news media instead present us stories of drunken celebrities and entertainers as fun ‘who saw who’ soundbite clips. How many times have you seen a news clip talking about this famous person seen in a nightclub drunken, or an actress/singer/public figure seen kissing a woman or without underwear on?
The media showers these moments of loss of self-control at us like they were eye candy, and mostly it’s framed as a joke. Yet the fact is there is a significant dark tunnel that many, famous or not, travel through often. Yes we all have had a bit much to drink on an occasion or 2. Yes it can be funny when a star is caught acting like our friends on a rare Saturday night. But beating up on someone using the means available to them to inspire their sobriety is not beneficial to anyone.
News media have a responsibility to present us facts, not to interpret them for us. They have a responsibility that when an item of news is found that can help or hinder millions, they should err towards the greatest good. Picking on the self-admitted failures of a man with a problem may get ratings for a night or 2, but how does that help the greater good?
I’m no fan of Mr. Hasselhoff; Baywatch was only good because of how the women’s bikinis were being filled. Still I feel he deserved a fair shake on the videotape. It had a purpose, which reportedly has helped him get perspective and strength. I just can’t forget that it probably could have done the same for so many more.
I feel Mr. Hasselhoff’s words apply equally as well to the various media that used this tape for their own profit, as to the person that released it to the public.
“The tape was never meant to become public, but got into the hands of individuals who are not worthy of mentioning, who maliciously released the tape for their own self purpose. I hope that someone else will learn from the tape, as I have.”
This is what I think, what do you think?
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