Overuse and Misuse of the Term "Tragic" in Light of Anna Nicole Smith's Death

Anna Nicole Smith's death was hardly tragic. Over the past few days blogs, online news sources and other random discussion forums have been swamped with Anna Nicole Smith mourners. In these discussions the word "tragic" has been tossed around regarding her passing while others have droned on about what a beautiful and inspirational person she was. The latter can be forgiven. As with any death, public or familial, people tend to look past the more unsavory traits perhaps in hopes that their own friends and family will do the same when their time comes.

Here is Meriam-Webster's poignant definition of the word tragic:
"1: of, marked by, or expressive of tragedy tragic significance of the atomic bomb - H. S. Truman>"

I would have then looked up the official definition of tragedy to spell it out for people but I think Harry Truman summed it up perfectly.

Tragic is not a term to be flung around and used lightly. Anna Nicole's death was not tragic or even shocking; Untimely yes, tragic no. The 9/11 deaths were tragic. A young child raped and then killed by a kidnapper is tragic. Hate crimes resulting in death are tragic. A large metal beam falling off the Golden Gate Bridge and killing a random driver during the morning commute is even tragic in its own fateful way. Anna was a woman who led a superficial, whorish and drug-induced life brought her fate on herself whether it was suicide or not. Anna's death is indeed unfortunate regarding new daughter, yet pathetic and undignified for Anna herself.

So why are people who once mocked Anna now all but calling her a saint in her passing? Maybe they are saddened that she died at the young age of 39. Maybe it has to do with her son's recent drug-induced passing and the irony involved. Maybe they simply feel sorry for her daughter, or maybe they fear their own mortality.