Scandal - "What Gossip can do!" Scandals are a part of the documented history of man. Scandal is conduct that brings about shame or disgrace to a community or individual.Man has documented many scandals, and they even wrote books about it for others to enjoy. A good example of literature that depicts a scandal is the "Scarlet Letter" wrote in 1850's by Nathaniel Hawthorne. This well written book highlights the sin of adultery by its heroine Hester Prynne. It further shows the disgrace of the individual by having her wear a red "A" on her dress. In every case of scandal, there is a disgrace. Another scandal is the current presidential impeachment proceedings with President Clinton. This scandal is news on television, newspapers, radio, in national magazines, and above all in every scandal newsletter published. People, in general, like hearing the latest scandal and discuss it with others. It is a form of real life "soap opera" that catches everyone's attention. The rating has never been higher on CNN TV. Circulation has never been greater in the Detroit News when scandal is in the forefront.This upswing in people's interest to a juicy scandal also occurred in the O.J. Simpson trial, the Frank Gifford sex scandal, the Watergate trials, and even the scandal in Utah's bid for the Olympics. Scandals show weakness in human nature. Most of all it shows how shallow people are in gloating over other's weaknesses or misfortunes. Scandals would not be reiterated, again and again, if people were not interested in hearing them. Scandals become even bigger when the gossip spreads. I believe journalists and newscasters fuel this gossip. Yes, it is their job to report the news accurately, however there is a limit to the frenzy of scandal reporting.I think we should follow a more professional or responsible method of reporting on these topics. Report on the topic but don't gossip on it. There is an old bible verse that comes to mind...
