Hollywood’s 82nd Annual Academy Awards extravaganza takes place this month. How much better the world is going to be because of the accomplishments the awards will spotlight. Hardly! It’s just another example of how the media constantly floods us with self-promoting celebrity events — and the antics of entertainers, sports heroes, and rock stars — telling us that that is what interests Americans, not weighty facts or meaningful achievements. Plus, according to most reporters, bad news always trumps good news. Completion of a record-setting bridge or building is ho-hum, but the collapse of a structure of any size is front-page news, especially if there are injuries or deaths.

Rarely are structural engineers and their feats front-page news. But they’re not alone with this predicament. Many great achievers and societal contributors — and their life-improving works — are relegated to the back pages because of the coverage of pop idols, many of whom the media itself helped create.

As an illustration, recall the treatment a few years ago of the passing of saintly Mother Teresa, who died Sept. 5, 1997. Initially, news of her and her many humanitarian deeds were readily found everywhere. Often she shared headline stories with England’s Princess Di, who was killed in an untimely car accident a few days earlier on Aug. 31, 1997. Then within a week, news about Mother Teresa virtually ceased and non-stop coverage of the Princess continued, eventually turning into an international media frenzy. Bad timing for the Yugoslavia-born Teresa, some might say, but in the final analysis, does it really matter? Mother Teresa’s acts and lessons will impact us forever.

When she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, Mother Teresa was cited for her life-long efforts dealing with poverty and distress, which “constitute a threat to peace,” the Nobel officials stated. She refused the conventional ceremonial banquet given to laureates and asked that her prize money be given to the poor in India, stating that such earthly rewards were important only if they helped the world’s needy. Upon receiving the prize, Mother Teresa was asked, “What can we do to promote world peace?” She replied, “Go home and love your family.”

A poem titled “Do it anyway” was reportedly found on the wall of Mother Teresa’s home for children in Calcutta, India. The poem says, in part:

• People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
• If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
• If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.
• If you are honest and sincere, people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.
• What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.
• If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
• The good you do today will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.
• Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.

The next time you’re miffed by the minimal media attention a deserving engineering achievement is receiving, focus on Mother Teresa’s message — do it anyway. Never stop sharing with the public the essence and significance of great structural engineering projects, and keep in mind that getting extensive coverage for such news will always be an uphill battle, especially when competing with celebrity gossip. So, even though life isn’t fair in this respect, always do your best, taking great pride in your work and telling as many people as possible about it.

American legends Here are the answers to the quiz in the February column: Photo A is Homer G. Balcom, structural engineer for the Empire State Building. Photo B is Harry S. Truman, 33rd president of the United States. Photo C is George W.G. Ferris, Jr., inventor of the Ferris Wheel.
A	B	C

Richard G. Weingardt, P.E., is CEO and chairman of Richard Weingardt Consultants, Inc., a Denver-based structural engineering firm. He can be reached via e-mail at rweingardt@gostructural.com.