I’ve been thinking a lot lately abt what it means to be a “public figure” or “public official.” A public official, naturally, is someone who holds an elected office or is a public administrator of some sort. A public figure, on the other hand, could be a well-known celebrity or someone who is thrust into the limelight, even temporarily. Even a business person could be considered a public figure, especially if they are a household name.

As I understand things, when it comes to liable and slander, a public figure/official must prove actual malice … simply being offended, insulted, critiqued or lied about isn’t enough to make a case actionable in court.

I can just imagine what the tabloids would say about my life, if they had the gumption to scrutinze it. What would they say about my discount-store apparel? My messy (albeit, lived in) house? My old, dented, messy (I’m seeing a trend here!), gas-guzzling Suburban? My kids? My marriage? My faith and how well (or not) I live it out? My reputation among my peers? My reputation among those handful of folks with whom I don’t get along?

I’d like to believe that I wouldn’t give a flip what anyone thought, if I were famous. Knowing myself as well as I do, however, I am quite certain that it would hurt my feelings if anyone broadcast or wrote cruel things about me. Sticks, stones and words can hurt, but sticks and stones are easier to press charges against.