David Aaronovitch
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From The Times
May 19, 2007
A very modern melodrama and our shrine to Madeleine
High-pitched emotions, fevered speculation and scapegoats – the harsh truths about a tragedy that’s become a national obsession
Situated in the hills behind the ancient town of Ephesus in Turkey is the House of Mary. Near the small chapel on the site where the Virgin is supposed to have died, the olive trees are covered in strips of cloth tied there by people wanting intercession, either to make something happen, or to stop it. It’s likely that this custom dates back beyond the Christian era, through the worship of Diana, past that of the Artemis of Ephesus to the Anatolian goddess Hecate.
For more than a week now, if you visit the village of Rothley, just north of Leicester, you can see something almost identical. On the railings by the war memorial, on the four benches nearby, on the bus stop to Birstall, hundreds of yellow ribbons have been attached, accompanied by flowers, cards, children’s drawings, soft toys and, above all, images of Madeleine McCann. “Expect a miracle,” says a card depicting hands clasped in prayer and draped with a crucifix. More typical is: “Maddy, we didn’t even know you, but you are with us in our hearts.”
On a wet afternoon mothers with toddlers appear every few minutes, examine the offerings, read some of the messages and add their own ribbons or flowers. If a more photogenic group arrives, then the cameramen from Sky or ITN, whose satellite vans are parked a few feet away, will squeeze off a few minutes of pictures, as they do now for two mothers and their four young children. The reporters are in the café round the corner, sheltering from the tedium, a tedium broken by the once or twice--daily appearances of Madeleine’s great-uncle, Brian. Otherwise, there is the ten-day-old ritual of Valerie, the landlady from the Royal Oak, which overlooks the memorial, bringing out the ribbons for those who want them. Now she kneels down and empties a heartshaped basket of donations and refills it with votives. If this isn’t a shrine, then what is? The shrine of Little St Madeleine.
The Rothley memorial is by no means the strangest thing about the McCann case, now in its third week. There is the huge fighting fund, supported by multinational companies and likely to raise money far beyond the family’s requirements. There are the footballers, cricketers, celebrities and politicians who have weighed in with appeals – ostensibly to people who might see Maddy, but better directed at the Almighty – and ribbon-wearing. About 90,000 have downloaded “Madeleine Missing” posters from the Sky News website, while a “Find Maddy” website has received 60 million hits.
Related Internet Links
In Praia da Luz, the British holiday village in Portugal where Madeleine went missing on May 3, the atmosphere is apparently surreal. Local people find it hard to sleep because of the noise made by the generators powering the dozens of satellite vans, or are maddened each morning by the overflights of media helicopters, like gigantic wasps, buzzing the town. Two weeks on and, far from the numbers diminishing, growing international interest means that more journalists are arriving. The 200 or more already here are frazzled: some of them, such as our own David Brown and Steve Bird, have been working 15-hour days for a fortnight on a story that is almost impossible to tell. It is partly so difficult because the Portuguese police have been reluctant to break their own strict rules and feed the voracious machine with tips and steers about the investigation. This is in contrast with the McCanns, who have endeared themselves to the press by being cooperative, having things to say and being tolerant, and who – in return – were permitted, on the day after Madeleine’s fourth birthday, to walk for a whole half-hour on the beach without harassment. Readers may not think that this is much of a concession, but readers do not have editors.
This circumspection on behalf of the Lusitanian plod has meant everyone haring after the latest rumour – such as Thursday’s “red van in Lisbon”, because no one will advise them not to bother. It also increases the tendency for speculation to fill the huge gaps. When the star BBC presenter Huw Edwards arrived in the Algarve to anchor the 10 o’clock news, his first question must surely have been: “What on Earth am I going to say?”
Why is this happening? Some think it’s because Maddy is blonde, middle-class, cute and everyone’s archetype – the Hollywood endangered tot. And that’s where it begins to go wrong, because if this were a movie we’d know the story arc in advance. In the film some kid may even have been killed at the beginning, but the pretty one on whom we focus will invariably be saved.
Then there’s the partly true cliché that this is “every parent’s worst nightmare”. It is also, far worse than that, any child’s worst nightmare, and if there is a third “worst nightmare”, it would surely be to find oneself wrongly accused of abducting a child. That is a lot of nightmare, and with no resolution we are suffering from what a friend of mine described this week as “narrative anxiety”.
One way of dealing with this is by creating scapegoats. Early on the Portuguese police fulfilled this role, having been “slow off the mark” or “incompetent”, and thus possibly allowing Maddy to be moved far away from the scene of her abduction. Not surprisingly, Portuguese newspapers have preferred to speculate that the crime has been committed by a paedophile ring, conveniently based in Britain.
Then there have been the “suspects”, fingered as abducting types well before any concrete evidence. Robert Murat was “overly helpful”, just like Ian Huntley was. He lived with his mother, just like Norman Bates did, he had a girlfriend in circumstances recalling the relationship between Ian Brady and Myra Hindley. Then there was a Russian with computers, and rumours of bestiality.
The stories have come from everywhere. A woman calls the Leicester Mercury because of a sighting of a blonde child near Marrakesh, and a tale like this chimes with the desire that Madeleine be alive. This makes us – the press and the public – part of the trauma counselling being offered to the McCanns. Let us all behave as if the girl were alive. Let no one be so unhelpful or callous as to say the unsayable until such a time as we know what has happened.
Since 1991 Kerry Needham has opted to believe that her son Ben, abducted on the island of Kos in 1991, is still alive. She can call upon the examples of cases such as that of Shawn Hornbeck in America, who was found five years after having been kidnapped by a paedophile. Who, under those circumstances, is going to tell her that the chances must surely be that Ben died within hours of disappearing? So we coopt ourselves into the wellness business; the whole country has become one huge trauma counselling service.
It still leaves us trying to make sense of Maddy’s disappearance. We want to “learn lessons”, but there are twin problems. First, such an abduction could happen to anyone, not just a child left alone in a room for 20 minutes. The second is that it hardly ever happens to anyone. In other words, there may be no lessons to learn, just the void of the child’s disappearance and the pathology of the person who took her.
Yet the vacuum demands to be filled. The aunt impresses the Chancellor into the case, telling the BBC that she wanted “moral support and practical advice” from MPs, some of whom put on ribbons, and themselves become the scapegoats of those who are anxious about how we are reacting. The fund gets bigger, the posters go up everywhere. On the BBC Radio Leicester site you can leave prayers for Madeleine, and messages and prayers for the McCanns.
But why put a picture of Madeleine in your window, 500 miles from the Algarve? “If I thought it would help show solidarity”, writes one contribu-tor to the BBC website, “why not? I wear a poppy on Remembrance Day, a lapel badge for breast cancer awareness, why not a ribbon for Mad-die? So what?” Those who question this are described as “miserable devils”.
