Jessica Watson's Solo Sail: Hero or Reality TV Star?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around Jessica Watson's solo sail around the world, examining the implications of her journey, the notion of heroism, and the risks associated with such an endeavor. Participants explore various perspectives on her achievement, the support she received, and the broader cultural context of young adventurers undertaking similar challenges.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether Watson was truly alone during her voyage, noting that she had support boats monitoring her journey.
  • Others argue that the presence of support boats constitutes assistance, which complicates the definition of a solo sail.
  • Concerns are raised about the safety of young individuals undertaking such dangerous journeys, with some expressing that it is irresponsible for parents to allow it.
  • A few participants assert that Watson's achievement should not be labeled a failure, citing her distance traveled but acknowledging that she did not meet certain official criteria for solo circumnavigation.
  • Some express skepticism about the notion of heroism associated with Watson, questioning the cultural implications of labeling young adventurers as heroes.
  • There is a discussion about the societal pressures and trends encouraging young people to attempt record-breaking feats, with some viewing it as a fad that could lead to dangerous outcomes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether Watson's journey should be considered a true solo circumnavigation or a failure. There are competing views on the implications of her support system and the appropriateness of calling her a hero.

Contextual Notes

Limitations in the discussion include varying definitions of "sailing alone," differing interpretations of achievement based on organizational criteria, and the influence of societal norms on perceptions of risk and adventure.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in discussions about adventure, risk-taking in youth, societal perceptions of heroism, and the implications of parental responsibility in extreme sports may find this thread relevant.

  • #91
SW VandeCarr said:
Abby Sutherland was rescued this morning (6/12 GMT) by a French fishing vessel. The captain fell into the water but was also rescued. (AP story on the Yahoo Homepage)

That's kinda funny. That's like getting something stuck in a tree and then throwing something else up there to knock it down, and then that thing gets stuck too.
 
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  • #92
Monique said:
I don't mean to drag it off topic, but it is not in Any 16 yr old's world. Many countries have the legal driving age at 18 years old, because they find the average 16 year old too immature. If I understand it correctly the minimal driving age in New Jersey is 18 years as well.

in alabama, i had a learner's permit at 15, and was driving at 16 unsupervised. for a motorcycle, i could have received a license at 14. in mississippi, my cousins were driving legally at [STRIKE]14[/STRIKE]15, and some not so legally a few years before that. :rolleyes:
 
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  • #93
leroyjenkens said:
That's kinda funny. That's like getting something stuck in a tree and then throwing something else up there to knock it down, and then that thing gets stuck too.

It could have been much worse, and it's not over yet. As I've been saying, the region south of latitude 40 S between Africa and Australia is called the "Roaring Forties" for a good reason. The rescue vessels are not secure until they reach a safe port. There's no sane reason why anyone should be down there in the winter months in any kind of vessel unless it's absolutely necessary.
 
  • #94
I find this disgusting.

Turns out that this stunt was for a reality tv show.

As Abby Sunderland spends her last day aboard a French fishing boat whose crew rescued her from a disabled sailboat and is ferrying her to an island in the Indian Ocean, criticism of her parents has intensified regarding -- most recently -- the high cost of the rescue and their involvement in a TV reality show.

http://www.grindtv.com/outdoor/blog/18016/stormy+seas+take+on+new+meaning+in+abby+sunderland+saga/
 
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  • #95
Evo said:
I find this disgusting.

Turns out that this stunt was for a reality tv show.
http://www.grindtv.com/outdoor/blog/18016/stormy+seas+take+on+new+meaning+in+abby+sunderland+saga/

These reality shows are full of nonsense, and I don't understand people's fascination with these kind of shows.
 
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  • #96
rootX said:
These reality shows are full of nonsense, and I don't understand people's fascination with these kind of shows.

I do. As our lives become more and more secure, what we do to entertain ourselves can become more and more frivolous. I remember the scene from Fahrenheit 451 where Montag's wife would watch her soap operas and bawl her eyes out. It seemed incongruous considering the hell Montag was going through, but I realized that the stability of her world acted to define her leisure activities.

People watch stupid, useless TV because they can. And they don't need to defend their choices to anyone.
 
  • #97
Next. :rolleyes:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/netherlands/7913481/Dutch-girl-Laura-Dekker-wins-fight-to-sail-round-world-profile.html"
 
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  • #98
Astronuc said:
It was irresponsible/reckless to attempt the southern ocean this time of year in that kind of boat. :rolleyes:

At any age.
 
  • #99
rolerbe said:
At any age.
But when you have a reality tv deal to consider, you need to weigh your priorities.

reality TV deal > my daughter's life

:rolleyes:
 

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