Commercialization of bereavement

karoly
By karoly

Last week I had attended the burial of one kid who died in the Villagio fire at Abu Hamour. It was appalling and disgusting to see a camera man, waiting for the "right moment", poking his camera into the face of the hapless father breaking down just when his kid's body was being lowered into the grave. Isn't this commercialization of the sentiments of the even the most devastated of souls, even in the backdrop of the graveyard, such a reprehensible thing?

By FathimaH• 6 Jun 2012 12:19
FathimaH

Yes I agree with what you say as well, however as I said the parents and other loved ones of the victims were always aware of the cameras and media people and never objected to their presence at all. BDW my husband attended the funerals of the fire fighters,the kids and the lady as well, and at all times whilst there were cameramen around, no one shoved them away or showed any discomfort with them being around at all.

Along with all the news coverage,the pics captured by various cameramen including our TB of the terrible event itself,and all the images and words of the bereaved, be them of the Weekes family, or the dad of the three kids who perished, or even the pics of lil Umar's(Raheemulllah)dad, they all served in generating much public interest and outcry resulting in at least some action being taken.

From what I hear investigations into the fire are still continuing. But here again I feel it's up to the people and the media to continue to show interest in the developments of the investigations in order to make sure things are not swept underneath the proverbial carpet, and whatever dues are payed in fullest.

DD:Thank you, habibthy. I do try hard to be this way.

By damselindistress• 6 Jun 2012 09:42
damselindistress

Fathima- Your euphemisms are nice. I admire on how you look at things very positively. :))

By anonymous• 6 Jun 2012 08:50
anonymous

labeledas is correct. The camera man wants to get his picture to sell to various newspapers as he will get paid money for it and the newspapers want it because they know their readers want to see such images.

By Molten Metal• 6 Jun 2012 07:53
Molten Metal

Ask anyone , how many deaths are being shown to us daily ?

Politicians and people from film industry are responsible for giving media so much of importance.

By FathimaH• 6 Jun 2012 07:33
FathimaH

When it came to the terrible calamity of 28/05/12, it was crucial to show the nation, and indeed the world, the heartbreak and torment experienced by the loved ones of the victims, not for commercialism and sensationalizing another's tribulations, but in order to ensure justice will be served.

People needed to know how bad the situation was. And as far as I know, even the grieving parents were aware of the presence of media and cameras yet non of them objected, which shows they too wanted their stories to be told.

And only by broadcasting these tales of tragedy can the general public,and the authorities, realize the degree of anguish, and do all they can to prevent such atrocities from reoccurring.

On the other hand the absence of media and highlighting of the victims suffering would have made it easy to downplay the whole event and for those in power to be lax in taking the necessary actions.

By MarcoNandoz-01• 6 Jun 2012 07:26
MarcoNandoz-01

What’s this? Graveyard paparazzi?

By labeledas• 6 Jun 2012 05:47
labeledas

The truly sad thing is the only reason he is doing that is because the public wants to see it.

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