This next thing is hard to write. If I’ve heard one parent say that they’re now holding their own child a bit tighter, a bit closer, then I’ve heard a hundred. But it isn’t our child. Our child is safe. The mother who takes the toddler to the Maddy shrine may be congratulating herself on her own good fortune, as much as commiserating with the McCanns. Another, placing the poster in the window, may – like the supporter of a football team – be associating themselves with the big story, with the historic moment. They may, in short, be getting a subconscious thrill. They may, as they comb the papers or scan the bulletins, be feeling a pleasure.
There are many ways of being “overly helpful”, but all suggest the possibility of guilt. In our case it may be that the abduction of Madeleine McCann has become, essentially, a bad form of entertainment and that, deep down, we know it.
Search goes on
May 3 Madeleine McCann is taken from holiday apartment
May 4 Border police and airports notified, volunteers comb village. Kate and Gerry McCann plead for her return
May 5 British family liaison officers arrive in Portugal
May 6 McCanns attend church service; prayers said for Madeleine
May 7 Police investigate claim about a man seen dragging a girl towards a marina
May 8 Neighbours in Rothley hold silent vigil. Appeals by footballers Cristiano Ronaldo, John Terry and Paulo Ferreira. Police say sighting is false alarm
May 9 Police examine CCTV showing woman with girl fitting description. Internet appeal begins
May 10 Police say search is being wound down. They issue image of pyjamas identical to those Madeleine was wearing
May 11 Businessman offers a £1 million reward. David Beckham makes TV appeal for information
May 12 Madeleine’s 4th birthday. £1.5 million added to reward. Gordon Brown expresses sympathy
May 13 Family Law Group fly to Portugal, set up “fighting fund”
May 14 Robert Murat’s home is searched
May 15 Mr Murat officially classed as suspect. He claims that he is being made a scapegoat
May 16 Images of Madeleine are broadcast at half-time during the Uefa Cup final. Police search home of Sergei Malinka, 22, a Russian computer expert
May 17 Police investigate phone calls between Mr Malinka and Mr Murat on night Madeleine taken
I don't believe that most people are 'entertained' by it. when it was first reported I thought how awful, but kids get missing and found all the time. of course I wanted the papers the next morning to report that she'd been found, and you could say I was looking forward to it. I was also interested because I really did believe she'd be found very soon and, being a naturally very curious person (always ruining mysteries for myself) I wanted to know exactly how that would happen. as soon as the papers started churning out garbage, you could say I lost interest. I only want to know if she's been found, and I don't like to keep seeing her face everywhere because I don't believe she's alive anymore, and it's just so sad that any child should suffer. I don't care about her anymore than another random child, but of course I hope she's found alive and well, and hasn't suffered. I feel sorry for her even if she's not alive- what must she be thinking about the media frenzy about her
Zedy, London,
My little girl is the same age as Madeleine and I lost her briefly the other week in a shopoand everyone was amazing as Madeleine mccann has changed people in how they view a missing child,...my daughter was returned to me by a memeber of the public after a very long 15 minutes and the relief was overwhelming.
My heart goes out to Madeleines parents and aunts and uncles and grandparents.....she is out there somewhere...we have just been travelling to S Africa, australia and Hong kong and we never stopped looking.
just get her home and let her parents rebuild their lives with her family. God bless her,little angel.
mrs k lisle, huntingdon, cambs
Why do people have to try and intellectualise the public's response to a case like Maddie's? I find it infuriating that our reaction is deemed worthy of judgment when all that really matters is that she is missing and that there is a genuine sympathy for her plight and that of her parents. The media fuels the intense interest by the amount of coverage they give the story and then seeks to look down on the people who follow their coverage. If I was going to intellectualise the situation, I could say that perhaps the journalists themselves feel guilty at making capital out of Maddie's and the McCann's plight and thus seek to blame the public. Perhaps the phrase 'making capital' seems harsh but they could be benefitting from their reportage in many ways: by selling more newspapers, by being seen as excellent reporters by their superiors because of their caring/understanding/thorough coverage of the situation etc.
Clare, Altrincham, England
I just heard about the letter sent to a dutch newspaper with a map of the location of her body about 9 miles away from the abduction site. It is bringing tears to my eyes, I hope she is not dead. It makes me sick to think so, I pray this is just a hoax. My prayers are with the McCann family.
Julie P., Greenville, South Carolina
'Madeleine McCann has become, essentially, a bad form of entertainment and that, deep down, we know it.'
Whilst there were some good points in this article I disagree with this last assumption. As a mother of two little girls myself, I believe the Madeleine tragedy cuts much deeper - it is a terrifying illustration of how vulnerable our safe, happy and fulfilled western lives really are. We watch the horrors of 'far off places' such as Iraq from the comfort of our homes with emotional distance - as if there is not enough space in our heads to let it affect us too much - yet Madeleine could easily be one of our very own children. Madeleine is the same age as my little girl, she looks similar and she has awakened in me an overwhelming maternal desire to help. I look at my girls and when I think of Madeleine I feel nothing but grief - for her family but mainly for that little girl. I firmly believe it is not simply a case of self indulgence or twisted pleasure.
L Borg, Winchester, UK
Madeleine McCann has been the most important person in my life for the past four weeks, and will continue to be so until she is found. The people who have made negative comments regarding the 'media circus' really have missed the point - we are concentrating all our efforts on finding this tiny little human being, who after having a fun filled day on the beach or by the swimming pool, went to bed as usual with her brother and sister. When she next awoke she was living a nightmare, her safe world had disappeared and she was on her own with God knows who. THIS IS WHAT WE SHOULD BE FOCUSING OUR ATTENTION ON AND DOING OUR UTMOST TO GET HER BACK. The reason we don't know about the other children who have been abducted is because the media do not report them. This case has now shed a light on what is happening in the world, and it has to be stopped by any means possible. We should work to annihilate these people once and for all and if it takes the media coverage to do this so be it.
jean , Knutsford, Cheshire, England
While they were in Spain, the McCanns met the family of seven year old Yeremi Vargas. Who? Good question, people in the UK probably won't know that Yeremi went missing from his home in Gran Canaria in March, and still no sign of him. Why has his disappearance had so much less impact than that of Madeleine? Because little Yeremi is a tousle-haired bespectacled lad with crooked teeth from a very ordinary background, who would not look good on the front pages. He is, however, just as missing as Madeleine, and his family just as distraught.
westy, Córdoba, Spain
Like many of the general public I'm clinging to a hope on behalf of this little girl, that the abductor/s be found FAST before they can act again . Genuine empathy tends to keep people interested in cases and I do not believe that this is the first of this type of case that has won such interest from the public - most of us are left wondering whatever happened to the child concerned in similar cases long after the media coverage has stopped - but the mccanns have worked to keep this story in the news and so naturally people are able to continue their support and interest in the case - I think it is more that the media itself would not usually invest such time and interest in a story if the parents involved were not so determined to provide them with interviews/info that will keep the search active, and unfortunately many storys are often dropped in the news long before my concerns have been quashed or interest faded.
beth manuel, doncaster,
My thoughts day and night are what I feel Maddie would be feeling and what is she going through away from her Mummy & Daddy. I can't even put into words how Kate & Gerry would be dealing with this right at this moment. If my beautiful child were taken from me "I don't think I could breath until I had her in my arms again".
