Radio Times

Something of a furore has arisen around Michael Parkinson's recent comments in Radio Times about the life and death of Jade Goody and her treatment by the press.

"Her death is as sad as the death of any young person but it's not the passing of a martyr or a saint or, God help us, Princess Di," says the veteran broadcaster.

"When we clear the media smoke screen from around her death what we're left with is a woman who came to represent all that's paltry and wretched about Britain today."

The media have reacted in a variety of ways to Parkinson's comments. While some papers have seized on his description of Goody as "barely educated, ignorant and puerile", others have chosen to focus on his criticisms of the press itself.

"The media first recommended we hate Jade Goody," says Parkinson, "and shortly thereafter tried to persuade us to celebrate her. She was, in fact the perfect victim of our times."

Do you agree with Michael Parkinson's comments about Jade, and about the press? Does the media coverage of his article serve to back up what he's saying? Leave a comment below and tell us what you think.

**

Read Michael Parkinson's article in full in the latest edition of Radio Times magazine (11-17 April)

For more on Michael Parkinson, including a video interview with Rory Bremner and a career gallery, visit our Parkinson section.

I agree to an extent here. What I fail to understand is why are we making such a big deal of Jade's death. It is so sad that she died of cancer, as do many people everyday, but because she is in the 'public eye' everyone is just taking this too far with 'musical' even being written I mean, come on. I really dont understand why such a huge fuss is being made. Is it because people relate to her? I think this just sums up our country, giving saintly status to someone who made a fool of themselves on TV as well as shouting racist remarks. I ask - what does this say about us as a country? It's time to stop with this nonsense!!

I suggest you all read Christopher Brookmyres novel " A Snowball in Hell" for a properly irreverant view on the media, the cult of the talentless "celebrity" including the unfortunate Ms Goody. Then you can cheer or get really upset as you like, but will perhaps see Parkinsons comments in perspective

Jade may well have had a bad start in life, when she fell she got up again, she passed the finish line, she was the winner. Parky had a good/shallow life, his main achievement was interviewing celebs, whoopy dooo ! Parky fell at the last hurdle, he lost the race, shamed, exposed as the hypocrite he is.

Billy Connolly got off to a bad start, (funny) parky never attacked him !

Will we ever find out whether or not the whole sorry episode has been orchestrated by Big Brother? They held all the strings and could have put a totally different spin on their puppets - but they were out for sensationalism and to get people watching and talking - and they've not failed there, have they.

Michael Parkinson is a Hypocrite. He is Ambassador for Dignity in Care, look it up, see what he has to say there. He endorses Axa insurance, look it up & see what he says there. He was given a Knighthood, google "Knight" Chivalric code; Knights in the medieval era was ask to "Protect the weak, defenseless, helpless, and fight for the general welfare of all.

The Queen sent Jade her good wishes, yet a man she presented with a Knighthood degrades & demeans a young woman, causing distress to her family.

His arrogance knows no bounds, he insults us all, he attacks the media,when he was/is part of it. If he had a problem with Big Bro, take it up with Ch 4, If he has a problem with a child being let down by the education system, take it up with them. If he has a problem with sink estates, take it up with the council/goverment. He insults us by thinking we can not make our own minds up. We do not hang onto every word the media comes out with. We are not obcessed with celebs. He is ! Michael Parkinson is a ignorant, puerile, bigoted hypocrite, he degraded & demeaned everyone not just Jade !

Of course this will have its place in History, it most certainly is nothing to be proud of.

Michael Parkinson "Sir" arise, take the stand & apologise. "Jade" Rest in Peace xxx love to her family & friends !

painful truths

I totally agree with everything Michael Parkinson says in his article. Jade Goody's rise to "fame" and celebrity status was probably one of the most ridiculous things ever to have happened in the UK. What ever happened to people achieving success through talent and brains? Of course its sad that someone so young died of cancer, but if she'd followed up her earlier test results,and sought treatment, its highly likely that she would have survived. She was a victim of her own ignorance.

I agree with Parkinson. It is sad that a young person should die so young and if screening improves that is good. But Jade Goody was exploited by an immoral press keen to sell papers. She was no more important (and nor was Princess Di) than any human being and just had too much media coverage. Goodness me there are enough valuable interesting people who get sick--why on earth give all that space to jade goody?

I totally agree with Michael Parkinson. He was not criticising Jade Goody but the way she was treated by the media.

I thoroughly agree with Michaels comments. I don't think Jade Goody is a good role model, she represented everything that is detestable in Britain today. I wish no young person dead, but lets face it, it was all a bit over the top.

Come onnnn. Dont misread what the man said. He said that Jade represented the type of mindless society that Britain needs to get away from. The media tore her to pieces because of who she was then as soon as they realised she could have sued them for the things they said about her they made her a role model. So how can anyone say it is just Parky being snobby? EVERYONE was attacking her for the way she was. Everyone who bought the media turnaround forgot that they had been the ones hating her a week earlier.

I do not believe Parky was having a go at the white working classes - he was having a go at people being made out to be saints for no reason. Sure, she did a good thing when she found out she was dying! Thank her for making people aware of this type of cancer? By getting cancer?! Yeah, good job! I feel very sorry for her children and I am very sad that she is dead but people need to stop acting like this was a national treasure or that she was some sort of angel. I see a country rotting from the ground up. In the future it will be full of angry, depressed people who feel cheated because they never got to be famous and it is the tabloid media who are responsible.

Parky was at the beginning of, and part of, the dumbing down of TV, Everyone on TV spoke Queens English before he came along proud to be speaking his Yorkshire accent and proud of his ordinary roots, now he is slating another real person.

I remember when he was paid a million pound wage for his shows.

How easily he forgets his beginnings.

