Ledger gone too young
The unfortunate and untimely death of Heath Ledger on Jan. 21 has lead to a variety of feelings. Fellow actors, family, friends, and fans all alike are mourning. Sorrow is a typical response to death, especially in this case. Ledger was a celebrated actor, and a great father.
It’s not expected for the whole world to get all torn up over his death, but at the same time it unfathomable for people to celebrate Ledger’s death. That is exactly what the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka Kansas has announced over the Internet.They plan on protesting his worthiness of a religious funeral, while also showing excitement over his death.
There is no good reason to ever disrespect someone or their family by protesting at their funeral, but this church feels it to be just all because Ledger acted as a gay man in a the movie “Brokeback Mountain”.
The fact at hand is that a life has been lost, and it shouldn’t make a difference who they are, where they come from, or what they believe in. Death is one of the most difficult things a family has to cope with, especially when it was as unexpected as this one.
The lack of logic these protestors have put behind their plan is almost disgusting. Heath Ledger is not a gay, as if it should even matter. His job as an actor is to depict whichever role he is given. He was there for our entertainment, and was given awards and multiple nominations for his achievements. He was quiet, and worked hard to stay out of the public eye when it came to his private life. From what has been said by his family members, and from interviews, Ledger dotted over his two year old daughter and strived to give her the best life possible. Now, not only does this little girl have to deal with never seeing her father again, but she will have to process the thought of these people disapproving of her father’s life.
It’s irresponsible and just plain disrespectful for the Westboro Church to hop on the publicity band wagon so they could make a name for themselves and do what they believe to be God’s work.
As a community, it is important to be tolerant of everyone. The feelings of others may not be the same as your own, nor agreeable. It’s a double ended sword and works both ways. Above all, it’s decent to give people their privacy no matter who they are. The sanctity of death is one of those times.