"May God be with you all and may faith bring you all back together to start the healing process and to continue living your future".
"Please God, pick Maddie up in your arms, as she is already walking beside you, and take her back home"
Ellie, Sydney, Australia.
Ellie, Sydney,
Well said, Tina from Wallington. The pain I feel is affecting my life too. I have trouble sleeping these days and it has really awoken me to the realities of child abduction and abuse. I feel I can't do enough to help the McCanns. I am now off to donate some more to their fund as it has been a month since Madeleine went missing. I'm not wallowing or enjoying this state at all. Like Tina, my last thought at night is for Madeleine and the same when I awake. I am awed by the dignity and grace and strength of the McCanns. I feel as if I've gone to pieces more than they have.
Jo, Sydney, Australia
Having lost a four year old child myself, I know the utter devastion felt. My last thought every night, my first thought every morning is for Madeleine, I pray for her safe return, along with thousands of others. If whoever is holding her reads this, please leave her in a safe place, where she will be returned to her family. My life has been in limbo for the past four weeks, and I am sure many other people feel the same. I pray this child will be returned to her family very soon.
Diane Mullan, Buckie., Moray. Scotland
We are not all a nation of voyeurs concerned only with the so called 'entertainment value' of this story - everyone just wants to see this story end quickly in Maddies safe return. As a parent of 4,my first thought in the morning and especially last at night, is for the McCanns and Maddie. I have contributed to the fund and the pain I feel for them is affecting my life - I would give whatever I can to assist in her safe return, for my own peace of mind and well being - its called EMPATHY. If this case and the incredible strength that the McCanns have shown highlights the reality of child abuse then that is surely a good thing. Yes, it is because of their unbelievable control that we are all still watching Kate and Gerry on TV - who else has ever managed to show such strength and control under such diabolical pressure. It is a media circus but if my child was missing I would, as a previous message said, 'cut off my right arm in a public forum' to keep the story current and in your face.
Tina, Wallington, UK
I don't want to sound naïve, but what on earth were such young children doing in Portugal anyway? When I was a child, we were left in England with our grandmother, if the parents had to travel. Perhaps Aaronovitch is right; we have become too spoilt, thinking we can use cheap air travel to go round the world without consequences. We have forgotten what families really are, and it is coming back to haunt us.
Howard, Johannesburg, South Africa
people who hurt.or sexually assult children in any way,, should not be locked up they should be freed ,,,,,,and put in a room on their own with the family of the child whos hurt ,,!,
sue, manchester, lancs
Perhaps is a sign of how sick and fedup we are with child abusers. If only everyparent who child is lost or kidnaped were given the same opportunities as this family has, maybe child molesters would think twice about their actions.
Pipita, northampton,
Simply bring back the death penalty for paedophiles ,convicted murderers and the like, in this country and make England a place proud to live instead of a laughing stock ,which it is now.
peter fossey, south bristol, somerset
My heart breaks for for little madeleine. I don't think that the media is using this as a form of entertainment. I think that they are rightly using their power to alert the world about Madeleine and to keep people abreast of developments in the search. The people who took this little girl I am sure are following every detail. My prayer is that somehow they realise that she like many other children are precious and irreplaceable to parents and relatives. I hope that they realize that like her we are all human beings with feelings- with a need to feel love,security and happiness,that they will look at her smile and see her innocence and helplessness in all their actions , connect with their own human nature and return her safely to the arms of her parents. I pray that they have her safe and return her just as they took her asleep and at peace.Please find a way! I hope that the desire to hold a sleeping babe was satisfied. Protect her Jesus. Forgive her abductors. Give her a chance
Alana MAnmohan, S'FDO, Trinidad W. I
Blessed Holy Daughter Saint Madeleine of Praia da Luz, has a certain ring to it don't you think? Perhaps the Vatican could ask a celebrity to endorse one of the qualifying miracles. David Beckham could attribute his eventual return to the England team to the fevour of his prayers for little Maddies safe return. Better still the tabloids could have a bidding war to see who gets to sponsor the beatification and exclusive picture rights. A bit over the top I am sure you will agree but anything to keep the story in the public eye, and at least it shows we care... etc
Ardy, Cambridge, England
Yes, there are perhaps a few more kids abducted since Madeleine disappeared. And most likely they will never get the publicity this case got.
We have to agree that this is human goodness masked with our emotions reacting to a pretty white child. If Madeleine was not so pretty to look at (yes, tis is a superficial comment), we would not have made such a hue and cry.
Don't believe me. Check the stats. There was a girl abducted since. Do you care? Why Madeleine?
Chris Desouza, New York, NY
I knew someone would post about the fact that Madeleine is a "photogenic" british caucasian girl. I am so sick of people saying that only the pretty caucasians make headlines when they are kidnapped (i.e. Natalee Holloway). Get over yourself and focus on finding this little girl. It seems that caucasians are always the "approved" targets of bitter attacks, but if you mention any other race in that manner, it is considered to be racist/bigotry. It is a double standard and just ridiculous. I guess only certain cultures are "allowed" to be offended by rude remarks made about their race.
Julie, Greenville, South Carolina
I certainly don't think it is a bad form of entertainment and I would be just as concerned no matter what child has been taken or indeed what injustice or abuse has been committed in any part of the world. I know in this case we are more aware as there has been more coverage, but perhaps these are the questions you should be asking, why is there not more coverage of other injustices and abuses especially against children. Perhaps this has wakened many people into awareness. Another question you could ask is about the obvious spirtuality apparent in this case. Many people are praying and many people feel the need to pray and to ask God that all will be well. Sometimes it is not always possible to explain things. Sometimes it comes down to having hope, faith and love and I for one think that is a good thing. I am praying, as are my family and I will continue to pray for all involved in this case and for all missing children and abuses everywhere in the world
kate, Dungannon, N Ireland
It's true, Madeleine's disappearance has become a grotesque form of entertainment for the British media. Children are mistreated everyday all over the world with only a handful of people willing to care, but once a photogenic white child vanishes in "every parent's nightmare" suddenly everyone is an altruist, and everyone "feels" it more than anyone else. Are the people so upset on these pages willing to also consider and extend the same solidarity to those thousands of children trafficked in Eastern Europe and Africa everyday? The answer is no, because those stories are not on the front page of the newspapers everyday and because they're not British, therefore their problems are their problems not "ours".
Helen Howard, London,
I can certainly explain the obsession. That could easily have been my child that was taken. I am a cautious parent. However, nobody watches their child 24 hours a day. I do occassionally sleep - or at least I use to - leaving my children in their own rooms and their own beds unwatched. I would hope that if someone were to break into my home to take my child that I would wake up. However, I can't be sure because noone has ever tried to break in. I even eat dinner on my deck while my children sleep. My front door is not constantly watched. You can't possibly watch every angle of every entryway. It could easily be my child. It could even be your child. So we are obsessed. We feel the pain and the frustration and the anger because we love our children. We are outraged that this could happen. Not just to this child, but to any child. I think the incompetence of the Portugal police force has also made our collective minds reel. We just hope to see a happy ending.
