Friday, July 03, 2009

OK magazine is it OK?


I was saddened and distressed yesterday to see the front cover of OK magazine displayed in the local shop which happens to be right outside my children's school, the said cover depicted a dying Michael Jackson on a stretcher with a breathing mask over his face, eyes closed and if not dead then dying.

My daughter turned to me and said  "Mummy is that Michael Jackson dead? "  to which I replied yes I think so, to which she said "I have never seen a dead person before" 
I am appalled that this picture is A, allowed on a front cover and B, allowed to be published full stop.

I am all for freedom of speech but surely when this becomes the norm we have reached an all time low, death for many reasons should be a private affair, those last moments of a persons life are sacred, and if as a country we accept this and allow OK magazine to sensationalise death in this way, where does it end?

I remember many years ago now a ban on publishing pictures of the dying  Princess of Wales, it seems that if she were to have died in the year 2009 she would not have been allowed the same dignity and privacy.

I know a lot of people did not like Michael Jackson for what he was accused of, (and found innocent of) but that really is beside the point, the time that you show any picture like that in full view of children, then you have overstepped the mark whoever it is.

I was told that by tweeting about how wrong I felt it was I was doing OK magazine a favour and giving it publicity, but I do not agree, we should stand up for things we do not agree with and I am not saying we go back to a secret society where we do not know things, but the bounds of decency have been crossed.

I don't want to have to deal with the look of horror on my children's face, and of course am aware that it is part of life, but has life been reduced to how many magazines you can sell?

Somebody's brother/father/son is all I keep thinking and how would I feel?
Shame on you OK magazine


Heal The World
Make It A Better Place
For You And For Me
And The Entire Human Race
There Are People Dying
If You Care Enough
For The Living
Make A Better Place
For You And For Me



I believe it is wrong, how about you?





Posted by Mummy bird at Friday, July 03, 2009

9 comments:

  1. sanFriday, July 03, 2009 1:05:00 p.m.

    I agree with every word. I was appalled when I saw the front cover. Is nothing sacred?
    OK published a Jade Goody memorial issue before she died too.
    They are disgusting ambulance chasers.
    Shame on OK.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Deb MaddockFriday, July 03, 2009 1:20:00 p.m.

    I agree.
    Shame on OK magazine and on ALL the newsagents who also display it rather than taking a stand against such a disgusting cover.
    Sadly too often greed of money takes precidence over decency.

    ReplyDelete
  3. challengesFriday, July 03, 2009 2:59:00 p.m.

    totally agree with you on this and who on twitter can give such judgements /

    ReplyDelete
  4. Serenaf66Friday, July 03, 2009 5:22:00 p.m.

    You're right. It's repulsive.

    ReplyDelete
  5. MoragFriday, July 03, 2009 5:30:00 p.m.

    I must admit the reactions to Michael Jackson's death have shocked me. It seems there is no dignity anymore or depths that people will not now go to, no compassion - nothing.
    Everything and anything is done for money now - and sadly it seems even his own family appear to be compliant to that end. I don't think anyone in that position (suffering)should be on a magazine cover - the protection of children is another matter but I think its much more about the person suffering (if you see what I mean).

    ReplyDelete
  6. etamniFriday, July 03, 2009 5:39:00 p.m.

    Damn you blogger ! Preview makes my comment dissapear? Here we go again....

    Its vulgar and without any compassion. It just another way for the stalkerazzi to show that no one is immune to them at anytime. I suppose who ever got thee photo is so proud of themself. Just sickening. But then again if people didn't buy this stuff there would be no one printing it. It is a sad world we live in when this is considered ok.

    ReplyDelete
  7. ShanachieMonday, July 06, 2009 9:04:00 p.m.

    Well you know my feelings on this as I mentioned them on twitter, what a great post though totally agree with everything you said, it is sick to be honest.

    ReplyDelete
  8. snow queenThursday, July 09, 2009 12:55:00 p.m.

    OK are so wrong I really think the line was crossed and ultimately will do them no plus for circulation. I wouldn't buy it anyway but think they have gone more gutter than they were.

    ReplyDelete
  9. BonnSunday, July 19, 2009 10:21:00 p.m.

    Its true, that picture was a disgrace.

    ReplyDelete

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