It’s late Saturday night, and a special TV segment comes on. It’s a tribute to Steve Irwin, the “real” Crocodile Hunter. “He changed the whole world.” That was the opening line for the special “tribute.” It talks about how Steve made a difference in every life on the planet, and how without Steve Irwin the “world would have been a worse place.” I couldn’t understand that sentence, as it didn’t make sense to me. I decided to watch on, since it’s always good to make a martyr out of everyone who dies, since that will cover up for the ignoring one did while the person in question was still alive.

The TV goes on and on about how Steve was the “best of the best“, and how his knowledge had enriched the lives of everyone. Then I hear the daughter of the late Steve talk, saying she wants her father to be remembered forever. “Interesting”, I think to myself. People don’t remember anyone for the good things they did when they’re alive unless they can benefit others, and people don’t glorify someone for no reason, specially when an ad spot on TV costs thousands of dollars to begin with. The young daughter was probably given a script to read. “You can share the happiness by buying this special collection of videos that spread the joy that my father helped spread around the world, for only $49.95 if you call in the next 10 minutes!” Imagine a child saying that on TV. Isn’t that one of the most interesting things you’ll ever hear? Was that really his daughter? Who knows, and who cares, as long as you can shell out $49.95 quickly over the next ten minutes.

Yes, he was and still is very special to these advertisers. A special money making machine, that is.