Shauna, Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
There is nothing voyeristic about the publlc's following and obsession of the story of Madeleine McCann's disappearance. As probably the worst thing that can happen to a family, they are now left with such an uncertain future, the whole familiy's lives are affected until she is found. People are essentially good and we are all moved that this terrible event is unfolding infront of us and we are thinking, if we just looked a bit harder or prayed more, may be we could find her and help them. I think it is a case of human goodness shining through and the genuine desire for a joyous outcome, as unusual and uncynical that may appear to some.
Helen Stanley, london,
as a mother of a 4 year old girl this tragedy has effected me deeply. i dont know what to say that hasnt already been said. i cant understand why anyone would want to take an innocent child, a baby, from their parents and hurt them. it is beyond me. i want this over and her found, i dont like reading about it, it effects me every day i think of her and cry. i cant begin to wonder what her parents are going through. i am not religious but i am praying for her...if she has been hurt and they find the people responsible i will go to the place they find them and be one of the many people there to spit in their faces. i am a psychologist and mother but this hits a raw raw space within me that no one can help except madeline coming home. ****please come home madeline***********
lauretta, london,
I can't explain why i am so upset about the abduction of Madeleine,i only know that i felt the same when Holly and Jessica and Sarah Payne went missing,children are innocent and are gifts from God and they are to be treasured and taken care of ,I beleive with all my heart that Madeleine will be found safe and i will not say any different .
I have prayed and am still prayng for her and her parents everyday and every bit of news about her i get excited and hope its going to be the miraculous news that she has been found,i would feel this way no matter which child had been abducted,Lord Jesus please hear my prayer and the prayers of all your Saints AMEN
Jacqueline, lincoln, uk
Well put, Bronwyn of London. I'm so tired of hearing the comparisons to Princess Diana! They are totally different cases. Part of the frantic concern I feel is that there is a chance Madeleine is still alive. I spend my waking moments wondering where she is and what I can possibly do to help. Jon of London, your post moved me with it's eloquence. I agree with you that we have to channel our grief, fury, anger and concern into stopping the monsters who prey on our children. Instead of letting child sex offenders out of our gaols, we should be increasing their sentences. The same for men who are caught watching child sex films. I do not agree about a God who allows this to be worthy of our contempt. Whatever Gods we believe in - I choose to still believe in the power of light, innocence, hope and beauty. If we rennounce that - we let the monsters rule.
I pray for you constantly, Madeleine. I gain strength from the faith displayed by Mrs and Mrs McCann.
Jo, Sydney, Australia
My husband and I are hospital consultants with a three year old and a baby. We gleen no satisfaction or entertainment from following the plight of Madeleine. Had this been my child I would sever my right arm in a public forum if it would increase awareness and possibly bring home my child. I think the truth is that you are wondering where the British "stiff upper lip" has gone and are embarassed at any outpouring of sympathy in a story of which you have no control. Your condescension keeps the story alive, though, so well done in continuing to generate dialogue; you're really no different from anyone else reporting the non-news about Madeleine and we appreciate the continued effort you are making.
Bronwyn, London, England
I wish people put as much thought into being helpful and making the world a better place as they do into being cynical smartarses. And I'm talking about you lot, not Mr Aaronovitch.
Madeleine's abduction is not a random event we should "deal with". Thousands of children are lost or abducted, abused and killed every year, all over the world. We should not be letting this happen. It is possible to have to have an effect, from tracking down paedophiles, blocking sites and punishing internet service providers, to stopping governments arming militias and sanctioning genocide. Stuffing dead babies down wells is not a random event. To pretend there is nothing we can do about it is an irresponsible lie.
Personally, I won't be praying for Madeleine's safe return. If there is a god, it deserves our contempt. It is the sort of god that would stub out a cigarette on a child's arm. We are responsible for our own world. This is not entertainment, it's (yet another) wake-up call.
Jem, London, UK
This is the time inventors, scientientis and technologists should search for an invention. A tiny "chip" in Maddy's body could tell investigators where she actually is or be able to hear her speak. Think of something!
Sam Danso, Romford, U.K.
whilst the "abduction" of Madelaine is tragic this frenzy reminiscent of that experienced when Diana died is totally out of proportion to the event itself.
All over the world there are many equally tragic events which affect many more people.Madelaine has been elected as the latest celebrity and because she is "cute"etc she has been deemed to be more valuable than those children in Darfur etc.
Other celebrities and Politicians want to be associated with the new star on the block and it is hard to imagine how this actually helps the police in finding the little girl.How can the disappearanace of this little girl be the most important news in the world for one day let alone 20?
paul, shrewsbury,
My only worry with all the media coverage and exposure of Maddie's dissapearance is that it might spur her abductors into doing something desperate like ending Maddie's life to avoid being found out. It is hard to know if too much reporting on this is a good thing or a bad thing for Maddie. Having said that I don't blame her parents for trying the best they possibly can to find her, their hearts have been torn out. What would you do if it was your child?
Margaret, Kildare, Ireland
As a child I was molested and nobody rescued me. One large part of the devastation was suffering alone. I still bear emotional scars. There is nothing good to come from cynicism; who does it help? Thank God for all the outcry and attention to Maddy's plight. Why begrudge any little victim any form of help? In the midst of this most publicized horror remember the thousands of others who suffer anonymously. Don't waste energy on clever, "insightful" commentary, do something that matters! Use the power of the press to help with all the missing children.
I was a fearful mother when my two daughters were growing up praying they would never know what I know, so I pray God's help and mercy for the parents and family of little Madeiline.
Anne Texas, USA
L. Davidson, Dallas, Texas, USA
Tragically a great piece of writing reminds me of Martin Amis writing on the death of Princess Diana, essentially that the story was less about her and more about us. My heart breaks for the Mccanns, but the truth is that there are many missing and abused children who no one gets upset about. Just go to Darfur to verify that fact. And their parents care just as much, would be nice to see those who have stumped up money matching their donations for other suffering kids.
Kate, Cape Town, South Africa
There are some really cold heartless people here: I think what David Aaronovitch is getting at is that 'intellectual upper classes' like him, snigger at the way 'thick working classes' showed their grief , for example after Diana died and the way people mark the sides of roads with flowers when someone has died there, and again now at the disapperence of Madelaine. If you show horror and outrage at this then you must be working class and stupid.
The McCanns know that this abduction will fade as time goes on and they are just trying their hardest to keep it in the headlines, we should be behind them all the way.
caroline, Canterbury,
I remember a story my late father told me and it was horrifying. He was on a cruise round the Meditteranean with some friends....must have been in about 1932. All the passengers went ashore in Tangiers including a couple with a young daughter of five. They went into the souk, walked around, let go of the child's hand for one moment and she vanished. The ship's crew searched the whole place but she was never found. I could never understand, why as a child, he was so protective of me, but when I was old to enough to be told the story I understood and watched my own daughter like a hawk. So, this is nothing new unfortunately.
