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

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Jessica Watson completed a solo sail around the world, returning to Sydney where she objected to being called a 'hero' by the Australian Prime Minister. The discussion highlights concerns about her safety, questioning the wisdom of allowing a young, inexperienced sailor to undertake such a perilous journey. Critics argue that she was not truly alone, as she had support boats monitoring her progress, which some believe undermines her achievement. Supporters contend that despite not meeting specific record criteria, her journey was a significant personal accomplishment. The debate reflects broader issues about risk-taking in youth and parental responsibility.
  • #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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