by Rabbi Josh Knobel
As an immigrant to Southern California from a rural community, I felt relatively disconnected from the palpable shock and sorrow felt throughout the city this past weekend, as Los Angeles grieved for the much-too-early passing of Kobe Bryant. I marveled at the profound impact experienced by so many, watching with curiosity as friends wept… as television and radio broadcasts eulogized… as journals and websites offered advice for coping with grief associated with his loss.
After inquiring (politely!) with several friends and colleagues, I discovered a startling truth about our relationship with celebrities. In the age of media consumption, our celebrities have become our friends. We invite them into our homes. We spend time with them. We consider their opinion. We draw inspiration from them. And when they leave us, we suffer for it.
The close relationships we develop with media personalities should prompt us to consider the profound impact they have upon our lives. Will they inspire us to pursue our dreams with vigilance, like Kobe? To treat others with respect and dignity? To embrace teamwork and camaraderie?
Or will they encourage us to celebrate ourselves at the expense of others? To complain and bicker? To treat others with bitterness and disdain?
As we mourn the passing of Kobe, we should remain mindful that we could use more friends like him. And that we must remain wary of media we consume. Whenever we watch, read, follow, or retweet, we’re inviting someone into our lives. We should make certain that, like Kobe, they belong there.
