In a world where society strives to be a place of opportunity, justice and freedom, we often find ourselves trapped within the walls of criticism and values by others.
Sometimes what we value is different from what we express. In the media, it is undoubtedly true that public figures play a large part in influencing our values and the way we “should” live.
Less than two weeks ago, the life of the young, beautiful Princess Diana was placed into the hands of death. As word rapidly became public, time paused worldwide.
Photographers and reporters alike raced to the scene without hesitation; their only hope was to be the first to “exclusively” cover the tragedy. For hours, television stations provided coverage, and the last days of the princess’s life were dramatically retold.
No one could understand how this could happen to such a young and admirable woman- one who lived life as a wife, mother and spokesperson for relief.
Princess Diana’s story was the primary focus of the media throughout the following week, but tragedy soon struck again elsewhere in the world.
Last Friday, in a small town of India, where illness, poverty and death are a part of everyday life, the heart of the weak, yet determined Mother Teresa took its last beat.
Mother Teresa was often called a living saint. Founder of the Missionaries of Charity, she assisted her order in opening one of the first homes for AIDS victims. While working in the slums of Calcutta, India, for 50 years, she comforted those who lay nearly-dead in the gutters, sheltered abandoned infants and helped the insane.
Mother Teresa defined the meaning of sacrifice and inspiration. Her desire to give hope was impossible to ignore, and, in 1979, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Like that of Princess Diana, the death of Mother Teresa was overwhelming; each lived her life in a manner exemplary of service.
The media expressed its sadness for the loss of Mother Teresa, but soon returned to further coverage of the princess.
It went so far as to explain that Princess Diana was wearing a valuable ring that boyfriend Dodi Fayed had given her; in clarification of rumors, the ring was not “customized especially for the princess, but could be ordered from various magazines,” reports said.
As a viewer, I was appalled by such insignificant details. The life of a woman who dedicated her health, strength and love for the poorest of the poor was pushed aside for the life of an attractive woman just beginning her service.
I am entirely sympathetic and disturbed by the deaths of these exceptional women. It is disappointing, however, that the world was just too overcome by the loss of one hero, that it made no room for the loss of another.
Obviously the values of the media and its influence on society have changed.
Could the media’s values no longer be directed toward the inward personality of an individual? Has it adapted so much to stereotypes and glamour, that an outward person is more valuable?
As a society, it is important that our true values be considered in expression. Both Mother Teresa and Princess Diana were examples of service, but it is evident that the inspiration of an impoverished and determined nun was shunned for the recognition of a beautiful woman with a crown.
Araceli Esparza, a sophomore journalism major, is editorial assistant of the Campus Times. She can be reached by e-mail at esparzaa@ulv.edu.