It's good that so many people here seem to agree with Michael Parkinson, as indeed I do. It was a very well written, very considered and truthful piece of journalism from a respected, very experienced, intelligent man. However, I find it very scary when I read other posts from people such as Rachael who seem to be obsessed with Jade Goody, so much so that she feels the need to attend her funeral when I'm sure she never even met her!!!... Why?... She claims she is a doctor working with cancer patients, then surely she has worked with many people and I doubt that she can attend all of their funerals. So why the need to attend Jade's? There is something very worrying and very sick about what is happening in our society today regarding the huge concern and outpouring of grief for people in the public eye from people that have never met any of them!! I simply do not understand what that is about?! - how can you feel so grief-stricken for a person you have never spent any time with? It smacks of a very disturbed and very unstable society who measure their lives by what they read in the tabloids and Hello magazine. Thank goodness for people like Parkinson who have the guts and the concern to speak the truth!

By far the vast majority of people speaking in support for Jade fall into a distinct category: Young, female, unintelligent/poorly educated and no prospects. These people are obsessed with celebrity and Jade represents someone who "made it" in their terms ie became a celebrity for no good reason.

Now we have the church of Jade where because she died at the height of this fame we cannot criticise her. This criticism is not snobbery. Think about what your values are here. Are you saying the Jade represents what you really want from life? If so, I am afraid you live in a fantasy world.

Jade had her time in the spotlight and she did not do well. In years to come we will all look back in disgust. Sadly, that includes all you that rush to her support now - because your values are ruled by what the celeb mags say.

It is easy for Parkinson to attack the white working class. Would he have made such a comment about the background and upbringing of a non-white person involved in guns, knives or drugs?

Spot on Parky...The day she died some people posted on facebook comments like 'you were an inspiration to us all' to which i had to reply 'RIP jade goody you represented everything that i loathe about modern day britain but no one deserves to die so young' so to hear michael parkinson say the same thing reasures me that im not alone but i do worry about the future of young people when they want to make Jade Goody a national treasure!!! How low can you go???

Princess Diana was hardly a role model!

Mr Parkinson makes millions from this same circus and interviewing 'celebraties'. He didn't have the same upbringing that Jade had and will never know how hard it was for her as a child. She was intelligent enough to use the media to make sure that her children will not suffer from lack of a good education. Jade wasn't good at geography etc, but judging by the spelling mistakes in some of these comments, some need to brush up on their basic english. We all have our failings. Jade tried to put right hers. We all make a living in the only way we know how.

Spot on Parky, lets be honest she was ignorant and puerile

What a trivial bunch of do gooders we hve had commenting. Not that I was a great fan of Jade Goody. But I admired Mr P, although I think ha has gone down in my estimation. I agree Jade was puerile but certainly not ignorant, but for her defence, had a big heart, loving and came across just as Princess Di did, but we should not compare anybody. I agree totally of Rachael the docs comments. At the end of the day its the the Big media machine that puts everybody on the spotlight and thats who everybody should be blaming if anybody has got any gripes with todays society. I can think of many unsavoury people that of been put on the the public domain,eg Kerry Katona, Jordan and Peter Show, Ozzy if you like and the list goes on. How many have you interviewed Mr P? Have you not participated in the media machine to publicise these show pieces who in my mind do not represent good honest decent role modules. When you talk about our retched society, don't you feel a little hypocritical.

Max Clifford needs to get involved with this one and put parky in his place where I come from 'Parky@ means cold and that is precisely what Parky is a cold and calculating man counting the pennies

you selfish and ignorant man, those children don't want to hear your drivel...you've been a media pawn most of your life and you'd be terrified to face death at any age...Jade did it and I admire her courage, she provided for her children because the opportunity was there and she also provided for her cancer charity, you greedy man

Michael Parkinson has no right to judge Jade none whatsoever, he thinks that he can use his position that he has acquired over th years to rain abuse on someone who can sadly no longer defend herself, ignorant is she...? Clearly not this is a young woman who had to learn so much in such a short time...he is 74 years of age in seven years time he will be three times her age if he is still alive...he has had all that time to hone his television personality...and just look how ignorant he has been...she cannot defend herself, neither can her children but they can face the backlash of him publicly labelling Jade as ignorant and puerile...I guess that's the actions of a truly educated man...Jade realised that she was definitely going to die...she never curled up in a ball on her bed she showed no bitterness and no anger...she got her life in order and tried to arrange memories positive ones for her whole family...she was brave and courageous throughout and she was only just beginning to know how to live as an adult when she had to learn how to die...the ignorant one here is definitely Mr Parkinson, without a doubt he will have hurt all of her family and most definitely her children has he thought about that? How would he cope had he been given Jades terrible news and had to gather young children around him and tell them he would be watching them from heaven because that is what Jade had to do. She left a nest egg for her children and for her cancer charity...her children don't have to listen to you Mr Parkinson...they should be proud of their young mum..who was as inspiration to other young people who are dying to stand tall, to socialise, to reach out and touch the hearts of us that are so much more fortunate than Jade was. She was more educated than you Parkinson in some aspects because she has had experiences you have never had to face and she did it with love and dignity...hang on to your knighthood and CBE if it makes you feel the bigger man but I don't look to you for inspiration I look to Jade, who realised he mistake and apologised for them...don't imagine that Shilpa Shetty will be very pleased with your disgusting summing up of Jades' life, or for that matter people like Prince William who holds the hands of children who have lost their parents at a young age..you are without a doubt the most ignorant man on the planet...had you no idea the hope her celbrations will have given to so many when all seems so pointless at the end of life...She was young vibrant, full of life, she made mistakes and she apologised you Parkinson need to apologise to those who are left behind who love the woman instead of getting on the gravy train and using her death as a soap box to further your own sagging and so over career, by the way why did you do it...was it for money..

Im glad to hear someone has finally spoken out against all this. It disgusted me when i saw she took a 16 page spread and a small magazine of her life in one the newspapers, when soldiers out in afghanistan are dieing for their countrys and they get a little coloum at the top of page 17 or if there lucky a page. Parkinson is right she hasn't done nothing! for this country, wasn't she hated last year for being racist and all of sudden she was saint! Don't get me wrong i would never want anyone to suffer from cancer as i've had family members die and all those thousands of decent people who die from cancer, they don't get driven around, london into essex. My sympathy goes more to her children as when they will grow up they will look back on what her mum has done and from what i've got from the media is she was gobby, loud, extremly annoying, racist and didn't have a clue. Now she died of cancer shes f***ing ghandi! makes me sick how so many other people have been and are going through a lot worse things and she gets all the coverage, all the money all down to the media trying to sell papers as people only like celebrity tradgeys or gossip!

