The news that famed and beloved Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti had died this evening rocked the world. But what went almost unnoticed – in fact unknown for many – was that the news was broken not by a press conference or press release – not by telephone from his bedside – not by telegram – not even by email – but.. by SMS text message.
Now, call us old fashioned, but when one of the world’s greatest treasures – one of the great artists – one of the 3 tenors – when Luciano Pavarotti passes away, doesn’t he deserve a little more respect than to have the news broken in such an offhand manner as a telephone SMS message?
I mean, if for some reason they couldn’t issue a formal statement to the press, which is what usually would be the protocol, couldn’t his assistant at least have picked up a telephone and made a call, rather than texting to Reuters “Luciano Pavarotti died one hour ago”?
In any event, let us take a moment to remember and mourn the passing of a great man.
And then take another moment to mourn the passing of all manner and etiquette, as we sink further into a world made casual, flip, and flippant, by the ease of casual communication.
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The Internet Patrol is completely free, and we don't subject you to ads or annoying video pop-ups. But it does cost us out of our pocket to keep the site going (going on 20 years now!) So your tips via CashApp, Venmo, or Paypal are appreciated!
Receipts will come from ISIPP.