How can we mourn the loss of someone we only knew through TV? Why does his death impact us so?

Question

I cry for him. I cry for his family. I am still in a state of disbelief and it seems unreal. He was such a kind person and he adored his children. Why is his death affecting me in this way? The more I read others postings, I realize I am not the only one feeling this way.

Answer 1

People die every day and we don't bat an eye. Because of television, people feel they "KNEW" Irwin, like they felt they "KNEW" Princess Diana, JFK, Jr., and so on. Of course, they don't, and why everyone carries on so I don't know. Irwin's death was tragic but a great many people die tragic deaths. The media has been at this one non-stop and I think that might have something to do with it. It was like after 9/11 (far bigger event), when everyone was over dosing on the details. Go and do something else. Get involved with another activity. Peace to Irwin's family but really, this thing has been overblown beyond belief. Thousands of people die every day worldwide and of course, this is just one they are focusing on because of his celebrity. His life is no more or less valuable than anyones. The world will keep revolving. And to CoachD: Youa re but another demented sad teen. We are inuandated int his country with your kind. Your parents must be so proud. NOT!

Answer 2

Television is so powerful because it creates a sense of intimacy. We see into the lives of people we don't know, to a degree that rarely exists with our neighbors or even loved ones.
Your mourning Steve Irwin (I assume it's him) is totally natural, because television makes him feel like a close friend. Think of how many people don't just mourn real people from television, but also characters that never actually existed.
Have you ever cried reading a good book? In emotional terms, those characters are just as real as anyone else.

No worries. What you feel is real enough. Don't be afraid to let it out.

Answer 3

We feel close to that person because we have spent time watching them live their lives and have feelings for them based on that.I was totally in love with Chris Farley,when he died I was depressed for a long time and couldnt watch anything he was in.Steve Irwin taped things as they happened,It was like we were hanging out with him.My brother died almost 6 months ago and yesyerday was hard enough and when we found out Steve died it made it that much worse.For us, it is more that we feel really bad for Terri and the kids.I beleive Steve was a christian and in heaven,but in our loss of my brother,we feel so bad that someone else has to go through this kind of pain.We should all pray for Terri and the kids.

Answer 4

Crickey. He wouldn't want you mopin' about. Have a brew and pop in some of the good times on the Telly. That's the way he would have wanted it. He also would want you to do something for the conservation effort. Donate some money or volunteer on an Eco-trip next summer. That's what he would have wanted. I wore my Aligator shirt today (with an aligator picture...not made of it.)

Answer 5

Steve Irwin(if thats who u r talkin about) was very well known. Everyone could relate to him and he was a good rolemodel. These qualities would describe a true friend. If your friend died you would cry so it is only natural that so many ppl are effected by his death.
R.I.P Steve ...... You will be missed by us all :*(

Answer 6

Steve had a magical presence on tv...he made you feel like he was talking to you....you only had to see him and generally he put a smile on your face. so much so that you felt like you knew him.
His death has affected many in different ways
my heart goes out to his family also.
Hopefully his legacy will continue

Answer 7

may he rest in peace

Answer 8

I don't know who you are talking about ??? Does he have a name?