Cherry, london, uk
love your comment, eric from harrogate. so true.
asta, hamburg, germany
My two year old girl blows kisses 2 madeleine every night. I check out the news specifically for stories about madeleine every day.We talk about her every day and pray the so sad mummy will find her baby.Ofcourse there is world news such which is more significant in terms of international relations,or simply more lives lost.Maybe there are many of you who share the view that 2 care about the precious life of just one child is just sentimentality or a slight dose of schaden fraude.Afterall thousands of children are abducted throughout the world.Millions more are in poverty so we should not allocate madeleine any more importance than any other life.Life is cheap and to give special time to any particular child somehow demeans every other tragic story in the world.How cynical a world that we should not be moved and touched by this particular story and pray for a special little girl's return.We pray for u madeleine and hold u close 2 our heart.
Lorna , renfrewshire,
I agree with many of the points raised in this article - but I don't think those who hug their children closer are getting a subconscious thrill from it; I think a case such as this reminds us that very occasionally - and tragically - something comes along that jolts us out of our middle class sense of wellbeing and complacency and reminds us that the world is not full of people like us. I hug my children closer because I cannot imagine the void that would be left if they were not here to hug, and the plight of the McCanns has made that possibility a reality.
Sara Carter, Couches, France
I feel do bad for the McCann's its such a heartfelt story. Sense this story has happended i was in Florida with my Daughter and i can't imagine it happening, i hope and pray that this little princess will be found and I hope that God gives them to strength to find her...
Deborah , Boston, MA
a fantastic peice of writing....... even though near to the bone.......it is blunt, concise and ,just downright truthful.
However, I am a Mother of 2...and I watch every day and have given to the fund................ but not for a thrill or to help trauma counsel the parents
But to help find a little girl..... who,if alive, probably thinks the world has forgotten her
Lets put more thought into her and how important it is to find her for "her " sake,rather than find her for her family's or our sakes
She did not ask for or deserve any of this,and if making it a media circus brings her back then so be it!
God Bless You Madeleine.
melanie , cardiff, uk
Glad someone's finally saying these things
Lindsey Smith, Bath,
What a fantastically well written, succinct piece of journalism, an excellent take on the Madeline Storty, good points, well made.
Rebecca Rosier, Roehampton, London
Well, all I can say is all the above who can't show any empathy, or who feels anyone who does is a voyeuistic thrill seeker, YOU ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM. If people empathise with others, hope for that miracle, in short, care for and about others, instead of being only for themselves and their famlies, an awful lot of whats bad in today's society wouldn't happen . I am an ordinary wife and mother, and yes, I have been moved hugely by the plight of Maddy and I wake every morning hoping she's found safe. If you don't, or feel its all to much publicty - in spite of the fact that the McCann's welcome this and believe it will result in Maddy 's safe return - please feel free to take your family and go and live on your own somewhere away from society as you don ' t contribute to it . Oh, and for those who say would there be the same fuss if she was black, yellow, pink or blue, this week, national missing persons announced they would welcome this level of publicity for all. I applaud them.
Liz, Chorley, Lancashire
The McCann family have been thrust into the spotlight and have become 'celebrities' in one of the most horrible ways possible. This ordinary couple from middle England have had no choice but to to play the 'celebrity' game, as if they were "Brad and Angelina" and absosrb all the highly personal public outpourings be it heartfelt support or hostile accusations - they are now "Kate, Gerry, Maddy" to complete strangers - think of what an intrusion this is on top of the loss. However they have skillfully harnessed their unwelcome 15 mins of fame, to help find their daughter.
If we really want to support the McCanns, it will be at that time when they will desperately need their privacy back either to grieve or to celebrate but either way resume their ordinary anonymous lives.
Peter Mason, Shanghai, China,
have read each and every comment and i have to say that i agree with each and every one of them. Yes it is such a tradegy that a little girl has gone missing whilst on holiday and i do feel for the family concerned as i do for any family that experiences terrible upheavel. But it is becoming to take over our every day lives. No matter where we go we are bombarded with this terrible news. I don't know, maybe this is what we all need, a constant reminder of such a terrible doing that can be put right with the constant media coverage. I do hope that little Maddie is back with her family soon.
Sarah, Newry, Northern Ireland.
You cannot be in your right mind to think that anybody could get a cheap thrill from following the Madeleine McCann case. I have a daughter the same age as Madeleine and I certainly do not congratulate myself on not having to live a parent's worst nightmare. Having a child around the same age really brings home the vulnerability of that age to you and when my daughter laughs and cries I imagine Madeleine doing the same and it breaks my heart. I am doing all I can to bring the matter to peoples' attention here in Spain and was very pleased today to see the piece of news in a Spanish national newspaper regarding the request for holiday snaps. Just to make sure I emailed all the details to all my work collegues. Everybody has to do something, not for the feelgood factor but in the hope that somebody's small gesture will get the ball rolling towards Madeleine's return.
Alison Burney, Madrid, Spain
Seriously, I just think that the world needs a result with this case. We are a country in the height of terrible things happening and I think as a nation or world we have just about had enough, Every parent or non parent feels for the parents and for Madeline, and if you have a 4 year old, you will know yourself that it is very hard to detach yourself from the news as you want and hope everyday that there is a lead, there is light at the end of a tunnel. Please dont try and analyse the outpouring of grief and kindness, its about time we all stood together for what we belive in and try to assist wherever possible, it is human nature. But somehow, this case has hit us hard, it has hit our hears and minds, I wake uo every day and the first thing I want to hear is Madeline has been found, SAFE. Wherever and whenever you feel or think you have seen this little girl, dont be afraid of coming forwards because of the sceptics, you may have the key to her abductor. PLEASE HELP MADDY!!
Kaye , Manchester , UK
If nothing else, the ongoing publicity will ensure that the police maintain momentum in their search for this poor child. While it may well be too late to save Madeleine, what is certain is that her abductor will remain a threat to children. The ongoing investigation and publciity may yet find the abductor and save some other parents from having to live through this nightmarish situation.
liz carter, huntingdon, uk
I think that what the McCann's have done, in terms of their persistence in keeping Madeleine's abduction in the public eye, is truly remarkable. And why not? Why shouldn't parents be able to go all out to do whatever they humanly can to find their precious daughter! I know I would if it were my child who was missing. I would like to think that in this century, when techonolgy is at it's most advanced, the parents of all missing children can do exactly the same with the same impact. After all, a child's picture and details can be sent around the world in seconds, and the McCann's are using the internet to it's full advantage. It has nothing to do with class or cuteness, it's about 2 parents making sure that everyone, globally is aware of Madeleine in their desperate hope that someone, somewhere will see her. I have looked at the Find Madeleine MySpace, and there is a blog which shows photographs of other missing children. Maybe this IS the way forward, for all the missing kids!
