Woods makes me thankful I’m not famous

I’ll admit it; I’m fascinated with the latest headlines concerning celebrity news, gossip and scandals.

What is it about celebrities that their mishaps and humiliating moments end up becoming the hot topic during a conversation? Well, “average” human beings tend to be intrigued by stars that have wealth, power and status.

When a well-known celebrity takes a fall that crashes their reputation, it makes us take a look at our average self and our mishaps. These glamorous people aren’t always 100 percent glamorous after all.

Who hasn’t heard about the infamous Tiger Woods scandal? The public viewed Woods as a clean, wholesome image that many could look up to as a role model. Well, dozens of rumors and 15 or so alleged mistresses later; Woods is no longer viewed as the tidy picture perfect athlete.

With sponsors such as AT&T and Gatorade dropping Woods and with his wife Elin filing for divorce, it may take awhile for the golfer to clean up his now defiled image.

Another recent celeb scandal occurred on Christmas day when “Two and a Half-Men” star Charlie Sheen was arrested on accounts of domestic violence charges against his wife, Brooke Mueller. Recently, it was reported that Haines underwear, which featured Sheen in their commercials, dropped him after the fact. Shame on you both, Tiger and Charlie.

Celebrities don’t just make headlines for infidelity and domestic violence; body image issues come into play as well. Actress Kirstie Alley, former sponsor for the Jenny Craig Weight Loss Program, had to deal with her infamous weight loss and gain in the storm of media gossip.

During an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey show last spring, Alley said it was “humiliating” gaining her weight back after leaving the weight loss program and that she had “let down” those who looked up to her. Well, that happens. Nobody is perfect.

Now, when we “average” people mess up at more than one point in our lives, we should be grateful that we aren’t under the magnifying glass of media. I honestly do not know what provokes some celebs to commit outlandish or foolish acts since they are aware that their mindless decisions are going to be displayed on everyone’s television screens.

I can’t contemplate making a huge mistake and knowing the whole world is Googling my name. Privacy is less private already with today’s technology. Isn’t it now almost impossible to make a thoughtless decision without more people than you’d like talking about it? I sure think so.

Don’t get me started on Jon and Kate Gosselin. Their spat has been in the media for too long. Did they not realize that being filmed practically 24/7 would do some damage? I suppose not. But, like the rest of us, celebrities are only human. They make the same mistakes we average people make, except we should be grateful we’re not being spoofed on “Saturday Night Live!” I know I am.

All this media coverage relaying celebrities’ mistakes in juicy detail does have a small plus side though. It showcases to readers and/or watchers exactly what not to do. Airing out celebs’ dirty laundry can almost be considered a public service.

Facing a tough decision and seeking some guidance one can ask oneself, “What would Tiger Woods not do?”