Thursday, February 5, 2009

Michael Phelps and THAT Picture

It does not take much skimming to bump into a story about Michael Phelps smoking pot in South Carolina. And it seems, based on his confession, it's true.

A 23 year old young man who has devoted almost all of his life to training wants to let his very short hair down. This, folks, is not news. I had the pleasure of meeting the world's greatest swimmer at a book signing in Midtown Manhattan in December. He seemed nice enough--quiet, smiling, casually dressed. Not unlike any other twenty-something that I have had cross my path with one exception--he is really tall.

Phelps is young, rich and most probably feels the need to catch up on what he hears his friends have been doing for years. Kissing, flirting, drinking, having sex. You know....remember when you were 23? Add to that a strong mix of apparent naivete. What makes me say that? He allowed himself to be photographed smoking pot.

So why are Americans, scratch that, people all over the world, overreacting the way they are? Because they need heroes. And the illusion that he is beyond reproach is an important one to many. But that is a fantasy. Phelps is a person and has the same needs and desires that we all have. And I have a feeling that the only thing that is going to come out of this is he is going to become more careful about his vices from here on out.

One other thing--I am not hearing much of a reaction to his drinking, "throwing back shots of booze two at a time..." It's pretty amazing how compartmentalized most people are when it comes to their choice of hallucinogens. While I am sure some Puritans are shocked that he drinks, I have not seen any complaints in planet blog. It seems, despite what we know about the dangerous complications and consequences of drinking alcohol, these actions are not seen as being a problem.

People are hypocrites about alcohol and marijuana use. It's only through a fluke of history that one is legal and one is not. Realizing that drinking wine and firing up a bong and smoking a red box of Marlboros all serve the same function--self-medication--is a concept most people are not too comfortable with. Folks, they are all the same.

Have fun Michael. Be safe. And no more pictures, okay?

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