I was trolling the internet for news the other day in order to triangulate some semblance of “truth.” Nothing really struck me as interesting in the New York Times. So, I clicked over to the Washington Post, and… BINGO! The Post online edition had an article discussing a Fox News Anchor on a Sunday “news” program discussing the Tiger Woods situation.
As an aside to my real point, this story has become the biggest piece of non-news since the balloon-boy hoax. Tiger Woods cheating on his wife is not news; it is tabloid fodder. Tiger Woods being a degenerate has no impact on anyone’s life. He has been exposed as a liar and cheater, and while it may have been shocking when first reported, it is not news. But I digress…
Anyhow, the “news” anchor, Brit Hume, felt it appropriate to inject his thoughts on Tiger Woods’ infidelity and the need for forgiveness. Hume actually had the gal to suggest that Tiger Woods should change his religion from Buddhism to Christianity. "I don't think that faith offers the kind of forgiveness and redemption that is offered by the Christian faith." (Washington Post) This situation is problematic on many different levels.
First, suggesting that someone change their faith in order to gain forgiveness is disrespectful. Religion is a private matter. The suggestion that one faith is better or more advantageous than another is ignorant. Insulting other faiths show Hume to be small minded. Had he suggested on television that someone Jewish switch their faith, there certainly would be a movement to have him removed from the network for being offensive and insensitive. Fortunately for Hume, Buddhists in America number a whopping 2,000,000 (estimate) and don’t appear to have that much pull.
Second, at what point can Fox News no longer be considered news? Commenting on an individual’s religious preference and urging them to change it has no place in news programming, not even an editorial comment period. Either he was echoing the sentiments of Fox News or the network should issue a statement distancing itself from Hume’s statements. If Fox News wants to be the “news” channel for Christians, that’s fine. I’m sure the 700 Club could use the competition so that they can “up their game.” Pushing political ideology at the expense of unbiased news is bad enough, but when a news program encourages religion or religious conversion it has clearly stepped far beyond the line.
Third, seeking forgiveness for infidelity is not a public issue. Tiger Woods may or may not be seeking forgiveness. He may or may not be seeking forgiveness from his wife and/or a higher power. That is a personal issue for him to deal with. And the presumption that if you become Christian it is easier to earn forgiveness is not a selling point of faith.
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Nice angle. Took you long enough to post in 2010.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed this post. I think there are definately times when the media crosses boundaries. They invade privacy while only giving the twist that sells, which is not necessarily the truth at times.
ReplyDeleteSorry it took so long for me to post in the New Year! The "mainstream" media has bought into tabloidism in order to achieve ratings. The old term was "yellow journalism". I don't even know what they call this trash that they are passing off as news. I know its annoying because I'd rather read about new bills introduced to make peoples' lives better, people who are making a positive impact in their community, etc. It sure would be refreshing to get some good news mixed in with Tiger Woods, shootings, roberies, etc...
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