Celebrities and Being a Human

Richard Sherman got really excited in a postgame interview, and we all freaked out.

Justin Bieber got arrested and smiled in his mug shot, and we’re all freaking out.

Now, that second one being a little bit (that was whatever is the opposite of hyperbole) more of an extreme action aside, there is something for us to see here. Aside, also, from the idea that we are far too interested in the actions of people who don’t know at all, right up to the point of freaking out over everything they say or do (including week-long Sportscenter specials and multiple trending hashtags), there is a picture of our society that we should take a step back and see.

We’re obsessed with celebrities, and most of all we’re obsessed with seeing what they do wrong, freaking out about it and ridiculing them to the point of the unconscionable; may I ask why? Enough has been said about Richard Sherman; more than enough has been said (and will still be said) about Bieber. One of them got excited and expressed what he was feeling, the other made a mistake. Either way, though, shouldn’t our responses be different than what they have been? At what point, one might ask, did we come to the point that it became our right to look at something another does, throw compassion out the window, and simply judge them as if they were on a reality TV show and it was our job to decide if their actions are up to our standards?

Don’t get me wrong; I do truly think certain things are right, and others are wrong. What I don’t think, though, is that I am allowed to throw all compassion out the window when I see someone do something that I don’t understand, or that I think is wrong. With Christ as the example, ought I not jump to mercy, to compassion, to attempting to understand, and leave the ridicule behind?

Justin Bieber did something wrong, and our first response is to immediately make GIFs which show how him and Miley Cyrus are very similar looking. Please, for the love of God (I don’t say that as a figure of speech – I’m imploring that this be done out of a literal love for the God who loves Justin and Miley more than we all ever could combined), let’s start reacting to situations with compassion and empathy, imagining that we were in that person’s position, rather than attacking them for the position that they’re in. Let’s start with the person, not the action, letting Justin and whoever might be next make their mistakes, and respond by praying that they might figure out what was wrong and that things might get better for them. Instead of attacking, let us remember our own brokenness, knowing that we ourselves make mistakes, and not forsake human compassion for righteous judgment or some cheap laughs.

Regardless, the beat will go on. Celebrities and normal, commonfolk alike will continue to make mistakes. Some will be publicized; others will be in dark, hidden places. Our best response must be to respond with empathy and compassion, not harsh and cruel judgment and mocking. We must let our humanity feel with the humanity of the other, and move from there.