There are some things in life you just don't joke about. I remember 7 years ago in my Christmas newsletter (yep, I'm one of those), I mentioned I was reporting on health issues. Back story: I was a news reporter to start my career. In the letter, I poked fun of doing stories on ear wax removal. And my mom brought up a valid point: who knows if someone in my family has a real problem with ear wax and may be offended. I deleted that line from the letter and moved on. The point: I found it funny but well, not everyone might.
And that's true in life. For example, my boyfriend is a die-hard Simpsons fan. I have to admit, I slept in the 2nd row of the movie on opening night. I don't find the humor funny at all. Same with South Park. And that's fine -- plenty of people love and that's great. In fact, I know I'm in the minority. I prefer reading a magazine in silence!
But then there are things that everyone can agree are not funny at all. Thursday's comment at the Alamo Bowl Pep Rally may be one of them. Joking about someone dying who is a) at the pep rally and b) 81 years old. NOT FUNNY. Retirement is one thing, death -- completely different.
Let me preface this my saying I was 30,000 feet up when the comment was made and no mention of it was quoted in today's newspaper here in San Antonio, but it was the very first topic of conversation at this morning's press conference.
JoePa blew it off, saying maybe the A&M cheerleader was right. But that has to hurt! Let's face it, we're all scared of dying -- hence, why I hate flying! And I'll tell you who it hurt most: Sue Paterno. Apparently, she was very unhappy and rightfully so. Can you imagine someone taking the stage and saying your spouse in on his/her death bed? Not appropriate.
In an age where everything we say is scrutinized, this time, it's easy. The line was crossed. If you're a Nittany Lion fan, you can only hope the team heard the quote and uses it as motiviation. That cheerleader can now watch the game from the comforts of his own home as Joe Paterno runs out onto the field. I still watch in amazement each time I see him trot out of the tunnel. I can only hope I'm as active when I'm 81. Retirement, nah... he has a lot more coaching to do! I'm dead serious -- no joke!
