As much as I'd love to see a resolution to the Madeleine story, isn't what's going on in Burma more important?

Question

I'm upset to see that the BBC's most read story is about that photo, while in Burma the monks are being beaten and tear gassed by the military. There will be deaths.

Oh, I know the most popular is according to how many people read or email a story and not down to the BBC - I'm just saddened by people's priorities!

Helen O and others - I just wanted to bring people's attention to a terrible abuse of human rights and dignity that is happening in the world right now.

Answer 1

Wouldn't it be wonderful if both events came to a peaceful, non violent, satisfactory end?

But it won't.

Answer 2

The BBC is not responsible for what people read on its website. Both stories are important in different ways, in that both are major news stories in their own right. Sadly, a lot of people don't even know where Burma is or what is going on there, or care. At least some people have asked on this site about the events there, showing that they do care - but not enough to read the story on a news website. As for Maddie, pretty much the whole world must know about her by now and it is a fascinating human interest story, so it's human nature that a lot of people are following the twists and turns of the case.

Answer 3

Yes, much more important, but unfortunately "more sensational" is what catches the public's interest and sells newspapers.
I'm as fascinated as the next person over the Madeleine case because it's an unsolved mystery with dozens of twists and turns, as well as a human interest story.
But you're absolutely right -we do need reminding about what's really important and can still be changed, even if the world is obsessed about the fate of one little girl we can do nothing about.
Sad, but that's human nature.

Answer 4

I agree. The monks are campaigning (and probably sacrificing lives) for a better life. Surely, because of its violent nature, it is more newsworthy. Innocents are being killed, and the soldiers are acting on a mad ruler's orders. It must be hell in Burma right now, and surely they deserve the sympathy more than two people who thought it was acceptable to leave three babies alone in a foreign country. I know who my sympathy goes to right now!

Answer 5

You have a point but in a predominantly white Anglo-Saxon society a little blonde, blue eyed girl rates higher than Buddhist monks in Burma protesting a tyrannical dictatorship.
Sad but true. 1000s are suffering in Burma but 1 white girl outweighs them all.
And before anyone accuses me of racism this is merely an observation of a very sad fact.

Answer 6

I wouldn't go as far as to say more important but certainly deserves our attention.
Yes I agree, it is horrendous but what exactly do you wish us to do. Apart from reading about it, that is and praying for them. I can't exactly see me going to Burma any more than going to Portugal. Can you?
I am sorry but I fail to see what you are upset about. You cannot influence what other people read.

Answer 7

i think ppl dont really care as they dont understand what the monks are fighting for in a place they have never been to, and are probably never going to see. unless it has repercussions on us as individuals or unless its happening in Britain ppl dont give a shite.

Answer 8

I completely understand and empathize with your point of view.

Answer 9

Yes it is. Very disturbing reports.

Answer 10

Indeed, but the media influences our perspective- I have said this all along.