Magazine readers just as guilty as the paparazzi

HONG KONG pop singer Gillian Chung was secretly photographed while she was adjusting her bra backstage after a concert in Genting Highlands.  

It is definitely not wrong to blame the notorious Hong Kong paparazzi for this indecent report. It is very obvious that the photographer crossed the line and invaded her privacy. 

However, what is the real cause of this unfortunate incident? It is the readers. There is always supply when there is demand. This is a simple and logical business principle that can be applied directly to this particular case. 

There are always many ardent fans who are quick to rally in support of their favourite artistes when unpleasant incidents occur. However, just as quickly, they will also pick up the latest gossip tabloid and start to feed on the private life of the same artistes. 

So, can the reporters of the magazine be blamed solely for this incident? Or should the readers bear part of the guilt?  

We have to remember that no reporter enters the field of journalism with the intention of becoming a scandalmonger. Very often, especially in the very competitive Hong Kong publishing environment, reporters are forced to put aside their ideals and report scandals or gossip if they want to keep their jobs.  

We shouldn’t just put the blame on reporters for irresponsible reports or paparazzi for intruding on celebrities’ privacy.  

We should always be more concerned by the faulty mindset of the readers who clamour for such fodder. 

 

JC840330 

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