Hundreds of thousands of businesses and individuals pay public relations firms and publicists weighty retainers to get their messages out - to break through to an audience. Ford Motor Company wants you to know they're "bold." Obama wants you to know he's experienced enough to be President. I want you to know that I'm the witty go-to guy on American Idol commentary.
The demented Cho has managed to become not only a household name but also a legend in record time - and he didn't have to pay anyone to do it for him. Sending his press kit to NBC may be the only rational thing he did - since NBC News took the bait (in record time).
Here's a challenge: Give me a single upside to NBC showing the video, even the stills, from Cho's press kit. (Sorry, no prize this time.) Just one good thing that will come from this.
Last night, I watched MSNBC for about 45 minutes. Three different guests (one profiler and one psychotherapist included) made it clear beyond a shadow of a doubt that Cho's "content" was worthless; that there was nothing to learn from his rantings; that he was probably, among other things, a paranoid schizophrenic. In short, his words had no meaning.
A couple of guests applauded NBC for handling the material responsibly. The endorsements seemed suspiciously planted. One guest went so far as to say that this material would have gotten out there in some other way had NBC embargoed it. Really? Then I guess I can still catch the footage of Steve Irwin getting zapped by the stingray.
You don't need to give me the downside to airing Cho's multimedia presentation: further desensitization, inspiring of copycats ... I got those covered. (Media neophytes Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris left their fans wanting more image-wise. Cho's iconography might be kind of hackneyed but it's plentiful, perfect for screensavers. A few may even make the leap to t-shirts, a la Patty Hearst. Or how about "Cho" instead of "Che"?)
Of course everyone else showed the meaningless footage, no doubt accelerating the mythologizing of Cho. (Jeez, it took Mother Teresa seven years to just get beatified.) This morning a Fox News correspondent stood in the hallway outside Cho's door room in Ambler. Room 2120. This was The room of The man who perpetrated The worst mass shooting in American history, we were told. How long before the plaque that reads "Cho Slept Here" goes up?
***
UPDATE: Some commenters say I'm supporting censorship. I don't think I am. After all, news organizations get pitched stories constantly - by Proctor & Gamble, by the DNC and RNC, and in this case by a lunatic. The editorial staff need to decide what's newsworthy. In this case, I think the sending of the tape is itself a story. The content of the tape? Not so much.
But speaking of censorship, does anyone else find it almost funny to watch and hear the rantings of a homicidal maniac - but with the naughty curse words bleeped? Wouldn't want to freak the kiddies out!
Mo Rocca has appeared on a bunch of shows, including 'The Daily Show,' 'I Love the 80s,'...
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The Legend of Cho (Brought to you by NBC)
Posted Apr 19th 2007 8:03AM by Mo Rocca
Filed under: Virginia Tech Shooting, Cho Seung-Hui
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Reader Comments ( Page 5 of 74)
61. I am one of those people who have not seen the video of this demented psycho murderer. I have no intention of seeing it as it is as has been described as worthless. NBC played it so that people who have a morbid facination with psychotics can look at one and feel superior. I don't need that. The explanation regarding the killing if one needs it is simple. A crazy person obtained two hand guns with an ample supply of ammunition and went out and killed people because of his demented mind. End of story. No way to prevent this kind of killer short of us locking up everyone who anyone says is crazy. It happens. It is horrible. Go on with your life. There was nothing to be done before and except for commiserating with the families of those who were murdered there is nothing more to be done regardless of what the talking heads on television say.
marber at 12:05PM on Apr 19th 2007
62. Why is he a "legend"? I think you need to read the definition in a dictionary.
There is no upside to NBC showing all they did, but the general public was expecting it because of how the media has handled all tragedies in the past...show the people all the gory details over and over and over again.
Kristen at 12:13PM on Apr 19th 2007
63. #4, I will agree with your point about bringing mental ilness to the forefront, but why does the video have to be played over and over again?
There was obviously something wrong with this kid and many red flags waved all around him, but people kept passing the buck or turning a blind eye until the inevitable tragedy occured. To continue to subject the victims, their families, Cho's family, and the rest of the world to his rantings and ravings helps no one. The deed is done.
Michele at 2:31PM on Apr 19th 2007
64. Why are we so obsessed with this mass murderer? Every "warning sign" applies to thousands of people that never harm or kill anyone. Could anyone have forseen this? I'm sure some will say yes. The media circus that has ensued disgusts me. Parasites that earn their living from the death and distruction of others. The victims who survived will continue to be victims, now of the media. The victims and there familly and friends will be asked "what was it like?" "Could you have done anything to stop him". As a past shooting victim I can tell you that these people will ask themselves questions like this for years. The media is not interested in the victims well being. The media will twist, pry, invade, every person that can be even remotely connected to this horrible act. Remember O.J.? Multiply by 1000. There is only one answer to why Cho did this. He was a mass murderer and proved it. Any other theory as to ,"why", Doesn't matter. We can spend 10 years annalizing the data and still come up with the wrong answer. Nobody will forget what happened, those who lived and those who died. Give all involved the respect they deserve, and some time to heal. Don't make them re-live that day. It was bad enough the first time. If they want to talk about it there are much heathier places than on TV.
scott poole at 12:13PM on Apr 19th 2007
65. Hello!!! The media and all the cable companies are laughing all the way to the bank. Aren't Americans FREELY paying for the cable, the satellite and all the other means of having this poisin pumped into thier home. Turn off the TV. Stop paying for the cable. We live a perfectly normal life in our home without cable.(Yes, I still have dial up):) My children are great readers, bright, able to engage in conversation beyond American Idol, are confident in their relationship with mom and dad (we spend time actually talking an playing games). They are 8 and 10 and read the paper, actually responding by writing letters to the editor. We do have a choice. As long as we condone this type of media hype, it will continue.
