Yes, we all saw it.  We all collectively thought the same thing when Steve walked out onto the stage earlier this week.  And after the first 24 hours of 3G hype died down, the internet banter began.  Some worried, some questioning and some making fun.

The thing is, just like we all saw it, we are all touched by the sickness that is cancer in some way.  Now I have no idea if Steve's appearance has anything to do with Cancer or any sickness at all, but that's the bulk of the speculation.  Steve Jobs is a wealthy, powerful and very influential public personality, so in no way can he escape the kind of scrutiny he is receiving at the moment, nor should he expect to.  But for the sake of argument, let's assume it is Cancer, the disease he was victorious over after being diagnosed in 2003.  If that is the case, it is no laughing matter.  Nor is it trite or up for debate.

This disease has forever altered the lives of all of us in some way, it too is powerful and a very influential public personality.  But which of the two deserves scrutiny and comedic judgement?  Neither, it's far too serious a topic for that.  

Sometimes, somethings need to be left to their own devices.  A person who could very well be embarking on another fight for life, needs to be allowed the space to fight.  There's no room for money making potential, power, prestige or perception in a battle for a chance to see another day.  

Personally, I think everyone should lay off on this and anything resembling it.  It's a bit disheartening to see someone's possible fight for life being put under a microscope and judged because some people love to hate Apple, a company.  Steve Jobs is a flesh and blood human, and so are the millions of others fighting the same fight.  Mocking one mocks us all, after all, in this age synthetic, pollution and radiating cellphones, we all stand a good chance of being one doctors check-up away from our own devastating battle.

Related Articles: