Jade Goody burst on to our screens via Big Brother 2002 here in the UK. She wasn't the most likeable of women (in my opinion), is from the hard-ass Bermondsey area of South (or Saaaaaaaaarf) London, is the daughter of a convicted criminal and one-armed lesbian mother. Please note, i'm trying to set the scene and i'm definitely not being judgemental.
She didn't win Big Brother, but due to her inate ability to entertain (although admitedly, most viewers were laughing at her, rather than with her) she went on to become one of the most well known and sought after reality tv stars in Britain. She also made a fortune worth millions via book and perfume deals, subsequent reality shows, fitness dvds, and other merchandising opportunities.
I am glad to say that i have never watched an episode of any show she has been on because in my opinion they all employed the lowest common denominator, neither did i find her interesting. I did however, watch the version of Celebrity Big Brother she appeared on a couple of years ago, because i am a Big Brother addict. And like a lot of others i was astounded at her (and her cronies) bullying and abuse of Indian actress, Shilpa Shetty.
She was booted out of the house into a storm of public outcry and hatred, which lasted all of one month, or so. She subsequently announced her plans to go on to the Indian version of Big Brother to make amends for her treatment of Shilpa Shetty.
It was in the Indian Big Brother house that she learnt that she had cervical cancer. The cancer turned out to be terminal and now Jade has apparently been given just weeks to live. Following her return from India, her reality show continued, so did the magazine spreads and without giving it much thought, I continued to switch over. Then the coverage intensified and it began to be minor nuisance and i remember commenting on how tacky it was that she was still trying to cash in despite being ill.
That was, however, until i learnt that her motive was to make as much money as possible for her two sons before she passed away. My opinion shifted immediately. I mean, how can you argue with that? How can you argue with a young mother who knows she's dying, wanting to leave her sons behind with a secure financial future? I must add that many have. Actually, public opinion is divided. To the nay sayers, all i say is 'switch over'. I mean, i no longer condemn her choices, but still have never tuned in to see the show, neither have i seen a single picture of her wedding in OK! Magazine.
My heart goes out to her. No one should have to go through the trauma and pain that she is currently going through. On the up side, there has apparently been a 20% rise in the number of young women undergoing smear tests to detect cervical cancer.
See below for a link to an article that provides a comprehensive background to the story.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20090228.ARENZETTI28/TPStory/Entertainment
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I suppose any mother would want to give her children a secure financial future before dying and i commend her for that, but where do we draw the line? I think the public opinion is divided with some saying there should b dignity in death
I say it's Jade's life and she can do what she wants.
I always tell friends to get the smear test, early detection goes a long way...I had a scare last year, if not for the test I would never have known.
I feel so sorry for Jade...Knowing you have a few weeks to live has to be the most difficult thing...
It is well with her...
knowing death stares one isn't pleasant at all..
i had a scare last year when i got a call telling me someone so dear to me was diagnosed with having one of these cancer.
must confess, had to ask God why?like why now, why?
but..thank God for his mercies..
let the world not crucify her,
cause if she leaves them with nothing ,
will the world shoulder the responsibilty of raising and providing for their needs?
food for tot!!!
I have read articles in the papers about how people feel about Jade Goody and i just think that people need to stop being so cruel to her.....I feel for her and my heart goes out to her family and that of all other cancer suffers. you either love her or hate her. I have never been a Jade Goody fan, but all i can say is that people Should at least show some compassion and give her a break.
Well done for putting up this post. I wish more people will think about this in the way that you have.
At least her experience has raised a lot of awareness about Cervical cancer amongst young women in Britain.
I have read articles in the papers about how people feel about Jade Goody and i just think that people need to stop being so cruel to her.....I feel for her and my heart goes out to her family and that of all other cancer suffers. you either love her or hate her. I have never been a Jade Goody fan, but all i can say is that people Should at least show some compassion and give her a break.
Well done for putting up this post. I wish more people will think about this in the way that you have.
At least her experience has raised a lot of awareness about Cervical cancer amongst young women in Britain.
@Miss definitely maybe - i agree. I think its getting to the stage now where they need to switch off the cameras and let Jade and her family go through her final weeks in peace
@Naijalines - Indeed it is, and that's exactly what she's doing. You've got to commend that
@afrobabe - It is well. Such a sad story. Even i am now motivated to get a smear test...and that's saying a lot!
@bllk wolf - thank God for his mercies. It could happen to any one of us. I think people should keep their opinions to themselves
@Arewa - *blinking rapidly* enhn? you're back?! Woo hoo!!! So good to hear from you and congratulations, hun!!! I'm coming back over to yours to comment properly...
I think a lot of people are moved by Jade's story. I wish her and her family all the best in this difficult period
I heard about this recently. I cannot fault anyone for trying to do what is necessary to ensure that their children live well. I wish her the best and hope she will spend most of her time creating long lasting memories with her family. I cannot imagine what she is going through.
How are you? Haven't seen you in a while. Hope all is well with you and yours, my sista.
NIGERIAN CURIOSITY
IT WAS SO MUCH EASIER WHEN I ONLY HAD ONE...
i don't blame for doing this anymore...at first when i hoped it was treatable yes but when i found out it was terminal...i really can't blame her...she and her 2 sons were just christened in hospital...
@solomonsydelle - I'm fine thanks. Hope you're well too.
I was surprised to hear that Jade's story had gone international. But then again, i guess it's the first of its kind. I guess the only ones who can truly decide if the rightness or wrongness will be her children in the future
@shubby - I feel the same way. Only someone who has walked in her shoes has the right to judge..
Guess whatever people say, she's acheived her aims -- which were to ensure the two sons were well cared for. Now whether the Jack Tweed dude is the right person to steward all that money we'll never know.... But the intent is very clearly a good one...
P.S. I think its my first time back here since 07.. when i was drJAX! Good to know its still been updated!
na wa for u o!
u dey hide?
come out jare
sad that jade died a week ago today (on mothering sunday or mother's day as it is more commonly known). May her soul rest in peace
@shubby - Well said. I was strangely misty eyed (or maybe not so strangely) when i heard she had passed.
May she rest in peace
am fine thank u dear...taking it easy as i had a smear test scare:
http://shubbydoo.blogspot.com/2009/03/happiness-is-egg-shaped.html
-had to have treatment so i'm not allowed to travel out of the country so i'm in london for easter...
how u dey sweetie? work? & your studies to become a psychologist? have u been skydiving yet?!!!
@shubby - I'm ok o! thanks dear. Studies are going well - 2/3 of the way throught the 1st year. Its been a journey and a half!
Sorry to hear about your scare, i hope it's been resolved now and all is well.
I havent been sky diving yet. Havent been able to get my act together on the fund raising front. I'm thinking of doing an indoor simulation thing in the interim. We'll see...
Been a while girl, was so happy when I saw u at Gnaija's blog...you need to update...nowwwwwww
I found the Jade Goody saga fascinating although I started out with no interest in her whatsoever. She provided us with a fascinating study of the British media and of the media's manipulation of the public. I'm with you on how she dealt with the last few months though: once she'd got that far, I can see why she carried on making as much money as she could for her children.
I never liked her, but then, I have very little interest in celebrity culture, and in the end, she was part of that. I do think it's interesting though, how much the public loved and hated her and how she threw herself into public living.
Interesting post!
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