In a recent interview, movie star Harrison Ford said he hates the internet because he feels that it allows people to spread gossip and misrepresent him. Does anyone get Mr. Ford’s complaint here? I sure don’t.
True, news travels quickly now, thanks to the technological innovations of the internet. And thanks to blogs, people’s reactions to the news are open to the public. However, people have been spreading that news and “misrepresenting statements” long before the internet or Ford were popular. Once again, an excellent example is the infamous “We’re better than Jesus” statement by John Lennon.
I think Ford’s problem is that he has finally come to a realization about a point that I made a couple of posts back. Whatever he says will have feedback, both good and bad, and I don’t think he can handle the latter. This is a free country and people have the right to interpretation and an expression of that interpretation, if there is some fact to back it up. It may feel constrictive to “self-censor” yourself, but if you are not brave enough to handle the feedback, it’s your only option.
So, Mr. Ford, if you have anyone to blame for your “misrepresentation,” it is not the internet but yourself. Want to make your life better? Watch what you say or deal with it like a real hero.
Tracy Wong @ Sun, 04/02/2006 - 10:29pm
I think it's hard to "self-censor" yourself when anything can and might be taken under the wrong context. Politicians avoid making any real statements because they want to avoid controversy but at the same time, they end up saying empty words they think people want to hear. Also, I'm sure many celebrities purposely say controversial things for greater press coverage.
I think gossip is unavoidable. The New York Times is online, but so are a lot of tabloid-like sites. If Ford says he hates the Internet, he must also admit that traditional print media also has its pitfalls. However, if Ford has to take criticism, what takes his right away to criticize his criticizers back?