Recently Twomorrows Publishing had a big sale from which I bought several old issues of Alter Ego and Back Issue magazines. These were from several years ago and relate to the comic book industry. Within there are several interviews with or about comic creators and editors who have since died. Reading the old articles some of these people were mean, arrogant SOBs who never failed to try to take credit for others work or disparage others achievements.
But following their deaths an amazing thing happened: they have been sainted! They are now looked back on with deep love and affection, even admiration.
Without getting into the names of the individuals (which serves no purpose other than create controversy), how does one go from scoundrel to hero just through the act of dying? I don't buy it and I feel it is the height of hypocrisy.
When I was a program director in radio I worked with a sportscaster who was a backstabbing, arrogant jerk who left many damaged careers in his wake. He died unexpectedly. Many of those who most despised him rushed to praise him. I couldn’t do it and I volunteered to remain at the station on the air during the funeral so everyone else could attend. The sales manager, who I rarely agreed with on company issues, also felt the way I did and stayed behind to man the front desk. We just couldn't see pretending to respect a man who deserved no respect.
Am I wrong in feeling that these post-death transformations are hypocritical? I am not saying people should attack the deceased, but at least don't ignore the truth.
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