celebrities from tragedy

[flipnflap]

Naturally I sympathise with the parents of Madeleine McCann and Rhys Jones, but I am also uncomfortable with them, their extended families and occasionally friends, becoming media stars. Methinks occasionally they enjoy it too much. Parading the rest of the Jones family at Goodison and Anfield where they were clapped and seranaded respectively, I know was to show support but do they really merit that? Bad taste I know but both Maddie and Rhys were Everton fans - could the culprits be wearing red shirts in more than one sense, and should young Evertonians beware? Don't answer the last part!

[puddicat]

i agree with you flip, felt for rhys parents, but the next minute there they are at evertons ground, and the next liverpools!and the eldest son was filmed constantly going to where the young lad was gunned down with the family dog in tow, i thought grief was a private thing to a certain degree, i can understand that they want to heighten the awareness of guns and gangs, but personally i admire someone who uses there loss for the better, and doesnt get caught up in the media frenzy, i just dont understand why they need to do this!

[empressali]

I honestly think that the two cases are entirely different. Gerry McCann set out to get as much media attention as he possibly could. He courted publicity in every way possible. Plus, there is the issue of selfish parents leaving their child whilst they went out enjoying themselves - and not for the first time.

Rhys's parents were obviously invited to Goodison and Anfield by the management of the two teams......I doubt that the parents were the ones making the approaches. To hear the Liverpool fans applauding the Z Cars theme showed that rivals can come together when tragedy strikes. It was an opportunity to show that the majority of people in this country are basically good, upstanding, caring folk, who abhorr such mindless violence. It was truly touching.

[kwicky]

After watching that TV program about the supernanny trying to instill some discipline into that 4 year old boy who created havoc its a wonder the parents did not throttle him. I assume Maddie was a caring loving girl.

[horselady]

I know what you mean. I have felt a bit uncomfortable about the MaCanns for a while, whereas in the beginning I felt nothing but sympathy for them. Also when watching Rhys's mum at the football ground I thought that if my child had just been killed I would be curled up in a ball at home sobbing my heart out, never mind getting dressed and going out. That's my opinion though and I hope and pray I will never know that heartbreak.

[Twenty20]

I think the McCanns have realised that they have overstepped the mark (by some considerable way) and that it is now working against them.

Mr McCann is quoted as saying recently 'hat it was 'not necessary to bombard people on a daily basis with Madeleine's image'. Which seems a bit of a turnaround considering the campaign they started, tv appearances, European tour, blogs, videos at football games. I believe they even employ a campaign manager.

[andrea81]

I'm torn on this - If it was my son I'm not sure if I would go all out and do anything at all to find him... Or would I go to pieces and not be able to function at all?

It might be guilt of leaving her alone that is driving them to do this. Thank God, most of us will never be in their position.

[shopper]

How can anyone critisise these familes.
It must feel like you heart has been ripped out.
Madelines family have done everything in their power to publize her pictures all over the world in the hope that she will be reconised and be found.
I cant believe how low people can be to turn on them.
They are now even being accused of killing her themselves.
This is sick and should be stopped. I have nothing but sympthy for them, and hope she is found.

[Reverandfunk]

Pity they didn't do everything in their power to look after her in the first place instead of leaving her crying every night while they were on the lash.

[ALLIGATOR]

Reverandfunk, My Sentiments Exactly. Alligator.

[mightyWBA]

My daughters 11 tomorrow.If,God forbid,she was shot dead the last thing I'd feel like doing was being paraded around football stadiums,and in front of television cameras.
This intrusion on grief is something I can't understand.
Do the Police and media really put so much pressure on the bereaved to appear in a sick circus they have to give in?
I feel the news and media enjoy human misery,and can't wait for a good tragedy.
Never mind the suffering,count the bodies.