Steve Irwin: 1962-2006

September 6th, 2006

Note: This post is authored by co-blogger: DaBigMang

Many of you know Steve Irwin as the ever-exploratory, thorough, crocodile fanatic on TV’s ‘Croc Hunter’. Many of you probably have already heard about his untimely passing at the ‘hands’ of a stingray. Did you know his death has apparently been filmed?

Oh yes, you read my words correctly. They have him dying on film. Morbid? A Tad. Gruesome? Maybe. Fascinating as crocodiles were to him? Most likely. It probably is not for everyone’s eyes. Who would like to see such a film you ask? I would. I would like to know exactly what goes on when people die from a stingray’s wrath. From what I understand, it doesn’t happen all that often. It is ‘extremely rare’. It’s bad enough Jaws had me staying out of the water most of my childhood. Now, I’ll have stingrays to renew that fear. Then again, these days I am not afraid of just about anything (but that is astory for another post — and another blog).

Monday, September 4th is when Steve Irwin expired on this earth. No more than 24 hours later word leaked out that the whole situation was caught on film (as him and his crew were filming a documentary about the ocean’s deadliest creatures). As if it weren’t enough the media bloodlust now continues. The newest piece of news related to the story is one concerning morals. Is it right to allow this tape to be seen by the public?

I can think of one legitimate reason to watch this tape: safety. But, again, these situations with stingray attacks are all too rare. So, it would kind of be a stretch for a reason. Then again, I could think of hundreds of reasons (illegitimate reasons) to view that film. But is it morally sound? Regardless of reason, is it morally sound? Would you, the avid blog reader, want someone to view a film of your death? What about if it was your final wish (as explained in your will & testament)?

You know what the saddest aspect of all of this situation is avid blog reader? I’ll tell you. It’s the future fact that sooner or later someone will leak the video out the internet and the web. From that point on, it will not be okay to view that film for sure. It is all too easy an avenue to take, but it will be taken. I just hope that the future uploader has scruples enough to think twice before he/she does it. How would they feel being so exposed to such a massive audience without any real consent?

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