Monica Shafer at 12:29PM on Apr 19th 2007
66. When a kid is having problems on campus..stalking etc., why aren't the parents involved???? Many are footing the bill, all of it, most of it, even if they are getting aid. They have to sign papers, contracts etc. If parents are financially contributing to college education..administrators should notify them about the serious problems of their child. I feel sorry now for all the families including the killer's. The police release things after the fact..why not notify parents of potentially problematic kids. Were Cho's parents aware of their son's problems? Did they ignore them?
Janet at 12:20PM on Apr 19th 2007
67. I as a mother agree with what Marjorie on April 19th said...... it is time that the congress and we, as a nation take notice of mentally ill people who fall thru the cracks. The people of the United States, our kids, their kids, and so on, seem to think the mentally ill are to be here for amusement for their behalf.....leading to incidences such as this.
If just ONE person saw this young man as impaired in actions, thoughts, or words.... why is it they all have to comment now? why not before all this horrible incident happened???? WHERE is the help for our young people??? People dont care.....thats where the help is
classzback at 12:20PM on Apr 19th 2007
68. We are all trying to make sense out of this senseless act. To rationalize the ramblings of someone who wasn't. To comprehend the incomprehensible. Why? To try to make certain, with KNOWLEDGE, it will NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN!
Priscilla A Torres at 12:20PM on Apr 19th 2007
69. I believe we should be able to know about the information available – Present the facts and move on! - Not to have it played on every network 24/7! Think about the victims families, about the anger and hatred it fuels. Put yourself in the victims’ families’ shoes – would you want to see the last thing your son or daughter saw before they died in this horrific manner by airing the photo of the killer with a gun aimed at the camera! Over and Over Again! It is totally insensitive! It is about having some common sense and morality – which the networks (not just NBC) seem to lack. I turned on CNN last night and all they did was show these images and videos in the background while they were doing their interviews – It made me sick to my stomach!
Oh yeah – there are more senseless killings going on in Iraq (Hundreds Yesterday!) – We do not see 24/7 coverage of this! It is just another day in a senseless War!
Jim - Reno, NV at 12:33PM on Apr 19th 2007
70. There is nothing to be gained by the continual coverage of this individual. Has the media become so embedded in ratings at any cost that they are unable to empathize with families who have just lost children or spouses? Where has our conscience disappeared to? Honor those who were taken so needlessly from this world. Let them never be forgotten!!!!!!!
Marsha at 12:36PM on Apr 19th 2007
71. It seems I'm the only independent journalist blogger who has made a point to talk about the instant messages that Cho Seung Hui wrote to a female student.
The passages, as displayed on CNN, are from Romeo and Juliet. But CNN's report seemed oblivious to this. Could he have been trying some way to make a romantic connection with this student and her rejection of him was just another log on the fire? It's at least work discussing:
http://www.monkeytypesthebible.com/2007/04/cho-seung-huis-creepy-instant-messages.html
Decide for yourself. I included more from Scene II for context of Cho's IM's to the female student.
phil at 7:30AM on Apr 26th 2009
72. By showing these videos over and over it seams to me we are praising him for the actions he done. If there are anymore sicko's thinking about doing this these videos are just fuel for the fire. The news stations are always wanting to be the first to break a news story. Somethings are better kept from the public and this is one of those. NBC done the right thing by turning this over to the police.It should have been left with the police for thier investagation only. The families and friends of the innocent students, teachers and witnesses should not have to be reminded of this everytime they turn on the tv. If it was one of your loved ones would you want to see Cho's picture on everything you pick up or watched?
Paul at 12:25PM on Apr 19th 2007
73. NBC put its business in front of the general public safety.
The information that was sent to them should have been given to the proper authorities, which they did and NOT put the info out to the public at least not for a unspecified time . The time should have been decided by those who can evaluate, study and learn , so those who are on the edge don't get caught up in the moment and do something similiar.
All they do , NBC like other media outlets , is look at the end of the day at their ratings. If something happens after that all they say is OOPS.
Hal at 12:27PM on Apr 19th 2007
74. Prior to NBC showing the video of THE KILLER (this is how we should refer to him instead of his full name)
It was evident THE KILLER was disturbed by his mere actions. How else can you account for his behavior? Certainly not normal.
AS TO MO'S challenge: I believe that ONE positive thing about these disturbing images is that we become more familiar with the odd behaviors of potential mass murderers and can be more vigilant.
ONE THING is for sure...We are deeply saddened and with heavy souls for the senseless killings of young bright students and even brighter professors.
Lori at 12:29PM on Apr 19th 2007
75. I just wish that Cho was no, where to be seen. If the news want's to show anything, then show the family's who are suffering if they want to be shown. Shos the collage kid's who are going through this. Give us all web's so we can express ourselfs to them. If I don't get a chance to say it anyplace else. God be with all of you. My prayers are with you.
Lucille Stockton at 12:30PM on Apr 19th 2007