By: Robbie McAnelly

Do not speak ill of the dead is a common rule of thumb followed by most. Celebrity deaths serve as a shocking example of hypocrisy.
Celebrities can do nothing to keep their life private. Besides all the glamour and posh lifestyle, celebrities must also be submitted to constant ridicule from the unforgiving public. Some hidden information coming light can seriously end a celebrity.

With the death of former Pennsylvania State football coach Joe Paterno across headlines everywhere, one would expect a sigh of relief. Just months ago Paterno could probably have been considered one of the most hated men in America once secrets involving child molestation amongst his coaching staff hit the media. The hatred was ubiquitous. Even the most hardcore Penn State fans could admit they had disgust for Paterno’s actions.

Paterno passed at the age of 85 last Sunday. The shock and sympathy has been heavily broadcasted via social networking. How could this be? Just months ago the same people saying how much they respected Joe Paterno were talking about how he was an aid to malicious activity.

Another prime example of this absurdity: Michael Jackson. One might say that Jackson had completely fallen off the earth before his unfortunate death in the summer of 2009. Once the news hit television screens in the homes of millions, Jackson instantly became the most loved man in the world. Formerly a social pariah, Jackson was instantly the most talked about person on earth. Fans gathered in hoards to play his classic music and remember his glory days.

It presents quite the paradox. Why does death have to be the only saving grace of a fallen celebrity? It’s sickening to think that the only way to repair your tarnished reputation is when you won’t even be around to witness it.  No matter how bad of decisions someone makes in life, the good decisions should be the ones kept in mind.