posted on February 20, 2001 10:26:21 AM
What I find heroic about this man was that he took care of his family and wasn't in the headlines for doing drugs and the like (as is Whitney Houston). He was a possitive roll model for today's children. Not giving in to pressures to do what the normal society is doing is very brave. He didn't abandon his family like so many men do today.
posted on February 20, 2001 11:16:06 AM
heartsong:
Thank you thank you, you are the voice of reason and have said so eloquently (sp?) what I and others have been trying to say.
To those who don't care:
Please, let those of us who feel we've lost a friend and, yes, a hero, mourn without trashing the man we are mourning. I don't think that's too much to ask.
posted on February 20, 2001 12:39:45 PM
A hero ? Be careful about annointing those we know little about.
While what we don't know may not hurt us, it is still no reason to inflate or tag along with media hype.
Dale Earnhardt or anyone else is spotless until someone finds a reason to dig into their personal life. And there is race car driver dirt to be found.
I also find that when someone wears their religion on their chest, watch out. NASCAR marketing knows who their audience is, and will cater to it, and briefs their drivers regarding audience acceptance. Ronald Reagan played the religion card every chance he got, and his religious consituents were silent when they found out he and Nancy were practicing astrology and had for decades used astrology, and were running the highest office in the land through an astrologist. Yet these same people still think of Ron and Nancy as fine Christian folks. Don't be offended when thought the fool when there is a reason to be found foolish. Why hasn't the christian right claimed Reagan's alzheimers is a curse from god for practicing astrology like they claimed aids was a curse from god on gays ? Hypocracy, mendacity, "ecce homo" - all too human.
Those without blemish are not heroes, they just haven't had their personal life investigated yet. Name your Saint and scratch the surface and you will find blemish. However, look for saintly acts, and you define what is saintly - which doesn't include driving a car very fast in circles or being worth millions and giving a few hundred thousand away and writing it off the corporate tax filing.
For those sellers selling Earnhardt material- strike while the iron is hot. His family will be cashing in on the dead man's name for years to come - get yours while you can.
He didn't abandon his family ? Many men don't. But millionaires do it daily, you just don't realize it. It's called a mistress. Which is housed in a condo payed for by the millionaire or his corporation. He stops in unnoticed. And she can sometimes be found on the corporate payroll as an employee who never works, or as a contractor for goods and services never received by the corporation. They even hire a guy and have her pose as his girlfriend to avoid suspicion, and make sure she can travel with the troop.
Didn't do drugs? Millionaires do drugs via prescription from their doctor a la Elvis and a host of others. But I guess if a doctor is the pusher, and not in the news, it's OK ?
Misdeeds not in the news ? Earnhardt didn't need the publicity and was never investigated. Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown desperately need publicity. Whitney probably planted the pot in her luggage to get in the news. Brown gets in bar fights to get in the news. The only bad publicity is no publicity.
Sell on-
[ edited by reamond on Feb 20, 2001 01:06 PM ]
[ edited by reamond on Feb 20, 2001 01:08 PM ]
posted on February 20, 2001 01:01:29 PMreamond: Can you say E-L-V-I-S? When Elvis Presley died, he had spent a good portion of his money. Priscilla (as executor of his estate) wanting to make sure she and Lisa Marie were well taken care of in their old age, became the VeRO of her time! Go to Graceland and buy one of those clear acrylic paperweights with a vial of Graceland dirt imbeded in it. It even comes with a certificate of authenticity.
posted on February 20, 2001 01:06:53 PM
So now's not a good time to dump my Lady Di/JFK jr mago's I found in a dumpster?
Seriously, reamond, right on.
Not to put to fine a point on it...I don't even think these erstwhile "hero's" would want to be such, I think Dale would rather be blowing past the finish line.
Be your own hero. Be a hero to your kids. Heck your dog probably already thinks you are one! Be a hero to those you love, those you should love (one of those commandments!). Don't look on phony celebrities as anything more than people making money on adoration.
Or is that the church...I always mix that up!
Ebay-wise...I suppose it's all a little strange, but OTOH, going to an estate sale is still going through a dead person's house. You just don't know who's hero he/she was.
posted on February 20, 2001 01:14:00 PMFIRST OF ALL...
Whitney Houston is a HUGE star, appealing to people all over the world---of all economic stratas. Dale Earnhardt's "fans" are, how shall I say this, not as vast in size or fortune, therefore the amount of attention he received from the national media was modest.
As another poster alluded to, St. Dale's life wasn't exactly under a microscope.
Also, to the poster who feels they've lost a "friend"; what planet are you on? A friend? Do you know what a "friend" actually is?
And heartsong: All because the NASCAR website isn't accepting orders for Earnhardt items, doesn't mean they WON'T EVER. The items we're talking about being sold are ones sold on the periphery of the whole NASCAR world.
NO EARNHARDT ITEM sold on Ebay is going to hurt or upset ANYONE close to the situation---unless of course someone auctions off his occupied casket--in which case they'd be in violation of some Ebay rule and safeharbor would certainly have something to say about that.
