Marcus Vick, Bill Clinton and Kobe Bryant all have one thing in common -- their sexual conduct were made public, and because of that scrutiny they paid a heavy price. Could this type of negative public exposure happen to average people, like University students?Several prominent students said it is in fact possible to be publicly scrutinized by the broader community because of the profile gained through one's involvement around Grounds.
W.E.B. DuBois's concept of "double-consciousness," where one views oneself through one's own eyes but also via what one believes are others' judgments, can most definitely be applied to students in the public eye.
Athletes, student leaders and Lawn residents are just a few examples of those who may be subjected to the interest of others at the University -- interest that may be in the form of admiration, intrigue or just plain old-fashioned gossip.
Student leaders especially have to deal with the heat of the limelight. People who they have never met often feel justifiably connected to them because of the frequency of their visibility.
"That's probably a function of just being a part of an organization that is so large ... a lot of people get an e-mail about every day from me," University Democrats president Katie Cristol, a third-year College student, said.
Fourth-year Commerce student David Hobbs said he could also identify.
"A lot of people know that I [was] the Honor chair but don't know me personally," Hobbs said.
After receiving a position of leadership, many students also feel as though their peers begin to treat them differently.
"That did not happen among anyone I counted as my friends ... there was not a marked change in individual behavior," Cristol said.
Others, like third-year College student Gregory Jackson, did notice a change in reception from their peers.
"People seem to expect a lot out of you," said Jackson, Student Council member and president of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. "People can develop a façade for you that may not be your real personality. You're held at a higher light at all times, even when you don't want to be."
These leaders are aware that titles and recognition come as a pair. Do all students in the public eye, however, receive massive amounts of attention voluntarily?
First-year College student and Virginia football player Michael Brown, whose story and photograph was featured on the front page of last week's Cavalier Daily, disagrees.
Brown said he feels that the public has misjudged him because of the lack of details in the article recently written about him.
"They mentioned nothing about me being found innocent of all charges from the UJC, or the fact that those charges were dropped," Brown said. "They didn't mention the fact that there were incidents leading up to what happened ... they just told the part that would make me seem like some type of criminal."
Regardless of the reasons behind it, it is clear that no student can ignore the fact that they are in the public eye. A reminder is when one feels as though they are being judged in social arenas, for example.
"That's probably the hardest part because sometimes you just want to let go and be yourself and have a good time," Jackson said. "It's not that easy sometimes, though, because everyone is always expecting a certain caliber of behavior."
Should it be a requirement, however, to walk, talk and breathe one's position in the public eye?
Fourth-year College student Zaahira Wyne thinks so.
"Whether they realize it or not, their behavior sets an example -- either a good one or a bad one -- for the rest of the community to follow," said Wyne, founder and president of Students United for Progressive Change.
Hobbs agreed that, as a student leader, it is important to remain conscious that people can be judgmental at any time. In referring to his own title, he said he felt that his general demeanor has not changed.
"I'm more aware of being in the spotlight and that I am always representing Honor," Hobbs said.
While respectability and popularity may accompany being in the public eye here at the University, responsibilities and pressures do not trail far behind. Aware of these affiliations, some enjoy the overall attention, while others wish they never had to deal with the difficulties it brings.
Although Brown is unhappy with the manner in which he was thrust into the spotlight, he said he finds comfort in the support from his friends.
"I'm pretty sure some thought, 'I know Mike Brown, and I don't think he would do this. Something is going on that they're not saying.'"
Cristol, however, said she "absolutely" loves being in the public eye as a student leader.
"In terms of anyone who chooses to put themselves in the position of public awareness and complain about it, I think that's sort of hypocritical," Cristol said. "I knew what I was getting into when I ran for this ... I wouldn't change anything."
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