I have read with great sadness about former UK Big Brother star Jade Goody's battle with terminal cancer over the last few weeks, and as it becomes increasingly clear that the end is in sight, I'm finding it even more disturbing to read about it and see photos of her being wheeled into hospital in pain and distress. I also know enough about the British tabloids to understand that this will be the biggest story they'll be interested in right now; above the global financial crisis, a terrorist attack in Pakistan and anything political (unless it involves sex or scandal). I've also read that Jade wants to make as much money as possible for her young boys before she dies so they'll be well looked after, but really, doesn't there come a point where a bit of privacy and dignity is called for? This is not reality TV, this is real life. This is a young woman with two young sons who has a matter of weeks to live. It is incredibly sad and to have it splashed all over the front pages of the papers every day does seem rather morbid and in bad taste. I should note this is not an anti-tabloid rant. I'm well aware that Jade is working with the paps and journos and making money out of all the exposure. But shouldn't she want to draw a line somewhere?A great deal of awareness of cervical cancer and the importance of smear/pap tests has been raised as a result of Jade's illness which is of course a positive, but so sad that something so tragic had to happen to someone high profile (who at the end of the day, was plucked from obscurity into the Big Brother House) for that to happen. I have always been a fan of Jade, however ridiculous and stupid she sometimes is. She is harmless, good fun and entertaining. I especially liked her stylish transformation from blondie to slimmed-down version with the cute brunette bob. And I hope, when the time comes, people will remember that Jade and her shrieking laugh and not bald Jade looking in pain, being pushed in a wheelchair.
Max Clifford summed it up today when he said 'Jade enjoys the attention'. I think that's what it comes down to. Obviously the future welfare of her boys is her chief concern but if she also gets some personal pleasure out of the media's attention, I reckon she should be allowed to enjoy it. It's not like she's got much else to smile about, sadly.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kitty. Jade is incredibly brave - she has increased awareness about smear tests in this country beyond anything the government has EVER done - although women not being called for them till they are 25 is RIDICULOUS when you consider the age of consent is 16.
ReplyDeleteJade could have gone home and waited to die, but instead she chose to exploit her illness in the only way she knows how - via the media - to make money for Bobby and Freddy. Plus she had the most amazing wedding (I saw it on tv last night) that she would never have had otherwise - some reports say it didn't actually cost her a penny, everything was donated so she could leave even more behind for the children.
She lived her life in the spotlight, she will die in the spotlight too. Though apparently now the wedding and christening have been filmed, that's it - we won't see any more interviews or occasions. I shouldn't think the poor girl has got the strength left now.