1stly - it has been well known recently by a lot of people both in the media and at large, that this is a personal attack on Jade and her life. For someone to think it isn't, has not been keeping up with any other comments mentioned by the press. Also to have a go at the media is to also have a go at himself, he is and has been a well known part of the media circle for years.

2ndly - Jade was not perfect, no one is, but she was normal and not an uppity celebrity spoilt by fame and money. She wasn't racist and she couldn't afford to be, so anyone who thinks she was doesn't know much about her family life - to put it directly, her grandparents on her dad's side are from Jamaica.

3rdly - whether you like her or not is irrelevant, she has done a lot for cancer recently. She did not ignore anyone when she was told she had the disease. I have seen her t.v programmes, and it clearly states there, that she had about 3 previous false scares, but continued to tell them that something was wrong. She did this until she was finally diagnosed, then she had the hysterectomy and proceeded with the treatment as soon as possible. She did everything she could to fight the illness, but also continued with her life for the sake of her 2 sons.

4thly - Parky was born and brought up in Yorkshire in a mining town, and had to work his own way up the ladder of success. His career was based on interviewing hundreds of celebrities also from bad/poor backgrounds, yet he never once condemned any of these known personalities for their lives.

So basically putting it all together - he has now publicly not only put himself down, and his own family, but his friends from his past, and most, if not all, the celebrities that he has made a good living out of. A few celebrities that he has interviewed, that have come from poor/bad backgrounds - Billy Connolly, Dolly Parton & Michael Cane.

I really do hope that he hasn't now destroyed his own career because of this. It would be a shame to see him ruin the career he has worked hard for, all because he commented without thinking of the full effect on himself and others.

I'm so glad that parkie has stuck his neck out to say something like this, and coming from him, it's going to get noticed. He has not attacked jade, or her family, but the media, and while her death is extremely sad, at least he has got his feet firmly on the ground.

I think parky needs to come and spend some time on sink estate and then just realise how hard it is to get some where in life. Is it her fault she was brought up there.....NO!! I think his comments are disgusting, Jade has raised awareness to other young females and opened peoples eyes. She is brilliant and she did well in making all that money for her children, wouldnt anybody want to make sure that their children will be ok! Parky you should be ashamed of your self, she has not be buried all that long and she cant defend her self. Show abit of respect. Her family and friends will hear your comments and be distraught.

Yes, Jade is a role model for some young people, maybe lots of young people, so what?! If it means that one disadvantaged person rises above their destiny and that one child is not left motherless prematurely, then I applaud her and everything she has done. I am not her number one fan by a long stretch but even I can see that she has left a positive mark for us all.

Well said Parky, how about running for PM?

I do not watch Big Brother and know celebrity culture is empty and absurd, but what I liked about Jade Goody is her desire to transform herself and to grow up as a person, overcoming adversity on the way. Also she got baptised as a Christian and had a real faith before she died so in the end she was victorious. I also admire how she made her children's beginning better than hers.

How I agree with Michael Parkinson's comments regarding the late Jade Goody. Yes, it is extremely sad when someone young dies, particularly when leaving behind a young family, but she was nothing but a loud-mouthed, bigoted nobody who became a "celebrity", without having any talent whatsoever. Believe me, there are many people who will not miss her.

Imust confess that I never watched Jade Goody in big brother so cannot comment on her behaviour as a person or as a celebrity.

I can however say that I have watched parky on some of his chat shows.

In my mind he is overrated and has been over promoted from his job as a local reporter.If it were not for Muhammad Ali putting him in his place and Rod Hulls Emu raising his profile with his bird attack them his opinion would be as worthless and forgetable as all his other shows have been.

RE:

Posted on 09 April 2009

at 3:31pm

by Patrick

Patrick... do you think it was morally right for Parkie to write this 'article' so soon after death & family grief. If, as many claim that the article wasn't directly about Jade per se... do you not think he may have waited a while before venting himself!! I'm quite interested in your reply or anyone elses who is 100% behind the article. In journalistic terms, & without spin, a balanced article with less venom & at a more appropriate time would of been more in keeping with a well educated, highly polished presenter such as Parkinson. What on earth was he thinking by writing something so near to the burial. Moreover where was the editorial integrity... this isn't removing 'freedom of speech' more there's a time and place for everything.

On a final note... you do seem very swayed by the media yourself... Shilpa Shetty quoted "I don't feel there was any racial discrimination happening from Jade's end... I think that there are a lot of insecurities from her end but it's definitely not racial"...

RE:

Posted on 09 April 2009

at 3:31pm

by Patrick

Patrick... do you think it was morally right for Parkie to write this 'article' so soon after death & family grief. If, as many claim that the article wasn't directly about Jade per se... do you not think he may have waited a while before venting himself!! I'm quite interested in your reply or anyone elses who is 100% behind the article. In journalistic terms, & without spin, a balanced article with less venom & at a more appropriate time would of been more in keeping with a well educated, highly polished presenter such as Parkinson. What on earth was he thinking by writing something so near to the burial. Moreover where was the editorial integrity... this isn't removing 'freedom of speech' more there's a time and place for everything.

On a final note... you do seem very swayed by the media yourself... Shilpa Shetty quoted "I don't feel there was any racial discrimination happening from Jade's end... I think that there are a lot of insecurities from her end but it's definitely not racial"...

Parkinson hasn't attacked Jade, or Jade's family!

He has attacked his own 'family', the media, and rightly so! I really couldn't agree more with what he has said. The people who find his timing distressing are those who were never going to enjoy his commentary with regards to Jade.

