Forget the invasion, I'm shopping
The life and times of Jade Goody was as much a comment on society's values as it was on the media's ability to create 'stars', says Dougal Paver.
Miss Goody's sad passing - she leaves two beautiful boys without a mum - was, of itself, something of a media circus.
OK! magazine's tribute edition was published before her death, causing a sharp intake of breath among decent folk who found it distasteful, and a prurient bout of finger-wagging from the portion of Fleet Street that hadn't enjoyed such privileged access to Miss Goody.
The tabloids' gushing editorials and fulsome obituaries - rarely afforded WWII fighter aces or others who ensured we don't speak German - are the last post on a life that gave them great headlines but, in reality, never merited such adulation.
Hardly Miss Goody's fault, of course: she rather astutely exploited the opportunity afforded her and has been able to provide for her boys in her passing. Good on her.
The point is that our society seems obsessed with frippery, indulgence and inconsequential nonsense. It holds up as 'stars' show-offs and mis-fits seeking their five minutes of fame, whilst standing idly by whilst our troops - doing the bidding of our government, let's remember - are harrangued on their return by people sworn to overthrow our way of life. The mind boggles.
If Kaiser Bill came knocking once more I wonder if we could raise half a regiment to defend our nation. "Don't bother me, man, I'm shopping, innit."
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