No sympathy Here for the Crocodile Hunter

I am going to go out on a limb here about something that may not be polite. It's been a couple weeks since the untimely and unfortunate death of Steve Irwin the Crocodile Hunter. I have genuine sympathy for his wife and especially his children. But in the last two weeks the publicity around his death has snowballed from interest to adoration until it's gotten frankly ridiculous.

Flipping the cable tv channels today, the news media are talking about him INCESSANTLY. Animal Planet is planning a very long tribute that they will drag on for weeks. The TV guide channel is playing a continuous loop of Steve Irwin higlights. In perhaps the best indicator of popular interest, hundreds of tribute videos have been posted to YouTube. But, why are they talking about him like he's Nelson-freakin'-Mandela or something? Like he is some great hero who died tragically, and gave his life to some great cause? Puh-lease!!!!!

The guy got famous for doing stupid stuff that I would ground my 10-year old for. He was basically the "Jackass" of the animal world. His show (imho) and his behavior were closer to animal stalking and harassment than appreciation. He dangled his newborn baby in front of a crocodile like a ham sandwich just to get publicity. Let's not build this guy up to be a great naturalist, statesman, environmentalist or anything else involving common sense. I am so tired of hearing woeful, tearful tributes. Enough already. That time would be better spent talking about the lives of Teddy Roosevelt, or John Muir. I think the great political humorists of our time (e.g. South Park) really captured my annoyance when they spoofed him on their show. The videos are up on YouTube--you can watch the short version by clicking the first link, and the longer highlight version on the second link.

The Crocodile Hunter on South Park (1 minute)
The longer version (~4 minutes)

G'Day, mate!