Those people who are throwing around words like 'hero' and 'intelligent' with regards to Jade need to get both a dictionary, and a better perspective on the world in general.

1) Being a celebrity isn't a form of heroism and isn't something to idolise.

2) Facing cancer with some dignity is brave but not heroic.

3) Extracting all you can from a system which is hell-bent on exploiting you does not constitute intelligence.

The youth of this country need real heroes, not wags and footballers, and definitely not Jade!

Well! Jade Goody has certainly got us all reacting, hasn't she? Even after her extremely sad early demise, we all have something to say about her and her life. I basically agree with Parky's comments (and am relieved that someone has had the courage to put his neck on the line and to say some things which so many others have been feeling) but I think his timing is a little insensitive. It is true that, in a way, he too is jumping on the bandwagon as poor Jade is still fresh in everyone's mind - whereas, if he had left a decent interval before speaking, there is a chance that people would have got bored with (as someone else put it) the Jade Goody show. It might have been better, Parky, to hold your council. However, to those who have branded Mr Parkinson a 'snob'- what happened to free speech in this country? Is he to be critised for his (civilised) opinion (which was not directed towards Jade herself as a person, but only towards what she represented as displayed by the media circus which surrounded her life and death) whilst Jade's shameful remarks to and about Shilpa in the BB house seem to have been forgotten/forgiven now. "Kill the Pig"? Is that really what was being felt by people out there after that event? Which section of us? Those of us who are having a go at Parky now, or those of us who feel Parky is essentially right. There doesn't seem to be much integrity amongst the British people any more, and that is exactly why we are are so sucked in to the media exploitation of people like Jade Goody, and if we don't stop and think before we allow our feelings to dictate what we say and do, then Jade will not be the last target for us all to chuck our darts at. I hope her little boys cope with all this (remember Prince William (was it?)saying how he would like the endless speculation about his mother's death to be dropped)as one day they will grow up - maybe rich, by most people's standards, but with a terrible legacy of critical appraisal of their mother. We none of us knew her - let's drop it now and let her family grapple with life without her.

Parkinson got it spot on.

That the media and many people are willing to excuse her racist and bullying behaviour because of her stupidity and crass nature, which is always blamed on poor education or upbringing (are people not allowed to better themselves morally and intellectually anymore?) is willfully moronic, so thankfully people like Parky have the nerve and insight to tell it like it is, with the minimum of ceremony. Thank god for free speech!

RE:Posted on 09 April 2009

at 1:20pm

by dee

I met many different ladies from many different backgrounds at the funeral... it was sunny, there was a very friendly atmosphere... most of all there was a mutual respect for a lady who everyone felt 'something for'... 'a local lass who represented the underclass'... a brave woman who after her death wished to provide for her family... I also met women who were directly affected by the 'jade goody effect'.

The funeral wasn't tacky... it was a celebration... nor did i experience 'a mass outpouring of grief'... I think to some degree the people most critical have been 'swayed' by the mass media attention themselves... but lucky for us if you don't want to watch then DON'T... & as far as Jades' kiddies being out of the country... that was at the request of Jade... The only thing i hated was the constant drone of the helicopter... which was intrusive! was the Jades fault? did she ask for a helicopter??

& as far as prison goes!! Jack will face his punishment... i just hope that politicians putting forward expenses for bbqs & police possibly mis-behaving at the G20 demonstrations are also punished accordingly; if found guilty. What i'm trying tosay here is that why are you focusing on a petty criminal when theres huge 'bad things' going on around that much of society seem quite complacent about. Why focus on Jade... why not use your energy to change something worthwhile?

I have a new found respect for Parky, anyone seeing this as a personal attack against Jade is wrong, what hes saying is completly differnt, and for those of you to narrow to see that, I pity you I really do. I applaud you sir for speaking sense, weres the parade for any other woman tackling cancer? What makes her so special?

Thank goodness Michael Parkinsons has spoken up for the people who if they even dare to say what we think about Jade Goody we get a look of how dare you say anything against this woman, it is very very sad that she had to die so young but how many others in the same boat have the luxury of having Max Clifford and a Television station behind you? I could only watch in disbelief at the outpouring of grief at her funeral, I hope for her boys sake all of this publicity stops now, send her husband to prison where he belongs. The only one who seems to have his head screwed on is the boys father. Now they want to put a waxwork of her in Madame Tussauds PLEASE !!!!!

RE:Posted on 09 April 2009

at 12:16pm

by James

These facts are based on professionals' working within cancer... there's been a huge surge in cervical cancer screening numbers... from all walks of life!! & yes there are ladies who have previously neglected this early prevantive measure that have now come forward, tested positive for cancerous changes & had early prevantive treatment. The real scale of 'Jades Effect' will only be known in a few years when the statistics are in... Hospitals are also reporting a decrease in 'DNA' 'Do Not Attend' at follow up clinics. All in all Jades very public death has had a very positive influence.

Absolutely spot on!

I fully agree with Parky and continue to be shocked at the level of emotion people continue to display towards a person who they did not know and whose only talent was manipulation of the foolish British people who immerse themselves in the wasteful lives of others instead of working towards fulfilment of their own lives. Also to the people banging the drum of "she has saved the lives of thousands through cervical cancer awareness", what facts are that statement based on? None. And as for her achievements, her only achievement of note was giving Max Clifford a bell to whip up this media frenzy, that guy could get Saddam Hussein a job at Santas Grotto!

What on earth possessed the 'BBC' & the Radio Times to publish such a crass, emotionally inept rant not to mention morally wrong & journalistically unbalanced. To attack a woman unable to defend herself, her family, her friends & sons with such words is nothing but socially damaging & sick.

As a doctor in the field of cancer & having worked with socially disadvantaged people, Jade did much to highlight & bring the nation 'out of its comfort zone' to appreciate the reality of child poverty in this country & its consequences. Jade was funny, witty & very loving not to mention a fantastic mother. What she lacked, she openly acknowledged.

