Upon seeing the manner in which tragic comedian and actor Robin William’s family and friends had to stage a private memorial service, the intrusion of the glare of the media spotlight truly came home to many of us.
Williams’ wife Susan Schneider and Williams’ three children only wanted to say a quiet farewell to the man who was once at the center of their family life. They wanted to do this with love and poise. However, sadly, this was not possible with the media spotlight firmly on them.
Media Attention
For over a week, the world’s media attention towards the 63 year olds death has been unremitting. The large majority of the media coverage about the entertainer’s death has focused on lamenting him and his premature passing. It has been dedicated to his position as a great entertainer and as a side note mentioned his flaws and inability to conquer his demons. Sadly however, not all the reports have been as kind with many journalists focusing on the manner of his death and also speculating with complete disregard the state of his mental condition at the time of his passing.
The greatest disregard for his family, friends and fans feelings has been the Twittersphere, where numerous tasteless and thoughtless comments provoked severe outrage. In addition, some on Fox News even described troubled Williams as being a coward for taking his own life. Although these comments were later brought down and apologies made, is still a cruel and terrible thing to say in light of the occasion and what’s happened.
Public Anger
There was plenty of public anger surrounding the remark, however wouldn’t it be far better if it was completely inappropriate to utter such things in the first place? Wouldn’t it be a far better world if journalists and broadcasters as well as the innumerable masses on social media knew it was wrong to behave in this manner? People should consider what William’s family are going through at this moment and try and show empathy to Robin Williams’ family and support them in this difficult period in their lives.
Williams was always known for being a mercurial and brilliant talent, who had to battle with depression and substance issues; however he was always honest about these problems. Often they were at the center of his jokes and anecdotes. However, he never really touched upon his bi-polar tendencies, although is said to have understood the symptoms.
Comic Genius
Robin Williams will always be remembered as a man who deserves the label ‘comic genius’ and is someone who was an astonishing performer, amazing comic spirit and one who could take comedy to places other’s couldn’t even touch for a second.
And although he was a comic legend he was still a human being and a fragile, sensitive character, whose brilliance was as much an issue for him as a gift.
This article has been provided by http://cliveconwayproductions.com a company that has been fortunate enough to deal with all sorts of talented people.