Nikki, Bath, Avon
Judy, I wrote in and asked the same thing you suggested. Maybe someone ought to check.
kayale, kingsville, texas
Mr. Aaronovitch, I read this twice a day to find out if she's been found, and of course when I don't find the good news I read the rest. Yours is too cynical in my opinion. I will also help the parents. Maybe it will be a help for other children as well. That's all.
Dany, Munich, Germany
I really do not share the views of the cynical few who think that the outpouring of sympathy for the McCanns is extraordinary. Every right thinking father, mother, brother sister grandparent ,policeman,pressman doctor lawyer the list is endless is and quite rightly should be feeling that physical pain that comes from a situation such as Madeleine's disappearance. One thing is for sure, we need to do soemthing drastic to find this little child and we need to do it now. We need to mobilise all forces and use every intelligence source at our disposal. I cannot believe the amount of pain that I am feeling. My first child is an IVF child like Madeleine, he's 17 now and he's still my precious one. All my passwords are his name. I pray the good Lord will bring Madeleine home safely. We must do our best to find her and we havnt done enough. Who saw what, let's get the whole world working,PLEASE.
siju soremekun, Pinner, Middlesex, UK
The news, and lack of any major breakthrough in the search for Madeleine, is heartbreaking. I truly empathise with Gerry and Kate, and especially with little Madeleine for what she has most probably been experiencing. My sentiments do not come, as the journalist cynically suggests, from a subconcious thrill. Nor do they come from enjoying the "spectacle". They come from my experience as an ex-UK law enforcement officer who investigated a large paedophile ring.
The McCanns should be congratulated for keeping Madeleine in the public eye; and thus widening the resources and information available to them. They, as we all do, hope that a little girl will be saved from a fate that too many others have suffered.
Mike, Exeter, Devon
The article is not 'sneering', nor are those of us who have misgivings about the media/public circus aspect of this 'selfish'; neither can we be dismissed as childless, cold, unfeeling - I have 3 young children; my feelings for them of course mean I feel profound empathy, sympathy, pain even (all inadequate words) for Gerry & Kate McCann ...but nevertheless reasonable, rational concerns need to be expressed. I am sure that we all simply and intensely want the safe return of Madeleine, and I have faith that the expression of doubts about the wider 'treatment' of this case is concern about how our maybe 'mawkish' or ' 'personality' centred culture may tragically affect it's outcome, and subsequent similar cases. Also views such as articulated in this article allow for a wider, non-personal perspective that surely has to be allowed, even encouraged, even as we engage personally?
Jill, York,
I can assure you I am not feeling any sense of pleasure or subconscious thrill out of my sense of anguish for the abduction of a little girl I don't even know. And I've made a little shrine for Madeleine. I have wept as much for that child as I have done for my seriously ill father. As a mother of a child of a similiar age I can relate to what Mrs McCann is going through. This sort of journalism is predictable. I'll continue to light my candles, sit before my shrine and pray. No pleasure just compassion and empathy. Somewhere out there a little girl is crying for her mother and this sort of sneering journalism does nothing to help her. I can only feel sorry for all the very selfish people who agree with you.
Jo, Sydney, Australia
I hope and pray that Madeleine will be found soon.
I think the media and the parents are doing a fantastic job, keeping this in the public eye, if this happened each time a child goes missing perhaps people would think twice before taking a child. It has also raised an awareness among parents everywhere, and highlighted this kind of problem. If this carries on, there is a chance that someone, somewhere in the world will spot her and help her get home. It may seem like a media circus to some but we have to remember that it has a purpose. Its using the media to the best advantage and good luck to them. The fund is great too, anything to get her found. Have they thought of playing the video at Cannes Film Festival - filmmakers from all over the world?
Chris, Epsom, UK
Okay, I can barely read through most of the comments as they are soselfish. I could write about bits and pieces of each of them that turn my stomach...but as a professional I will not, as I don't have the time either.
This doesn't mean that I can't log on to the site as the other 50 plus million people have to see if there is any way in this messed up world that I can be a part of helping, yes just one little bit...one little girl... Does it hurt to email my professional friends who travel the world asking to keep an eye out for Madeleine. It only helps that one little bit...one little child...its something I can do. SIMPLE.
Madeleine will be found and come home alive. Is there anything wrong with thinking positive, regardless of the statistics, in this messed up world?
Remember Jessica Marie Lundsford.com? Maybe you dont because your too caught up in your judgements than to just help out this one little bit...this one little girl...or for the next child.
D & D, New Haven, United States
Thanks for having the courage to ask the unaskable, and think beyond the emoting.
40 children have gone missing in the UK since Maddie disappeared. Hear anything about them?
Didn't think so.
Sad, England, UK
This is all so sad. But in a strange way there is a tiny shred of comfort in this terrible situation. Yes, there is evil in the world, but it is evident from all over the globe that love, hope,faith and compassion are far ,far greater. Imagine what we could do if we harnessed these positve emotions and moved forward......
Julie, Bristol, Bristol
Thank you for articulating a growing sense of unease regarding the Press coverage of this case.
Of course it is a tragedy for the parents, and there is an "Everyman" dimension to it. But a Diana style hysteria appears to have grown, and with it an uncomfortable subtext. Almost like a video game we can now participate - but without getting hurt.
In the absence of the perpetrator, there is also an apparent desire to demonise SOMEONE. The Portugese Police, tenuous suspects, us for not being caring enough, someone is going to take the rap.
This appears to be a rare act of evil, a terrible personal tragedy - and sometimes, that is it.
Gary Longden, Birmingham, UK
A truly disgraceful article, Mr Aaronovitch. It seems to me that your resentment of the 'outpouring of emotion' is simply a journalists knee-jerk reaction to having the news agenda dictated to you, rather than generated by you.
This case is an appalling and deeply traumatic event for most parents. Having just returned from a holiday in Portugal with my three year old son, I'm certainly not ashamed to say "I held his hand a little tighter" - it's just a totally natural response. Suggesting, as you have, that somehow we find the total absence on information or news about Madeleine McCann 'entertaining' is, however, totally unnatural.
Far from being something that needed to be said, your article was pointless, confrontational and I am sure distressing for many Times readers. To be fair, I have found your column often at the 'edgy' end of commentary, but this piece is completely ill-judged and anachronistic.
Stephen, West Malling, UK
Shame on you David. There may be a few people who think that offering their support to the family is a 'bad form of entertainment'. Parents like me who have a child of the same age, and who left them in the care of Mark Warner, probably feel the way that I do. I can't sleep at night for thinking of her and the family. I certainly do not feel 'entertained'. You would be better to keep this investigation as your headline and offer some support - rather than cast your negative opinion.
Nadia Jones, Woking, UK
When the media bring a story like this, complete with distraught mother and photo of sweet child, into our living rooms, it is not suprising that some of us feel our emotional buttons being pushed as if it were our own child or a relative of ours. It's called Empathy. I and people like me don't see it as Entertainment or some Ghoulish "story", episodes of which are being played out by the media. Our emotions are not "faux". They are entirely geniune.
