TOO MUCH ATTENTION IS BEING GIVEN TO THE PRIVATE LIVES OF PUBLIC FIGURES. Do you agree?

Private lives = what a person does that is separate from what he is professionally recognised for Public figures = Politicians, celebrities, sportsman, socialites Too much attention = Unwanted attention given to a normal person, too much to the point of neglecting that which is more important AGREE Infringes on the principle of liberty which is the right to their own lives. e.g. Jennifer Aniston getting stalked e.g. Zhang Ziyi went topless in nudist beach DISAGREE Choice to be opened to public scrutiny is made by the celebrities. Choice has consequences. Newly found attention bestowed to them. In fact, attention is wanted by the public figures. Career choice has its responsibilities. e.g. David Beckham endorsing advertisements.

Wasting space on reporting on redundant issues. Unnecessary information. Press should be reporting on current affairs. Takes up too much attention in newspaper. Eg. Orlando Blooms house got robbed.

People have different definition of morality. It is not morally wrong for fans to know more about the celebrities. People look up to celebrities as their heroes. With great power comes great responsibility

Too much attention is given because it affects/ interrupts the private and public lives of the public figures. e.g. Japan Crown Princess and Prince unable to attend to diplomatic talks due to pressure.

Their sponsors also should be kept aware, because the reputation of these companies is tied to the reputation of the public figure.

Mark Sanford, Mayor of South Carolina forced to resign even though promising leader.

Bill Clinton is only one of the example. Many minsters fell because of the scandals. But attention should be on the job not on the private lives. e.g. footballers John Terry, David Beckham, Ashley Cole

Attention is not considered too much unless it causes real damage. But this is culturally subjective. e.g. Tiger Woods affair revealed true colors. Open derision, public humiliation in the West but Gilette did not drop Tiger Woods in its China ad campaign because, in Chinese culture, he is seen as having great influence

To moderate this view, what they do in their private lives should only matter if what they privately do run counter with what they advocate in the course of their work. Even so, should the press be given the moral or legal license to this kind of investigative work that intrudes on basic rights to privacy and security? No. Those who follow these public figures may imitate their actions. Eg. Domestic violence ala Chris Brown & Rihanna Attention may fuel voyeurism. They are no different from us. They deserve human rights. Expose weakness may disturb their lives. How do you justify voyeurism? It may destroy family life of the public figure. We cannot infringe on moral issue. Press sensationalizes

Hypocrisy of the leaders. People want leaders who walk the talk. Keep the politicians in check. If we do not focus on the private lives of the politicians, we are kept in doubt. May encourage corruption. (Eg. Miterrand French Premiere using state expenses)

We want moral leaders to be leading our country. We learn from the mistakes exposed. We want to have faith in the judiciary system. Public wants to be sure that public figures are not above the law. (O.J Simpson, Lindsay Lohan given lighter sentence, Nicole Richie) Made a choice to become a public figure. Behaving in a way to secure their career.

Tiger Woods scandal causing a further strain on his marriage.

Some public figures are talentless, only kept in the limelight by the controversy or gossip they generate. The fact that the mediocre fame hungry can thrive is evidence enough that there is too much attention on private lives, not enough attention on talent.

Even some bad publicity can be good career-wise. (although admittedly, some kinds of bad publicity can spell the end of the public figures career) Living in a democratic society, we should not control what goes into the news as it goes against free speech. Reveals the lifestyle of the public figure, the kind of industry or field they work in e.g. South Korea actress suicide sleep with others. creates awareness for those who may want to enter the field