The quote suggests that people do not need to become passive participants or victims who cater to media interests by sensationalizing their stories or experiences. It implies that individuals have agency and can choose how they present themselves or their situations, rather than allowing others to dictate the narrative.
On a deeper level, this statement encourages personal empowerment and responsibility. By refraining from becoming fodder for media consumption, an individual asserts control over their identity and experiences. This perspective challenges societal norms where attention and recognition are often achieved through drama or suffering. It promotes the idea that one can maintain dignity and integrity without succumbing to sensationalism or exploitation by the press.
Bernhard Goetz is a controversial figure known for his involvement in a high-profile incident in New York City during the 1980s, where he shot several individuals whom he perceived as threatening him on a subway. His actions sparked significant debate about self-defense and vigilantism. The quote reflects his philosophy that people should assert their autonomy and resist being reduced to media stereotypes or narratives.