Private lives and public people

[Sandra Piddock]

It seems that hardly a day goes by without some scandal about a public figure emerging. Usually - but not always - the scandal involves infidelity, and the person who is figuratively 'caught with their pants down' protests that their private life has nothing to do with their public duties, and that reporting on their indiscretions is a breach of their right to privacy. However, many people would disagree. These are just some reasons why the general public have a right to know about the private lives of public figures.

A public figure is just that

When someone puts themselves forward for a role in public life, they must accept that their life will be under scrutiny. There are certain things about a public figure's life that everyone has the right to know - particularly if the person is a politician who has been voted into office by the general population, or a public servant who is paid from public funds which come from taxes.

While it's nobody's business what a public figure has for breakfast, it is everyone's business if he sends his children to private schools while advocating universal state education. And if a public figure uses his position to obtain favours and benefits which would not be available to the general public, it should be reported.

Many public figures are seen as role models. If a famous footballer or actor has numerous affairs or goes on regular drinking binges, his young admirers may believe that it's okay to behave like that. Being in the public eye has responsibilities as well as benefits.

Issues of morality

If a public figure is making decisions which affect the lives of other people, the general public is entitled to know that that person is honest and trustworthy. While having an affair may not influence a person's ability to do their job, it does bring into question their morals. If someone is prepared to go against perceived morality in their private life, one cannot help but wonder if they would be prepared to do the same in public life.

Issues of trust

It may sound unfair, but public figures should be above reproach. It's human nature that once a failing is discovered in one area of someone's life, people begin to question other areas of their life. Someone who embarks on an affair is seen as an untrustworthy person, and people believe that if they are prepared to cheat on their loved ones, they may also be prepared to cheat in other areas of their lives.

Once trust is lost in a public figure, all their decisions come under question. Someone who cannot be trusted in their private life will not be trusted in public life once the truth comes out - and it usually does.

Issues of security

Irregularities in a public figure's private life may render them vulnerable to blackmail. This might not involve money changing hands, but it could mean that well placed figures are asked to divulge information which may threaten security or compromise the efficiency of government departments. If there are no skeletons in a public person's cupboard, nobody can have a hold on that person.

If a person wants the fame, recognition and financial rewards that result from becoming a public figure, they must also accept that the position has responsibilities as well as benefits. Their whole life will come under scrutiny, and if they cannot accept that, they should settle for the anonymity and obscurity of life away from the public gaze.

 

[ClearSky]

You know I've always wondered whats people's obsession with famous or powerful people.
I don't get it. Like take Star's Celebrities Are Just Like Us spread. Its literally just pictures of
Celebs doing normal crap like walking their dog, and getting coffee. I'm not really sure if that
feature is still apart of Star's MO cause I don't really look at those magazines anymore.

 

[novasparker]

famous people give up a certain amount of privacy in exchange for the incredibly ridiculous salaries they get. But I think that most of them truly enjoy the spotlight...it's why they chose the profession they are in. But that's not to say that they shouldn't have a right to privacy. I think that the ones that have done the best to keep their private lives out of the public eye follow one simple philosophy: they don't do anything to attract attention. Think about it, When's the last time you've read anything shocking about Dolly Parton, Tom Hanks or even Johnny Depp (until his split with his longtime girlfriend). Why? Because they live their lives under the radar and refrain from doing anything that would attract attention. It's the way they should all live their lives..be boring and nobody will talk about you.

 

[remnant]

I have made an interesting observation that most public figures, celebs and even evangelists lead double lives. They have a private and a public persona. The latter may be in complete contrast to what is projected in the former but invariably comes to the surface during unguarded moments. It is no surprise that some hire image managers.

 

[pwarbi]

While it's true that the so called rich and famous are just people like you and me at the end of the day, I'm not sure they have too much to complain about as far as their lifestyles go.

They are willing to be in the spotlight when they're claiming their ludicrous wages, but then complain when they want their own privacy. It can't, and shouldn't work both ways.

 

[xTinx]

Fame, popularity and celebrity are words we often hear and see through various forms of mass media. In reality, though, these are nothing more but social constructs created for the purpose of entertainment. Imagine what would have happened had humans been less bored.

 

[hafiz93]

A breach in someone's private life is still wrong to me, even if they're public figures. However I do agree that it's kinda pathetic when they're whining about privacy issue as soon as their racial statement that they said in private are being exposed. If you're a public figure you ought to be more careful with what you do or say in your life, even in the comfort of your own home, because everyone is out to get you. They should know that TMZ is gonna be all over it when they're caught saying or doing something that they shouldn't have.

 

[pwarbi]

It's as if they want the best of both worlds. They want the game and fortune that comes with being a celebrity, aswell as wanting to be able to say and do what they want, but at the same time not want to have to deal with the public, but that isn't how it works.

Somebody in the public eye can't reap the benefits, but then cry when they get pictured taking lines of cocaine. They have a responsibility and are role models, and that doesn't matter if they like it or not, they are, so have to act like it.

 

[MelanthaKrasos]

Well, we can't always have both sides of the goods in life. I am with you when it comes to public figure as role model. Whether they like it or not, the world is in their feet and whatever they do will impact the values of the next person in line. I hope we could have a positive role model for our next generation to aspire into.