by Nathan Hunt |

Whether a person likes it or not, celebrities have a huge influence on today’s society. Through their music and acting, they translate emotions and social controversies to the audience. Therefore, losing one is a crushing blow to pop culture. Take for example, the recent death of Whitney Houston. When I heard that she had passed away, I literally felt a bit of my soul die. Her voice and music was so inspiring; knowing that I will never hear her voice sing those beautiful notes of her most famous song, “I Will Always Love You”, is so saddening.

According to Capital New York, Houstons’ death was the third biggest topic in American news between February 13 and 19, taking up 10 percent of all coverage in the news media. Think about losing a celebrity you hold dear to your heart, how you would never see them act or sing ever again. This is why there is a media storm around every death, because people are shocked and want answers as to why their hero is no longer here inspiring them.

If you look back on past celebrity deaths, it is society that brings on the media storm that follows, not the media forcing it upon everyone. People call for investigation and want the facts about how their beloved star met their untimely end. For example, when Michael Jackson died, there was an outcry of shock and mourning around the world because he had done so much to influence the generations of the world. The media storm that followed soon uncovered a scandal involving his doctor. Without the coverage of the trial, his fans would not be able to feel the closure or justice of Michaels’ death they were rewarded with when they heard the sentencing of his doctor.

There is no reason to become upset about the coverage of celebrity death in the media when the majority of society wants to hear. In my opinion, I want to hear every bit about a celebrity that I loved. I want to hear and see all the amazing work they have done throughout the years.

Also, if a celebrity died and during their life they abused drugs or or alcohol, do not remember them for the bad, but for the good. Remember that star for who they were when they were at their peak; for all the triumphs they made and all the obstacles they overcame to get where they were. No one should be remembered for the downfalls they had. An example, like I mentioned above, is Whitney Houston. She abused drugs and lost some of her angelic voice, but remember her for all the incredible songs she sang; her voice that defined a generation; the voice that was the greatest voice ever to be heard.

Celebrities deserve all the media and coverage because they gave all that they could to our culture; they inspire generations and will always have an influence long after they are gone.