[ edited by battlecreek25 on Feb 20, 2001 01:14 PM ]
posted on February 20, 2001 01:22:39 PMIn conclusion this is posted on the Nascar Page:
Welcome to the official online store of Nascar:
Out of respect to Dale Earnhardt, his immediate family, all the employees of Dale Earnhardt, Inc., and all his fans and friends, NASCAR.com Store is currently not accepting orders on Dale Earnhardt products.
posted on February 20, 2001 01:27:35 PM
To those who admonish those of us who are saddened by Dale's death, I guess you are the lucky ones. You have probably never lost someone you admire, for that you should be happy, I certainly am for you, because it is a sad feeling.
As far as the personal attack on me as someone who doesn't know what a real friend is, if that were a true statement it would be sad, luckily it's not, I have plenty of close awesome friends.
I guess we'll all have to agree to disagree on this issue. It's too bad that some people can't/won't/don't respect the feelings of others, especially when it's dealing with the death of someone.
I hope noone ever close to your heart dies and someone says all the hateful and hurtful things being said on this thread to all of you.
posted on February 20, 2001 01:52:08 PM
In a few months from now NASCAR or another licensee probably will be offering Earnhardt memorial plates, t-shirts, posters, and anything else you can think of.
NASCAR while called a sport, like any other sport, is an entertainment business - yes there are people that are amused watching cars go in circles and crash. There is little difference between us and the crowds at the Roman Coloseum. We just deliver death, destruction, and violence in a manner acceptable to our culture.
As far as NASCAR being a "family" venue, I beg to differ. I see more alcohol, female flesh and flashing, and sky high prices than the most debased rock concerts. I suppose if your son wants a lesson in female anatomy and which beer he should drink, or your daughter needs to learn that her body is her calling card, then NASCAR events are the place to take them. If it is a family venue, I have to ask what kind of family you wish to produce ? But I guess if the drivers outwardly show some reference to your religion, it's OK ?
There is nothing in our society that escapes commercial use. It is capitalism. It is a fault of capitalism. But capitalism has delivered a higher standard of living than any other system.
A capitalist hero is one who sees a market and exploits it the most profitably.
As far as "making money" on someone's death - there is an industry employing thousands built on death. From the probate lawyer to the grave digger - money changes hands and profits are made.
Don't be pollyannish about "heroes", NASCAR, and capitalism.
posted on February 20, 2001 03:01:36 PM
Oh yeah, I see what you mean:
I was saddened by the loss of my friend Princess Di, also by the death of longtime friend Steve Allen, not to mention my buddies George Burns, Bing Crosby and my favorite buddy...Elvis. John Lennon was a good friend, but that Yoko was a pain.
When my friend Francis Albert Sinatra passed it was especially difficult. My buddy Sammy Davis Jr. hadn't called in a whuile, so it was a bit easier when he left us, but when old chum Chris Farly croaked, I was devastated.
I know what you mean flynn. Good friends are hard to come by.
posted on February 20, 2001 03:13:27 PMThe REAL irony:
While many sellers are trying to capitalize on this situation by selling previously created Dale Earnhardt items, the NASCAR organization itself will actually license NEW items, with the SOLE INTENTION of capitalizing off of his death. I can see them now: Memorial this, memorial that.
Don't be such saps.
[ edited by battlecreek25 on Feb 20, 2001 03:14 PM ]
posted on February 20, 2001 03:54:51 PM
This whole topic is absurd if you ask me...this is all about 3 words..SUPPLY AND DEMAND...where is the DEMAND coming from? Is it that hard to figure out? The DEMAND is coming from the folks who are fans of Dale Earnhardt...and these people are forking out hundreds of dollars and in some cases thousands...it seems that some of these people worship Dale Earnhardt...are you going to admonish them too? The fans who love Dale Earnhardt are creating this DEMAND. Perhaps we should start boycotting everyone who is selling Dale Earnhardt memorabilia...lets start with Kmart, how about Walmart...better yet...what about the thousands of "mom & pop" Nascar and Sportscard businesses, should they lock their doors or pull all Dale Earnhardt related merchandise off their selling floor? Come on folks...Ebay is no different than your a retail store...they are SUPPLYING the product that TRUE Dale Earnhardt fans WANT...and these fans would be upset if they couldn't get it...just my 2-cents worth.
Billy - iList4U
[ edited by ilist4u on Feb 20, 2001 03:56 PM ]
[ edited by ilist4u on Feb 20, 2001 06:24 PM ]
posted on February 21, 2001 12:25:01 AM
Did you guys know Earnhardt was the first NASCAR driver to license his name for merchandise.
HE opened the doors for all of the NASCAR merchandise on the market today.
Obviously he did not have a problem using his name to make money for himself, his family, agents, manufacturers and retailers.
How is it disrespectful for us to continue to profit now that he is gone?
If anything it is honoring him by keeping his memory alive.
posted on February 21, 2001 01:53:24 AM
Hi Battle Creek,
I give you my deepest sympathies on the passing of your "friends". I know what pain you must feel. I know that even though I didn't know Barney Olfield, (a turn of the century auto racer), I'm still having a hard time getting over his death. He was such a good racer and drive speeds up to 70 mph. Boo Hoo, Boo Hooo, pass me a tissue.
