Thursday, August 8, 2013

The Moral Accountability of Celebrities




Consensual sex I believe is the highest form of intimacy. It is an act of total physical and emotional surrender, wherein 2 souls, not just bodies, become one. As espoused, however, by socio-religious norms, sex should be consummated within the boundaries or confines of marriage. Unfortunately, ubiquitous cases of adultery, teenage pregnancies, same-sex relationships, sexual abuse, and other related cases, have made the concept of sex not as sacrosanct anymore. Over the years, sex has been perceived by many people as a mere mechanical commodity. Something that is always readily available, since many people are more than willing to provide such pleasurable commodity.

The autonomy of the mind to be imaginative and creative has spawned a variety of ways on how to heighten sexual intimacy - from simple, to complex, to the extreme. I will go straight to the point: what is wrong if two mutually consenting adults will record their sexual intimacy? The recent scandal involving a popular local band singer and his actress-girlfriend has divided the society into two polarized factions: those who perceive it as wrong, and those who perceive it as no that wrong. This whole ruckus would not have erupted if not for the uploading of their steamy video on Youtube. But according to reports, it has been deleted already. Did I just disappoint you?

This blog post will focus, however, on the social and moral responsibility of our public figures. There are a lot of perks in being a celebrity, enough to provide people with such status with an overwhelming feeling, which might lead them to overlook the equally overwhelming responsibilities attached to their status. Fame and fortune can make you feel opiated, right?

Society has a bit of an unforgiving attitude towards celebrities, in a sense that people are always on the look out for whatever public mistakes and mishaps that they will consciously or unconsciously commit, just like predators watching every move of their prey. Past celebrities have been victims as well of the irresponsible uploading of their sensitive videos to the internet. But with this recent scandal, it is clear as daylight that some of our celebrities have not learned a thing or two.  

Reality bites like a rabid dog that whatever stellar accomplishments that we have will be easily crushed or erased by just one fatal mistake that we might commit, more so and most especially if one is a public figure. Who are public figures to begin with? They are actors, singers, politicians, businessmen, athletes, to name a few. Literally and figuratively, they all go through a fishbowl existence, wherein every move they make is subject to public scrutiny. Praise is bestowed upon them on a silver platter for their achievements, and condemnation on a dog bowl for their mistakes. Praise and admiration are given without more ado, while condemnation and judgment are given faster than the speed of light. Do you still remember a former American president and his female intern?

Celebrities both have social and moral responsibilities towards the public. They should serve as role models most especially to the youth. But gossip columns will tell us otherwise. Maybe it is our fault too, since we lap up with gusto stories of celebrities’ front page-hugging bad behavior. So think a million times over if you will record your intimacy with your partner. If you decide to do so, then you have taken the first step in risking your career and reputation. Some celebrities who faced the same situation before went through hell on earth before the public and media’s prying eyes. Celebrities must always think of the consequences of their actions, since their moral accountability to the public is way too high. The band singer and his actress-girlfriend may not be legally liable, but they are morally liable. Did it not cross their mind that their video might be stolen and uploaded in the net for the entire world to see and enjoy? What is left of them now? How are their families doing?


You might argue that celebrities are just as human as the rest of us, and as such, are always predisposed to succumb to their imperfections as human beings. I cannot agree with you more. I am not really expecting our celebrities to always have that squeaky-clean image, but they have to be extra cautious with their thoughts, words, and deeds. Yes, they are allowed to commit mistakes too, but not for the entire world to see.

Filipinos anyway easily forgive and forget. So let us move on to the next celebrity scandal.



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