Next Wave International Next Wave International™ is a faith-based communications group which is
training organizations to engage the future & move society forward
in a positive direction. Founder / Director: Mal Fletcher

Reality TV Star Dies

Added 26 March 2009 View full list    Print version    
British newspapers and other media had been filled over the past few days with stories about the death of Jacob Goody, the former reality TV star.

Ms. Goody died peacefully after a short but intense battle against cervical cancer. Her life and death captured the interest of much of a nation, perhaps because it encapsulated the ups and downs of the human condition.

In recent times, in the face of death, she married her boyfriend and her and her two sons were christened.

In a new editorial on the site, Mal Fletcher suggests that there is much we can learn about the downsides of celebrity culture from Jade Goody's experience.

"It is right for us to mourn the passing of such a young person, someone who so obviously connected with the aspirations and challenges faced by other people," writes Mal. "And if the coverage following her death raises awareness about the risks of cancer, this is something we should welcome."

"However, we should also pause to take stock of the possible downsides of celebrity culture. As a society, we should think long and hard about where the culture of celebrity is leading us - and our children."


"When it was reported that Jade Goody might allow cameras to track every step of her gradual decline and perhaps even her final moments, there was a debate about the propriety of invading someone's personal space in this way."

"Thankfully, there was more dignity in Ms Goody's final days than some imagined there might be."

"Of course, that such a possibility could even be floated says much more about us, the viewing public, and what we consider to be entertaining and educational than it does about the celebrities involved."

Ms Goody's funeral will be held in the next few days, though details are yet to be announced.




(For the full editorial on this site, click here.)

Keywords: jade goody | reality tv | Big Brother | cervical cancer

Permission to reproduce this article    Send us your feedback    Send this to a friend




Next Wave International is a powerful mission to Europe.
Make a Difference Today!




Read Mal's NEW book...
'FASCINATING TIMES: A Social Commentary'


Catch Mal on EDGES TV...
A Fresh Look At Our World Today...






Search This Site

Add Next Wave to your Favorites
Latest News
BBC News
CNN Europe
EuroNews
Mal Fletcher Media Appeal
Austerity - Are Governments Wrong? Mal on BBC
Should Sunday Trading Be Extended? Mal on BBC
Racism vs Racial Identity - Mal on BBC
Are Churches Playing Big Brother? Mal on Premier Radio
Chips Under The Skin & Bio-Hacking - Mal on ABC Radio
More News...
Sign up for e-news

Want to keep in touch with what Next Wave is doing each month? Enter your email address below.

Your Feedback
Hey Mal, I'm blessed to come across this site. I believe it was a plan of God to hear you. I'm a leader in our church in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Be blessed!
Sindile, South Africa

I started watching Edges on GOD TV. Very inspiring & informative programming. May God raise more creative missionaries like Mal Fletcher.
Joseph, India

I have visited your website and have fallen in love with all that you are doing!
Pastor Dennis, Russia

Send us your feedback