The Daily Gist: With Ben Istiphan

As most of us know by now, a photo of Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps appeared in a British tabloid earlier this year, in which it appears that he is smoking marijuana from a bong. The photo was taken in November during a party at the University of South Carolina. The media has been a little over-dramatic and has concentrated a little too much on an incident that deserves little attention.

Phelps might be an Olympian and arguably the greatest athlete of our time, but as a young individual, he also has the tendencies to indulge in activities that are ordinary for someone his age. However, the media has a different perspective, claiming that his actions have tarnished his reputation as a role model for kids. This is precisely why Kellogg’s announced that they will not renew Phelps’s endorsement contract, but the concerns of the company have little to do with his behavior per se. To kellogg’s, Phelps is a commodity, and before every business adventure, a company must take into consideration of how much value a product holds to the consumer. In the case of young athletes raised in a socially conservative household, such a product may be despised.

As for a reaction, Phelps has apologized and has admitted that his actions were inappropriate and that he demonstrated bad judgment. Unfortunately, this is a case where the lifestyle and persona of an individual is dictated and determined by others. It appears that someone who smoked pot is not a ideal candidate to sale a box a cereal. Instead of apologizing, Phelps could have have taken an approach that embracing rather than demonizes his actions. Yes he would lose some fans, but in the process, he will also gain a few.

Marijuana and non-marijuana smokers have condoned and even embraced Phelps, possibly because the whole incident symbolizes a more mundane and ordinary individual. Even the face of pop culture can have fun too. Phelps must fathom that he has quite possibly gained more support and popularity as a result. He should leave behind his current image that has tarnished his reputation enough, and adopt a new one that is compatible with the ever-growing young and liberal population. In the end, an appearance on Snoop Dogg’s latest music video is just as, if not more impressive, than an appearance in a cereal commercial.

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