When Falls the Coliseum » Erin Andrews’ loss of privacy

Erin Andrews’ loss of privacy – why is this okay?

Posted on July 22nd, 2009 by Alan Spoll

The story of what happened this week to Erin Andrews, an ESPN reporter, has been splashed all over the internet. I left it out of my Bad Sports, Good Sports column because I didn’t yet have the full details, and considered it only very loosely sports-related. I feel like I am not being fair to say nothing about it, though. If you were not aware, she was filmed sans clothing in her hotel room via a peep hole of some sort.

Over the past few years, female sideline reporters have become very commonplace in sports. Unlike their male counterparts, who can look like any average Joe, the female reporters tend to be attractive. We can spend a lot of time discussing why that is, but suffice it to say that the majority of the viewers of these sports are men, the people producing the telecasts are mostly men, so the female reporters are mostly attractive. This is no great revelation or commentary on the sexism that exists in our society. The more attractive the reporter, the more attention that reporter gets, especially on the internet. I read and participate in a number of sports related internet message boards, and the name Erin Andrews appears often, usually with accompanying pictures. And this was before the recent privacy invasion occurred. I am really bothered by the lack of boundaries that seem to be becoming more and more commonplace recently. I am disgusted by the TMZ television show and website, which can essentially claim that these kinds of intrusions are really its only reason for existence. I will freely admit that I am not a fan of reality television. Even more amazing than what happened to Erin Andrews, though, are the things that people freely submit themselves (and their children) to. Yes, Jon and Kate, I am looking at you. I hated you for what you were doing to your children long before you became tabloid fodder. But at least they (not their kids, unfortunately) had some say in the matter. Erin Andrews had no such opportunity.

I read a post yesterday where the poster was claiming that this was the best thing that could have happened to Ms. Andrews. She gets a ton of publicity, becomes an even bigger internet sensation, and yet has built in credibility and deniability, as opposed to if she had posed for Playboy, since this was done to her without her knowledge. Whether this turns into a boon for her or not, this is an awfully cynical way to look at things. Any answer that excuses such a heinous intrusion on someone like this is just wrong. It really comes down to something very simple. I have teenage daughters, so the idea hits close to home here. Just imagine that this was your daughter. Think about Erin Andrews’ parents before you try to excuse what happened, or consider it some kind of entertainment.

Author Bio
Latest Posts

Alan Spoll

Alan Spoll is a software quality assurance director from the suburbs of Philadelphia where he lives with his wonderful wife and children. He has spent his entire life as a passionate fan of the Eagles, Phillies, Sixers, Flyers, and Penn State. Recent Phillies success aside, you will understand his natural negativity. Follow me on Twitter - @DocAlan02