Cancer is still very much a "taboo word" & I very much praise Jade for her openness & her fight to the very end. Cancer is becoming, with greater knowledge, a chronic condition that is managed, sometimes over many many years & Jade showed us how to keep living in the face of adversity. Selling her wedding!! Well why not?? Everyone else does!! And as far as the media attention: Jade received less attention than all the children of famous actors & musicians that grace our pages day in-day out!! But I suppose that's ok Parki… Their drug problems, relationship problems, parenthood problems…

On a more balanced & professional stance: Jade achieved more for cancer awareness & education across all sects of society than any other person, campaign, health policy or advertisement. She has saved lives already… & millions of people worldwide are no more "cancer ignorant" having an awareness that will empower them, their family & their friends.

So Parki & all the other critics of Jade, you may not have liked her through your classist views, you may not have liked her funeral [well it wasn't for you was it], you may not have liked her highlighting the realities of child poverty, unequal access & our failings as a country to tackle these issues & the realities of cancer but you know what… she achieved things that none of you collectively can claim… she has saved lives & will continue to do so.

Parki you've spent your life interviewing famous people: manipulating you, the media with the release of new albums, books or films. You even wished to interview Jade yourself!! I am ashamed of the cruelty of your words which will humiliate & anger a large section of our society who are not as lucky as you & me. Jade was socially very important as she bridged many sections of society. We first came to view Jade as 'being hostile & argumentative'. She knew she had anger management issues… & had she lived: & please show some respect for what I am about to say as this comes from a doctor, a cancer expert, a person who is highly educated & has worked very closely with the Government to help disadvantaged people… had she lived she would of been a huge ambassador for cancer. Jade was intelligent, but disadvantaged, & with time I'm sure she would of picked up the skills she knew she lacked… & if that embarrasses you & the rest of her critics then I'm ashamed to say that there still exists a terrible classist system, prejudice & discrimination on the basis of socioeconomic class in this country… which is more toxic then anything Jade ever did wrong.

I think Parkinson should appologise to Jade Goodys family,What an inconsiderate thing to write, I put it to you Parky how would you feel about someone insulting one of your family members shortly after their death!! Jade Goody was a human being,she made mistakes,learn't from them & has helped save many lives the figures at cancer research do not lie!! Just because YOU do not feel she was in the same "class" as you & your groneys,does not give you the right to publically insult her!!!......shame on you!!!!!

Spot on Mr Parkinson.

Whislt the death of someone so young is always a tradgedy, Miss Goody became famous for being loud, brash and I have to add constantly making gaff's. If this is the level of celebrity that is now considered a role model for the young, we really are scraping the bottom of the barrel. I had nothing what so ever against her and feel deeply sorry for those left behind.however this whole sorry episode should stand tall as a testament as to why we should move away from this endless stream of mindless reality TV Drivel.

Michael Parkinson should be congratulated for being the most high profile famous person to have the guts to say what most people are thinking.

What a reflection it is on the mind set of all these people who could not wait to gain there pitiful revenge in uncharitable way on a person who they feel their superiority gives them tthe right to jump in so eagerly to judge.What shallow lives,no compassion .very sad

What a reflection it is on the mind set of all these people who could not wait to gain there pitiful revenge in uncharitable way on a person who they feel their superiority gives them tthe right to jump in so eagerly to judge.What shallow lives,no compassion .very sad

I agree with Mike Parkinson. The media wade in with relish on anything that is downbeat, miserable sloppy or sentimental with a view to increasing its viewing or reading figures by the poor souls that are sucked in by it.

I cant believe that so many people are accepting what parky said withoutany consideration for jades famly.What parky said does not in anyway take into consideration her harsh upbringing. If anything jades family should be proud of what she has achieved.We cant all have the luck and good fortune that allows people to make their fortunes hosting chat shows and for some young girl to start off in the gutter and end up with the fame and fortune she did no matter how she achieved it is highly comendable.And parky whats it got to do with you ?

With you all the way, Parkie. I had been wondering who on earth was following all the sickly minute-by-minute coverage of Jade's illness and death. Reading the postings, I now know... She made a lot of money out of the whole circus "for her sons". How fortunate for her to be able to leverage her situation in that way. I find it totally tasteless, but that was her life. Still, I don't buy papers and there's on off button on the telly so I don't have to read, see or hear all the drivel.

Spot on Parkie.

Michael Parkinsons comments on Jade Goodys passing were completly uncalled for. To call her " Barely educated, ignorant and purile " is I think, a reflection of what is wrong with Britian. For someone who is supposed to have been barely educated she showed how to manipulate the media to her advantage so as to provide for her sons after her untimely passing. The amount of publicity which she was able to raise towards the plight of cervical cancer has meant that many many girls and women will be able to lives long and happy lives, something she wont have the chance to achive. If Jades death and funeral turned into a media frenzy, it was not the fault of Jade, it was the British presses ( of which Mr Parkinson claims to be a member of ) hunger for the morbide news story, which even Mr Parkinson felt he himself had to get comment on. He also describes her as being " puerile " ... one meaning of which is " immaturity " ... well, she was only 27, compared to Mr Parky's age, she was only a child.

Posted on 08 April 2009

at 2:30pm

by Janet

Parky is so right. I was absolutely appalled when I saw the funeral cortege for Jade Goody. She was a sassy, loud mouthed girl that the public allowed to make millions from being just that! All credit to her for exploiting the public's appetite for the morbid and macabre and providing for her children, but thousands die of cancer every year and she made a mockery out of their choice to die with quiet dignity. No doubt her mother and Jack Tweed will be the next to jump of the bandwagon. Well done Parky - you've expressed the view of many.

