Blog by Sean Gehon, Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Second chances are hard to come by. That doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t deserved and shouldn’t be given, but many people live by the code that once you’ve ruined your chance, it’s over. For those lucky enough to be given a second chance, you’d think they would be more than willing to make up for their past mistakes. Sadly for some people, they never learn and they aren’t willing to change their attitudes and behave in a much more civilized manner.
This past weekend while performing at the KFEST radio concert in upstate New York Akon found himself in a little bit of trouble. After a ‘fan’ in the audience threw something at the rapper's head, Akon had his body guards bring the culprit on stage. Once the boy was on stage Akon proceeded to lift him over his head and threw him into the audience. Police officials are investigating the incident and trying to discover who the victim is. Without a victim, essentially, there is no crime.
Once the video of the incident wound up on You Tube, this story spread like wild fire. The former inmate may find himself in trouble all over again. With all the attention paid to celebrities going to jail, driving under the influence, or just breaking the law, Akon may not get away with this as easily as it seems. Should the person thrown by Akon come forward and press charges, he may find himself back in the slammer with all his old buddies.
I’ll probably never understand why celebrities behave the way that they do. You’d think after seeing all the scandal that preceded them over the years, they’d be willing to think through their decisions. It’s not like we’ve never seen a celebrity go to rehab, or a celebrity end up in hot water over attacking another person, so why do they do it. Celebrities often seem like attention grabbing five-year olds willing to do anything to make you look their way. Maybe they don’t care what they do or who they hurt in the process, even if it is themselves but is it time to smarten up their act?
Do we ever reach the point where we’re sick of seeing celebrities do stupid things? Are we ready to just turn a blind eye and pretend that situations like Akon’s don’t exist anymore? I don’t think so, I think we’re just too entertained by the outrageous behaviours of the rich and famous.
I remember watching a tiny part of his interview on Much on Demand and thinking that Akon seemed like a smart human being with a good head on his shoulders. There was a moment during the interview with Matte Babel where Akon talked about his time in prison. Akon went on to talk about second chances and how he is blessed to be able to make music and make a living the way he wants to. For someone who is blessed and thankful, he really knows how to make himself look like an idiot.
If I had any say in the matter I’d probably make Akon publicly apologize and do some sort of community service. Violence isn’t the answer, especially when you’re a celebrity. Someone needs to inform Akon that not everyone is a fan and not everyone wants to support you. No matter how immature the person throwing garbage at you may be, hurling them off the stage, and possibly seriously injuring that person or those in the crowd, is never a good idea. It may seem like a good idea at the time, but in the end, it’s basically just a dumb idea that may wind up getting you locked up… again.
Sean (The incident: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drR7G5jBogA )
|
 |
|