You might argue that emotional responses to situations you have no control or power over are pointless and that it's senseless to feel sad or frustrated about something happening a thousand miles away to people you've never met but I personally believe that situations like this show the best of people as human beings and unfortunately also the worst.
I applaude this article for daring to be contrary but I do feel that it is a touch patronising and shows the author to be quite ignorant as to what makes many people tick.
Rob, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
Ok, provoking article. Cut above the rest. One can only take so much candy-floss emotion.
For me, this case also reveals an absence of maturity in our civil society. The chances of something like happening to one's child are practically zero. But such things do happen. There are cracks in the structure of society, and no amount of CCTV, policing, insurance policies or good faith will ever totally remove those cracks. Witness now the great efforts being expended to find this child, which as the article says, could never serve any purpose. For me, this emotional upheaval translates a childish desire on the part of society to accept that unpleasant things happen.
Some people win the lottery, some people have their child kidnapped. It’s not a frivolous comment. There's nothing to learn. I hope Madeline is found. If she is not, i hope that the parents, the media and everyone will retain some shred of dignity and not immerse themselves in a orgy of public keening.
Sam Young, Paris, France
I was interested to read the David Aaronovitch article which is of course very relevant in a 'critical thinking' type of way. But all of us who are fortunate enough to be reasonably level headed or 'right-minded' are likely not to have experienced the biggest most night-marish tragedy during the past sixteen days.
I'd guess the reasoning behind the efforts of the counsellors to enable the family of Madeleine as much well-being as possible, is because it is widely known that the feeling of hope is a crucial one for health and affords traumatised individuals the ability to just put one foot in front of the other at a time like this. There may be greater sorrows to bear yet so I'd guess any gains in mental strength now will be helpful.
As unlikely as it seems past evidence tells us Madeleine will be found I believe it is for the McCanns to decide about their hopes.
I wish the same as I think we all do for the family and if knowing that helps them so be it.
lynda , Tonbridge, uk
With regards to this latest article by David Aaronovitch I am not sure that the last few paragraphs should have been written, there are some interesting issues raised, but I doubt the necessity to question the public´s motives.
I am sure that with such a news item and this particular situation, everyone needs to remember the real facts. Maddie is not with her parents. In this situation, her parents will do probably almost anything if they think it will help to get her home with them. If the journalists and the media are not getting the information from the Portuguese Police, then lets just concentrate on the facts and help get Maddie home. We all want Maddie to be found whether we feel smug, sad or guilty or just relieved that it is not our own daughter, how can we (or David Aaronovitch) be the judge of the motivation that drives each and everyone to pin a ribbon on put up a poster.
Many thanks for your time.
Felicity, Madrid, Spain
It's not guilt fuelling the public's interest, it's fear. If this little girl is found, then ones own child, God forbit it, in a similar situation, might also be found.
Situations like the abduction of Madeleine McCann force us into the uncomfortable situation of examining the foundations of our lives. Why do we believe we are safe? Why do we believe our children are safe? In what, or whom do we place our trust? And when something goes wrong, who do we blame?
These are questions lurking in the heart of every Brit, and a situation like this one brings such questions uncomfortably close to the surface. I suspect that those wanting to silence such conversations and not be involved in the media attention for Madeleine McCann, are simply uncomfortable with 'keeping it real'.For a British public so used to talking about the weather, even with people we've known for 20 years, a conversation about something more meaningful is for me, a welcome change.
ML, Ascot,
Peggy, I hate to admit it, but you are so right.
angela, Ibiza, Spain
To all of you sad people who have never known the love of a 4 year old child, who have never experienced the total trust so innocently given, I feel almost as much pity as I do for Maddie and her parents.
Paul, Rochester, UK
Did anybody notice that the McCanns commented that the the worldwide support had "released a tidalwave of devastation" for them. Surely we would have thought the opposite. Maybe this has served to magnify the awefulness of the events for them?
Margaret Coles, Cambridge, UK
In addition, the British police forgot to tell the Portuguese police before Madeleine's disappearance, that about 150 British pedophiles were allowed to travel to Portugal. British authorities were incompetent and should think first before judging the Portuguese police.
Ana, Liverpool, Uk
read about half of this article and then slowly tailed off. filling column inches i feel - and harmless enough to look at the deeper emotions and meanings behind mass sentiments and social structures. but one thing and one thing alone matters in the next few weeks - raising madeline's profile, raising public pressure on governments to keep their police forces focused and to increase the reward money. if it is a paeodpfile ring, let us hope their evil extends to greed for money and one of them picks up a phone. mawkish as ribbon tying etc may be, the world today is incredibly efficient at monitoring - CCTV, camera phones, journalist investigation alongside the police. lets keep her picture on the front pages, her name in the news and yes, if it helps, columns like this in the papers to keep the situation current, at least for a week or two more, surely?
james, london,
How true! The child's abduction has been reduced to the level of soap opera. Each 'development' is a fiction invented by 'scriptwriters'. 'Sightings' and 'suspects' are the plot and characters, family members have become TV personalities and a huge proportion of the British public have become 'extras' gathering at every street corner waiting to emote for the cameras. People who have never helped a starving or dying child in their lives donate unneeded money or fly to the Algarve 'to help'. In 'offering support' they are adding thrill to their vicariously lived lives. When Eastenders is not on, the entertainment gap can be filled by yellow ribbons and weeping in the street. And who benefits most from manufacturing this bogus and disturbed empathy? Not Madeleine - the media.There is no tragedy so heartbreaking that the media will not exploit it for their own ends. That is the lesson we should learn- 'Tragedy Pays Well'. And the vultures will always circle until the meal is over.
eric , harrogate, uk
A modern 'melodrama' this may be, but if it were my child that was missing, I think I would want as much media & public attention as I could generate. The Mcanns are to be saluted for doing all they can to keep this 'story' alive - whilst the world's attention remains fixed on the plight of one innocent little girl, there remains hope that the abductor(s) will return what is not theirs.
anthony charlton, paris,
Ok, provoking article. Cut above the rest. One can only take so much candy-floss emotion.
For me, this case also reveals an absence of maturity in our civil society. The chances of something like happening to one's child are practically zero. But such things do happen. There are cracks in the structure of society, and no amount of CCTV, policing, insurance policies or good faith will ever totally remove those cracks. Witness now the great efforts being expended to find this child, which as the article says, could never serve any purpose. For me, this emotional upheaval translates a childish desire on the part of society to accept that unpleasant things happen.
Some people win the lottery, some people have their child kidnapped. It’s not a frivolous comment. There's nothing to learn. I hope Madeline is found. If she is not, i hope that the parents, the media and everyone will retain some shred of dignity and not immerse themselves in a orgy of public keening.