"she made a mockery out of their choice to die with quiet dignity" how dare you say she made a MOCKERY of people's choice to how to die with cancer. HOW DARE YOU!! She knew she was dying, she couldn't change that but just because she had a limited time left, doesn't mean she had to die quietly and stop living when she was given this death sentence. I have had many close family members that have died from cancer and they would have loved to do the good she had done before she died. she's helped thousands of women by telling them to get checked. remember it is the media that kept her in the spotlight, but it's the people of THIS country that demanded it all these years.

parkie said that he wanted to interview jade not so long ago too. he was totally insensitive and he there was no need at all to comment about her

I can't believe he is being applauded for critisising someone who was buried on Saturday. It's disgusting. Jade may have saved thousands of young women's lives by proving how important it is to be tested for cervical cancer. Parkinson has always been a snob and this has proven that fact again. Jade was not a saint or a martyr but neither was Diana, Princess of Wales as he seemed to imply. Watching Jade battling cancer was something that so many have had to endure themselves. Whether they had cancer or had family/friends suffering, including myself. All the emotions her family and Jade went through were real. It allowed the country to see the real pain that having cancer and death cause. It put a public face to an issue that needed to be addressed. Jade found fame by reality TV. She then made a career from reality TV. I think it poetic that she lived her last days on reality TV. She was in the possition to use the media to both make money for her son's future and to campaign for earlier cervical smears for young women.

REally disgusted by his remarks. He has really lost touch with reality. Why did he feel the need to make such cutting remarks so soon after she died? Really uncalled for. I would be destroyed if these comments had been made after the death of my mother or father so soon after their death. Has he no compassion?

Parky, how sad that you feel you need, or are even qualified to pass comment. The rest of you who rushed to support him need to get your lives sorted and concentrate on the real problems that we currently face.

Disgraceful comments to make about anybody anyway!

Jade's family are mourning the loss of what they believed to be a loving mother, daughter and wife. It is not a time to be judging her past actions or her background.

Any mistakes that she made in the past, she has had to deal with and it is appalling that people cannot leave her family at peace now.

There is no purpose to Michael Parkinson's comments and it is unfair on her family to make them to begin with.

Leave them be.

I think it is disgusting that someone of Michael Parkinson stature has said these things. The girl has been buried just days. She made mistakes in her life, but ultimately was a loving mother and very unfortunate health issue. Cheryl Cole made mistakes in her life and we love her as well. I think some compassion should have been shown, I can understand why Michael Parkinson might not like Jade, but she has children, grieving relatives and a young fan base, who shouldn't read this sort of unforgiving or unloving attitude. What does that show to our young people?

Have a heart.

I thought that the hype and hysteria generated by the death of the Princess of Wales was crass in the extreme, and the similar treatment of Ms Goody even worse. Michael is right and, to be honest, stating the obvious with regard to Ms Goody. She was probably a good mother, probably a genuine person, but as thick as two extremely short planks. She would appear to be only a role model for the type of child who with no backup from parents, ends up completely illiterate and innumerate, and is proud of it.It does not bode well that a woman of such miniscule talent can command such vast sums of money, Mr Clifford has much to be taken to task for. Thankyou Mr Parkinson, its about time someone put these things into some kind of perspective.

Well said Mr P--so many of the silent majority have been saying the same for months--just what was there to celebrate about Ms G's life--she did nothing special at all except potentially alerting the younger females to the perils of cervical cancer. She did not deserve the plaudits she got in the latter part of her life although milking it to the full--she had no skill--no ability--no talent--unfortunately all the things so many young women aspire too in the name of celebrity status--where is the sense in that -congrats Mr P --spot on

Agreed Parkie, well said. For me though Jade is exactly like Diana. The whole, shallow mawkish circus started with Diana's death and subsequent glossy portrayal of the significance of her life.

He sounds like a bitter old man.

As for 'all that is paltry and wretched', well I consider Parky - who made a career out of sucking up to people - kowtowing to the Royal Family far more wretched than Jade Goody's fame.

What about 10 yr olds cutting each other up in Doncaster? Knife crime killing dozens of kids a year? Smack and crack blighting communities?

I suppose speaking out against these things doesn't bring as much publicity as speaking out against Jade Goody? He hates the way Jade Goody has become a media icon, but isn't above exploiting it to get publicity for himself?

Jade Goody did come from a lowly background, but I don't see how her success represents 'all that is paltry and wretched'. Unless of course you don't like the reality of life in Britain being represented on TV? Let's just pretend it's all cricket on the village green, afternoon tea and a whistful anecdote from James Mason

As for the Diana comparison, well there is no comparison. Diana was famous by virtue of her DNA, not because of what she achieved, or represented. She was wealthy because of who she was, not in spite of it

But if people, like Parky, want to put the aristocracy on a pedestal because they're obscenely wealthy on the back of their ancestors exploiting ordinary people for generations, good luck to them. I choose not to defer to these types and I'd be much more comfortable having a pot of jellied eels with the Goody's than schmoozing at one the Queen's garden parties

It's a shame to see a Yorkshireman like Parky lose his roots, but his generation will be dead soon, and it can't come soon enough

I haven't read Parkie's piece but I completely agree with him.

Michael's comments may be a little insensitive in timing, but few can realistically argue that they are not based on fact.

He seemed to be highlighting the absurdity of it all, from the media hypocrisy, to the now commonplace morose grief-tourism that takes place at celebrity deaths.

Despite many people, both in the public and the media, deluding themselves that the public outpouring at this funeral would be on the scale of Diana's funeral, the reality was quite different.

In the end, the Big Brother generation had to wake up and realise that no, actually, it's just them who have this really quite bizarre obsession with someone who, when all is said and done, contributed very little of any worth or use to society.

That said, I don't blame her one bit for having capitalised on the stupidy of the media and the arid imaginations of the Big Brother audiences.

If anyone really believes that Michael is alone in feeling what he feels, then I fear that reality television isn't doing a very good job in adapting its audiences to the real world!

well said to parky when you look at what jane tomlinson achieved in all she set out to do gave every penny away and she had children also makes me sick to see all the fuss over jade an to see the funeral like princess di who she would have never matched up to anyway no matter how long she lived

as jade goodie was an invention thought up by a tv show production team i have to say i feel sorry that we are using her to have a vent! the problem is that society now sees talentless pas role models in all walks of life. what happened to the society that held talent, hard work & honesty as the right path to follow?????

