Article by Cameron Spink

 

Everyone seems to love a tragic. The layperson prescribes his/her theory as to what was the real cause of their downfall. The tabloids lick their chops as they contemplate how big this news story will be. The death of a tragic, well that is something to behold. This isn't your average story about a celebrity taking a vacation or going to rehab. This is life or death. A topic worth discussing because each of us is indeed mortal. Society, it seems, teeters towards the negative aspects of life rather than uplifting and encouraging events.

 

Then there are those who leave the status-quo and choose instead to reflect upon what this celebrity achieved to make themselves so famous. You won't hear the words "wasted talent" uttered by this group. Rather they will speak about how this person was one-in-a-million. Many people who fall into this category do so because they wish to feel that they (like the celebrity they admire) stand apart, different from the average Joe.

 

In the case of Whitney Houston both groups are going to town in the wake of the news of her death. But they are not the only ones to exploit the story for their own nefarious purposes. Tony Bennett, jazz singer, used Whitney's death (on the night of her death at Clive Davis's annual pre-Grammys party) to say:

 

"I'd like to have every gentleman and lady in this room commit themselves to get our government to legalize drugs. So they have to get it from a doctor, not just some gangsters that just sell it under the table."

(http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2012/02/13/why-did-tony-bennett-equate-whitney-houstons-death-with-illegal-drugs/#ixzz1mJObPwpV)

 

Regardless of the tactlessness of saying this on the night of Whitney's death Tony Bennett has encapsulated the non-argument. This argument crops up in many forms in so many different social issues. It is essentially "we should legalise this activity so people who wish to participate in it do not have to put themselves in danger because it is not readily available". Such reasoning has been prevalent in the abortion debate. It is believed that by legalising abortion a woman can go to a doctor and not risk the dangers of getting a "back-yard abortion". Surprisingly those who are pro-abortion deem this as a strong argument.

 

It is in this moment that the advocate loses any grip that they may have had on morality. Everything should be permissible and, as such, everything should be safe to participate in. Nobody is required to justify their actions. If they want to engage in self-destructive behaviours then it is their own business and the government should not interfere. Principles are sacrificed and complete autonomy reigns supreme.

 

Such a basis for modifying regulations is absurd. Governments should consider the ethical consequences of law-change most carefully before deciding on a course of action. Perhaps we need to turn our attention to the dangers of getting addicted to prescription drugs. Sandy Rea has written a great piece in the Herald Sun in which she says:

 

"Foul play has been ruled out but Houston's long battle with substance abuse is well known.

Of course, the singer is not alone in that battle.

Other major stars such as Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse and even Heath Ledger have fallen victim to the perils of prescription drug addiction.

With Houston's death we are again confronted with the broader social problem of prescription drug use and abuse.

The research tells us such misuse is increasingly pervasive. While Houston asserted that she was no "crack head", there is suspicion that the prescribed anti-anxiety drug Xanax may have played a role in her death.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reported the number of Australians who used pharmaceuticals for non-medical purposes in 2010 had risen by more than 100,000 since 2007.

These include benzodiazepines used for anxiety and sleep disorders, antidepressants used for mood disorders, opioids for pain management and amphetamines used, for example, in the management of ADHD...."

(http://www.heraldsun.com.au/opinion/whitney-a-victim-of-our-sorry-addicition/story-e6frfhqf-1226270238147)

 

The conclusion of her article is worth quoting as well:

"It is not the right of individuals to continue this practice of self-medication.

Its consequences are too significant.

It affects drivers and their capacity to be vigilant, impairing their awareness and response times.

It affects the public health system with overdoses - both intentional and unintentional.

It affects crime in our community as users become detached from the reality and consequences of their actions.

Most importantly, it affects the functioning of families, of parents who are unable to manage themselves or their children.

If you are popping that pill to make you feel that much happier during the day, recognise that early and do not let your life slide away.

Be brave and seek support."