Samuel Young, Paris, France
How DARE you! A difficult article to write I'm sure, but how dare you try to defile the genuine help and support pouring in from so many people? As the mother of my own blonde, pretty almost 4-year old Madeleine, I can assure you that I take absolutely no pleasure or smug satisfaction whatsoever in the fact that I can hold and smell and play with my daughter on a daily basis. I positively ache for Kate McCann to be able to do the same very soon. All this family needs at the moment is our love, help and support and your article displayed none of these things. Are you recommending that we all just give up? I pray that Ben Needham's mother hasn't read your article. Any normal person with an ounce of compassion will be praying for the safe return of Madeleine to her family. I am reminded of the saying "if you haven't got anything nice to say, don't say anything at all". Maybe this is something you could "learn" from, Mr Aaronovitch?
Sarah, Shropshire,
David Aaronovitch has said something very clearly and concisely. And, personally, I needed to be said, and read. Good work.
D Harrison, London, UK
I have been waiting for some voices of reason. As Alexander, above says this is a pathetic attempt at belonging and is reaching ridiculous proportions. Yes any child being abducted is sad but sometimes acceptance that life deals out random events and it doesn't end well is necessary. This is almost evangelical and I feel embarrassed to be part of a society where it's happening
Lena Semaan, London, UK
The whole episode has been entirely distasteful. It has been and continues to be, a media circus with little dignity for anyone involved. The bandwagon jumping is frightening and unimaginative to say the least. Everybody has an opinion and everybody is an expert. All of these people need to get a life and rediscover a little bit of dignity. Anyone who has any interest in this case, apart from hoping that the little girl is returned, is a voyeur. I think Britain is turning into a nation of psychological basket cases.
judy, Liverpool, england
I admire your courage in saying what most right-minded people are thinking. Of course everybody would like to see a happy resolution to this case but shrines, posters and appeals at the FA cup final achieve nothing. They may even give the people responsible some peverse pleasure in knowing they can have a worldwide impact with their sordid actions.
I particularly object to those who are looking for publicity for themselves by getting involved: people who put up rewards, reporters walking down a portugal beach in their shorts trying to look sincere, the friend of the family who is harrassing people in my home town of Liverpool for help.
Surely as a nation we must reach a point when we realise that individual tradgedies such as this do not need widespread hand-wringing and are not helped by people with little to fill their lives visiting a makeshift shrine or logging onto a website. I doubt the parents care whether strangers sympathise with them, all they want is their baby back.
John M, Liverpool, England
Of course you are absolutely right, and we should consider why our culture, and the values it has created, has also produced this monstrous, terrible need to be emotionally involved in the lives of the people we DON'T know. It is very worrying and frightening in its vehemence and voracity. It is also frightening because it will become (or has already) horribly counterproductive in this case - surely the captor(s) of Madeleine McCann are likely to be pushed into a sudden, ill-considered action by this worldwide tidal wave of mawkish self-serving obssession?
Jill, York,
who ever has got her please,please bring her back .YOU WOULD NOT LIKE
MEGAN, WIGAN, UNITED KINDOM
I'm glad you wrote that. It is the thought that dare not speak its name, and now you've spoken it. What was a tragedy has now morphed into a three ring circus. Definitely shades of the Diana circus, almost ten years' ago.
Gabrielle, London,
Highly amused by all the prayers being said for her safe return. Perhaps if they had a better god she would not have had to go through this traumatic ordeal, and god could have saved her from being abducted. But logic and religion don't really go together, do they?
Angie, Worcester,
Absolutely right. What sickens me is the thought that every day of the year many families are hit by personal tragedies yet, obviously, they can't expect a mention in the news. So why focus so intensively on one particular case, much as we all sympathise? It's rather like the media pursuing rail crashes for weeks, months, even years, yet those killed in "ordinary" car crashes every day on our roads are ignored.
And why tv news needs to be presented from Portugal (or wherever the story happens to be centred) is completely beyond me.
Barry, Wallington, UK
For Gods sake why are some people so cynical ?
What if all the hype helps find Madeleine and brings her back safely ? The more attention this gets , the better the chance of finding her .
I dont see the coverage and all the support on offer as entertainment , I see it as a collective empathy from people who want nothing more than to see this little girl found !
Madelein's parents will gain strength and hope from all the media attention , and the more the better surely .
Lets focus on whats important , finding her .
S Thompson, Edinburgh, UK
You cold, callous, heartless people. I assume you are childless and cannot begin to understand the bond that exists between parents and children. I hope it's never you in their shoes, as you'll no doubt be choking on your own cold words. Shame on you.
Katie, UK,
I find your story overly cynical – perhaps it is you that needs to get a grip?
Peter, Esher, Surrey
Frankly I think this whole thing has become ridiculous. Horrible random events do happen in life and this is one of them but now we are all being asked to emote about somebody we do not know. I am sorry, but I can't buy into this and why should I? In the end I can only truly feel for those who are close to me and the rest is just, as you say, pretense and entertainment.
Lena , London,
All of that is true, but equally if, because of this massive coverage, just one person somewhere notices a little girl perhaps behaving in a rather subdued way, perhaps walking slightly unwillingly with an adult, perhaps overheard saying something in a Liverpool or Scottish accent (possibly more likely the former as I imagine on the whole children copy their mothers because they spend that much more time with them), and that person looks a bit more carefully and notices the eye defect - that may be the breakthrough?
Katie Foot, Faringdon, Oxon
I dispute this. Yes I do scan the news pages, not out of macabre curiosity, but in the hope that there will have been a positive break through and the little girl has been found. If the media is the message then maybe this exposure isn't just a circus for our entertainment - it functions positively to keep the profile high. Keep the message out there - it just might work.
Hortensia Smythson, Norwich, UK
I agree with both of these comments, and indeed the thrust of the article. Reality TV has made us media junkies. However, it is imperative awareness is raised, and the McCanns have done exactly that. I applaud facebook groups, because a chance encounter must be exactly what they are hoping and praying for. Amongst the vultures there exist people who, regardless of their motives, will join in the publicity drive for the greater good.
hannah, oxford,
I think this national outpouring of grief is slightly unreal and reminds me of the days after Diana died. Although I applaud the lengths the family are going to keep their daughter's face in the public conciousness, the story has now become a public soap opera. People are leaving this country as grief tourists unsure of how they can help, but going nevertheless. One small area of Portugal has reached saturation point with the international media. I don't think it needs people arriving with vague ideas of helping, however profoundly they sympathise with the McCann's situation.
Angela Martin, Morecambe, Lancashire
If it had been a 'chav' couple then none of this furore would be happening. It's a terrible terrible situation but I don't see what is so different about this little girl compared to others that have disappeared/been abducted...
Rachael, Newport,
the hype is also illustrated in the numerous facebook groups being developed to give the story publicity amongst a potentially international and young audience, is this going too far? it seems slightly sick.
chloe riddle, northampton, england
Thanks for writing what I , and probably many others, are thinking, whilst feeling guilty about harbouring the thoughts. When does news of a tragic disappearance - become reality television, the worst kind of entertainment ? Is someone else's grief no longer private ?
Nigel Reichelt, Southampton, Hampshire