I find it interesting how many of the people slagging Michael Parkinson have not actually understood what he wrote. He is right to say Jade Goody "came to represent all that is paltry and wretched in Britain today." The people supporting her are evidence of that. One poster refers to JD as "our hero".

Well, what kind of hero... a hero of the underclass, the uneducated, the cancer sufferer, reality TV, the person who has to sell themself to survive... and isn't the existence of these things wretched and paltry?

Big Brother has just descended into a circus where some non-entity thinks if they flash their tits or act outrageous they'll get a TV contract and a futness video to their name. There's no need to train, to work, to actually have any talent... just to make yourslef look a fool. It's no different to the sad cases who used to appear on The Word, eating toenail clippings or diving into baths of horse urine just so they could get on TV.

Parkinson is right to say that being under-educated is wretched. Of course JD allowed herself to be exploited... what other chance did she have to male the kind of money she eventually could? The social and education system has failed so many young people that they have no hope or chance. Being a media clown is their only chance, as far as many see it. Isn't that wretched? Isn't it wretched that a young woman feels it necessary to sell her death to the highest bidder in order to ensure her sons a decent education? Pretty wretched, I'd say.

Yes, Jade Goody was all the things which Parkinson says, bt that was what the media sold her on. During her first BB appearance people tuned in to see her apparent stupidity (of course, she was actually a pretty intelligent, 'savvy' person), websites had 'Jade's gaffes', the programme was doctored to allow a hate campaign to be built against her ("Kill the Pig")... oh, sorry, that was forgotten in the recent media reminiscences, wasn't it? Then she was brought back and allowed to get caught up in a race row... sent to India... publicly given her diagnosis... Do people think this was all accidental and coincidental? Garbage! The girl was caught in a media river she couldn't get out of. She rose to fame on reality TV and the only way to keep it going was to keep riding it.

Fair play to the lass for getting what she could out of it. But isn't it a bit wretched she had to and that we had to (and, indeed, wanted to) see it all?

How many of the fans have visited a cancer ward recently? How many have volunteered to work with underpriveleged kids, addicts, educational programmes for adult or young learners? Doubtless some, but as many as lined the funeral route? My old boss devoted her life to the education of impoverished kids in rural areas, she fought to keep the village school open, she fought to give the kids new horizons and chances... she died of leukimia... there were no TV cameras.

One poster above asks what right MP has to talk about Jade Goody. Well he has all the right. She is public property... how else would the poster have any idea of who she is/was? Parkinson isn't actually talking about Jade the person, he's talking of Jade Goody the product. The product such posters helped to make.

Parky was not having a go at the girl Jade Goody, but at the way the media put her up as a property to make fun of, to throw bricks at and then to feel sorry for - making a lot of money for themselves in the process. I hope the boys do benefit from a good education and happy lives, and I have every sympathy for any family has lost a loved one at such a young age - but they don't get th money cos they're not adopted by the media. Why not have created a Jade Goody fund that could have been set up to help the children of families who have lost a parent to cancer - that would really have created positive approval - even more so if the media had matched evry penny put in the account - and left a brilliant legacy.

He's got my backing 100%, its as much about the media as about her and he summed it up better than I ever could.

I fully agree with what Michael has said, he put in to words what I was thinking but did not have the courage to speak out loud. It is tragic that she died so young and left behind two young sons however, that was no reason to treat her as though she was another Princess Diana. I found the reporting of her funeral particularly offensive and removed all the dignity from the way she coped with her last days.

Disappointed in Mr Parkinson. His guests were always plugging something or other for their own gain, and he was paid handsomely to sit back and let them do it. He cant possibly know what Jade's life was like, so shouldnt make sweeping statements about "scum Britain" and certainly shouldnt criticise her (very successful) efforts to break that cycle for her children. We should all jump off the Jade Bandwagon, let her rest in peace, and that includes you Mr Parkinson.

how dare michaelparkinson,whom i previously admired greatly for his longstanding career in the media. no more mr p. i think your comments on a young girl who came from nothing and made a name for herself, through what ever means is so demeaning. how many of your peers within the industry have been as you say, as ( ignorant as jade) well power to her and others like her,who had no education per say, but went on to establish themselves in the industry and ended up multi millionaires. what a snob you have proven yourself to be, just because she didn't have a university education or the likes. shame on you.

Pompous prat. This is the bloke wo has so much "taste" that he efused to play any Elvis Presley records on his R2 show.

well done Parky for speaking the truth about jade what did she ever do.. NOTHING apart from appear on a second rate reality t.v show twice and make an absolute idiot of herself she or her family had nothing whatsoever to offer society and the way she was portrayed in the magazines and papers was obscene we were subjected to her to the point of sickness oh what short memories we have remember when gordon brown was grovelling his apologies to india to stop riots because of her behaviour and she was ushered out of the CBB house in silent disgrace..the media shouldn't have made anything of this vile person the people the media should be giving coverage to for their work are totally overlooked remember jane tomlinson anybody who did tireless work for other charities before she sadly died..she didn't feather her own nest and she had 2 young children also...well done again Parky you deserve praise for everything you said also GOD help us if this is the role model for our children today it's no wonder the country is heading towards anarchy

Ha! Spot on Mr. Parkinson. At first I only thought Mrs. Tweed was a typical CHAV, but after witnessing the circus that the media made about her typical, insignificant life, I think the media has become the CHAV here. And here in America isn't not any better. God help us all.

I entirely concur with Mr. Parkinson's views. I believe he might have gone further in his remarks on the press and broadcasters if it were not for this country's ridiculous libel laws.

Why is it you are immediately branded a snob for criticising Jade Goody?

I totally agree with Michael, She a nobody, made somebody by the media

I entirely agree with parkie. I feel sorry for those she left behind but she didn't solve world hunger or anything amazing worthy of such a media circus.

