Steve Irwin

Just yesterday, Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter himself, died. I, like millions of others, had seen his shows and met the news with a bit of disappointment. After all, he was a very entertaining guy. For many of us Americans, he embodied the Australian stereotype; whenever I think of the word “Crikey!” I think of Steve Irwin. It’s a shame and a tragedy what happened to him, and I’m sure he will be missed by millions of fans.

Still, I wasn’t surprised about the news for an instant. Like most, the first afterthought I had was, “How did it happen?” fully expecting that some dangerous, wild animal had killed him. My hypothesis was confirmed when I heard that it was a sting ray. This didn’t come off as shocking news, considering most of his viewers, at one time or another, certainly thought, “It’s only a matter of time before one of those animals gets him.”

On that note, I will say that I have no pity for the man. Those who choose to pursue dangerous occupations for whatever reason are all too cognizant of the risks involved. Steve Irwin was an expert in his field, even going as far as to warn his viewers of the danger of getting too close to a wild animal. To put it bluntly, he knew what he was getting into and he got what was coming to him. One can only tempt fate so many times before a tragedy strikes.

It reminds me of several years ago when Dale Earnhardt died. There was a big hubbub about it. Much to my confusion, people were shocked. Fancy that; a race car driver crashed and died. Nevermind that he was strapped in a metal cage hurtling along at 200+ miles per hour, something most people would consider a dangerous occupation. I swear, people were walking around, muttering, “How could this happen?”

Is it horrible that things like this happen? Yes, absolutely. Should we be surprised when someone famous dies doing something dangerous? No. Welcome to the real world, where bad things happen to good people who take risks. Mourn them if it helps you get by, curse their bad luck, but don’t be surprised when it happens again.

You have no soul. That man was an insperation to kids and adults around the world. And for you to say you have no pity disusts me!!! It wans’t his fault the Sting Ray stabbed him in the heart!! You may have no pity for him but think about the people he truly loved. His wife and his two kids. He died doing what he loves most and I have pity for him, because as far as i’m concerned he was not only an insparation but a HERO!

Yes, he was inspiring. Yes, he left behind loved ones (most people who die do). And yes, he died doing what he loved. Wasn’t it his fault that the sting ray stabbed him, though?

My point is not that Steve Irwin provoked the sting ray or somehow intentionally brought about his untimely death, at least not in the immediate sense. However, it cannot be denied that he willingly engaged in a dangerous occupation. In so doing, he actively and habitually put himself in what most reasonable people would describe as dangerous situations. He wasn’t swimming with potentially deadly sting rays out of sheer coincidence; he was doing it because he volunteered to do it. Moreover, he understood the risks.

Therein lies my lack of pity, a point which I think I’ve clarified adequately. I do respect the man and his work. I do feel sorry for his family. Given the circumstances, I just don’t feel sorry for him.

I invite you to state your points on my blog more rationally in the future. You’d go a long way toward impressing me if you would at least mention your real name; “nonofyourbuisness” only tells me that you don’t feel strongly enough about your remarks to take responsibility for them, which is curious considering how strongly you word them.

i didnt mean to sound rude its just that what you said made me upset(at the time). I was just a little frustrated because it seems like no one cares. All they want to do is see his video of his death and what would be the point of that. I’m sorry for being inconsiderate it was nothing against you. Say ing you have no soul was out of line and for that I am truly sorry. Who am I to judge based on one opinion. The only reason I didn’t use my name is because I don’t want anything to happen. Please forgive me.

Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future. ~Paul Boese

No hard feelings. I respect that you were big enough to come back and apologize about it. I’m sorry if I came across as overly harsh, as well. I hope you come back and enjoy my blog in the future.

i see that every one here has a comment but i really dont know what to say to belive any one of you there are two sides to this and i personally agree that no one should see the video of his death because it iswrong and its harsh for his family to see it.

and i do see the other point as well that it was his falt he did know the risks but yes he did put hiself in that situation.

u should go on funnyjunk.com and go to the steve irwin thing in the movies its a good video

The Fastest Way to Kill Your Readership

[…] Flamebait. If a commenter’s only goal is to get a rise out of you or your other readers, allowing their comments will only invite trouble. Then again, it can be fun to duke it out with flamers from time to time.  […]