I think if some of these people really examined thier feeling, they would come to the grips and would relize they really like Dale Earnhardt for what he did, i.e., auto racing. They couldn't really like Dale Earnhardt because they never knew him, but only knew OF him.
I was watching the news on TV today and saw a man say in regard to Earnhardt, "I love that man like I love my Daddy". Hopefully, this man won't take his own life over this loss.
I personally have certain public figures that I enjoy very much and would be sad if they died, but I don't love them. A person really can't love anybody that they don't know, and shouldn't love anything or anyone that can't or won't love them back.
Much (but not all) of this Dale Earnhardt stuff will be in garage sales in 2 years anyway when these "fans" get tired of dusting it, and looking at it on thier mantles and china cabinets and come to senses about this. Some will always try in thier mind to rationalize paying $20.00 for a Earnhardt keychain that one week ago would sell for $5.00. Many of these are the same people that are complaining about ebay raising thier fee a nickel.
posted on February 21, 2001 04:16:13 AM
Last night my 6 year son asked me how long will his heart hurt for Dale. I told him to give it some time.
After reading some of the heartless posts above, I think the next time he asks me I am going to tell him "Get Over It Son. He did nothing useful with the exception of driving a race car. For that reason alone, you need to snap out of it, and go find yourself someone different to look up to. Let's see, how about a rap star, one of the many football players that is charged with some crime or another, or how about a hockey player. They love to fight."
Geez people, have a little compassion. I guess those of you who dont care also dont have a favorite sports person that you look up to. But maybe I see where you are coming from. I have no interest in football. So, I guess if one of those guys got tackled and dropped dead, I would have absolutely no sympathy for the football fan. As a matter of fact, if one of you started a thread about it, I would come over here and tell you to get a life and get over it. After all, these guys just throw a ball around a field. And hey, they know what can happen. They could get hit at any time and drop dead.
I am being sarcastic. But my point is this: Let Dale's fan mourn for him. He was a great person who deserves a little respect at this time.
posted on February 21, 2001 04:16:29 AM
Hello Codasaurus,
You asked, [b]"Are you implying that real courage is only attributed to those who do something under coercion?
I would think the exact opposite is more true. Real courage is when you have the choice of doing or not doing something and choose to do it despite the greater personal risk the action represents."[/b]
I totally agree with you in your defination of real courage. Here's an example that comes to mind.
In 1954, in Selma, Alabama, a black woman named Rosa Parks,was riding in a city bus in the hate filled south. She refused to give her seat to a white man when ordered to do so by the bus driver. She was arrested for an act of civil misconduct and went to jail. I think that anyone who knows anything about American history can agree that being black and being arrested in the south, in that period, was not a favorable combination.
Her actions made life better for everyone today and we life in a better country for them. She put herself in a position of harm for everyone, and that took courage. She was employed as a house cleaner. That was her job, and that DID NOT take courage.
posted on February 21, 2001 01:19:26 PM
To all of the insensitive morons (you know who you are)who are treating the death of Dale Earnhardt as a big joke, I have a little something for you......
posted on February 21, 2001 01:57:44 PM
The real joke is for people to look to television, and sports for heroes.
For the woman whose 6 year "mourns" Earnhardt, I have to ask why his heroes are not in his home, extended family or community - has his mother ever read him a book about real heroes or does she set him in front of a TV ? This is the same reason we have an eleven year old convicted of murder for copying Wrestlers from the TV. It is a true shame that a 6 year old would mourn a race car driver, and probably has no idea who Salk was, or M L King, Lincoln, Churchill, Roosevelt, Schindler, Washington, Jefferson, etc., etc.. Your son mourns for someone who gave his life for your idle entertainment. And we who are critical are the bad guys ? Don't think so.
Anyone whose heroes are sports and other media figures need a reality check.
We need to be able to distinguish between media pop culture and what really makes a difference.
Oh, I get it.....Just because my normal 6 year old likes to watch race cars, he is now in the same category as a child who imitated a wrestler and murdered another child. Yeah sure.......If that kid had 1/10th of the heart that my kid has, he would never have done such a horrible thing. Maybe that is why my son mourns. Because he cares about others. I wonder how many tears that child who murdered another shed over anything, never mind a "hero". Probably not one drop.
And yes, to answer your ridiculous question. We do read books together. At least 3 a night. But no, I am not going to have him read about King, Roosevelt, Washington, etc. every night. Excuse me, for letting my kid be a kid........
Back to the subject: After I thought about it, it really doesnt matter one way or the other to me if someone is trying to make an extra buck by listing Dale related items. His merchandise is going to be mass produced and shoved down our throats until we are sick of looking at it. I wouldnt sell anything of his now, but that's me. I certainly wouldn't upset if someone I knew was listing his items at this time.
posted on May 23, 2001 11:56:12 AM
Look back on the thread- this is exactly what I said would happen. The surviving family members are cashing in, death can be a good career move for marketing merchandise.
posted on May 23, 2001 03:27:52 PM
Well, I do remember hearing how Dale had a umm special relationship with Taz, so it's understandable how his umm friend would like to honor him by having him on his merchandise.