I completely agree with Parky. While it was sad that Jade Goody died so young and under such circumstances, I believe she represented a less attractive side of English society. Could it be that those who object to what Parky has said recognise themselves a bit in Jade? To call her a "hero" is really to insult those who quietly get on with their lives, doing good and not making a big deal about it.

100% agree! Wouldn't wish what hapened to her on anyone but the media exploitation of the situation frankly made me sick and I couldn't stand her as a person.

Jade represented all that is wrong with this country that aside it is always a tragic to die so young. Two years ago everyone was calling her a racist and books and perfumes were being removed from stores at the rate of knots how fickle the public is, I feel for her boys but the rest of the circus forget it Hero INDEED!!!

Michael Parkinson never said that he didn't feel compassion for her, he just said quite rightly that the whole thing has been blown out of proportion by the media and by her own manipulation of the media and we soon forget how she was an object of universal hatred after the celebrity big brother debacle with Shilpa Shetty when Jade probably showed us all her true colours. Hundreds of people suffer and die from cancer in the UK every year, including children, quietly and with dignity so I really don't see why she's such a special case.

Nice one Parkie

Thank you Michael for your bravery in saying what the silent majority is thinking.

I whole-heartedly agree with Parky. It's about time someone had the guts to say it. Personally, I'm glad the Jade Goody show is over...or is it? She was an embarrassment to England, and an unfortunate case of what society has become.

Parky is so right. I was absolutely appalled when I saw the funeral cortege for Jade Goody. She was a sassy, loud mouthed girl that the public allowed to make millions from being just that! All credit to her for exploiting the public's appetite for the morbid and macabre and providing for her children, but thousands die of cancer every year and she made a mockery out of their choice to die with quiet dignity. No doubt her mother and Jack Tweed will be the next to jump of the bandwagon. Well done Parky - you've expressed the view of many.

Of course Parkie is absolutely right concerning his comments about Jade Goody. Her death was no more tragic and untimely than thousands of other young people who suffer a premature demise, but the media hype, orchestrated by herself and Max Clifford is a fair reflection of the sickening culture that now prevails in our society.

Jade Goody had no apparent talent apart from the ability to portray ignorance and poor education in its lowest form. If a foreign person had arrived in England for the first time, with no prior knowledge of the character of our people and their history, and was introduced to Ms Goody as a national celebrity, this person would depart our shores with a rueful shake of the head.

The poor woman is now dead, but let us not be confused about the reality of her personna. She made millions from vulgarity and ignorance, and was a very poor role model for other young people.

Furthermore, if an excellent example of class and dignity in the face of impending death is required, we need look no further than Wendy Richards.

I couldn't stand the woman whrn she was alive, but I wouldn't wish cancer on anyone. On the other hand, I found her Di-ification difficult to stomach. What is this strange phenomena that causes some people to react like they were actually one of Jade's relatives? Is it some kind of mass hysteria generated from too much gossip mag grief porn? Save the national mourning for people who actually contributed something to our society. I'm afraid all Jade Goody and her family ever did was publicly embarrass it.

He should be ashamed! Regardless of why or how she was famous and whether or not she was as he so eloquently put it 'barely educated, ingnorant and purile' she was a young woman of 27 who has died a very painful death leaving 2 young sons behind. The poor girl was only buried a few days ago and I think that Mr Parkinson comments are unnecessary and extremely insensitive. There was no need whatsoever for him to comment on her.

for the first time ever I am ashamed of my fellow yorkshireman. You come across as an out of touch SNOB. You looked at the hype not the person and passed judgement on that and not the person. As part of the very industry you so obviously dislike maybe its time you stopped selling out your own sou for a piece of silver got down off you high horse and stopped looking down on the rest of the country who put YOU where you are today. Neither you nor I knew Jade and for members of her family group reading your comments I feel great sadness. Who said she was like princess Diana? In one respect she is a young dynamic woman who made mistakes often in the public eye and then tragically lost her life far too soon leaving behind 2 sons who I hope will not have to rely on reports from people like you as top how the country felt about her. Unlike Diana though her shildren are even younger and have had even less time with her. Think about them the next time you cuddle up with your own grandchildren and maybe you may find a shred of compassion.

I fully agree with what Michael has said, and it's about time someone did say it. The full article is even more spot on.

I agree with Michael Parkinsons views about Jane Goody in particular how the media have done a volte-face in respect of her.She was in my view a typical example of the hundreds of young feral adults who are so common place in Britain today.Parkinson is echoing what many people think.In addition reality tv should be buried as well.

Michael Parkinson is 100% spot on. Whilst the death of any young mother is sad, the mass outpouring of media orchestrated grief is ridiculous and depressing. It is frightening how the media seem to be able to exercise mind control over huge numbers of people in this country. Jade Goody was not a role model for young girls. She lacked education, intelligence and behaved like a bully for all to see on national TV. How quickly simple people seem to forget all this.

PARKY. YOU NOT SO LONG AGO WANTED TO INTERVIEW JADE DI YOU NOT? WHO ARE YOU ANYWAY YOU JUST SIT IN A STUDIO AND INTERVIEW CELEBS ON A SOFA WHY DONT YOU GET OFF YOU BEHIND AND DO SOMETHING TO BE REMEMBERED BY INSTEAD OF SLAGGING OFF OUR HERO. GO PICK ON SOMEONE ELSE. R.I.P JADE WE LOVE YOU.XX

I find it very sad that she has died too early, I thought her funeral was awful but I think if the family would of tried to do a private one the media and the public would not have allowed it, I do not think she was a saint but she has made everybody aware of this cancer and we need to thank her for that, I now feel we should let her rest and hope her children remember her as a loving mother. I think MIchael Parkinson was unfair to lable Jade as all the scum in britain, as far as I am aware she choose the wrong words on Big Brother and I think she paid a very high price. You should of thought of her boys, how would your grand children feel, I only hope is that they have a very good father who will keep them out of this media jungle (Max Clifford has created)

What right has this man got to write about this poor young person in such a way. He really has gone right up his own backside this time. You may gather I am not a fan of his. He should retire and leave the media quietly