ONE of the most disturbing trends of the modern age has to be the fascination of photos of accidents and funerals by certain newspapers.
Before anyone leaps to make the point that by highlighting car accident pictures that someone may slow down and drive a little more carefully, do you really believe that?
When was the last time that you got behind the wheel of your car and thought to yourself that having seen some tabloid picture, that you will change your driving habits?
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If I am honest, my worst driving habit is speed due to my tendency to always be late and therefore drive like Lewis Hamilton to make up lost time.
The biggest deterrent for my speed is the ‘crouching, Garda hidden camera’ and I am much more likely to step off the accelerator if I think I am going to incur a fine and penalty points.
Recently there was a tragic accident in Kildare that claimed four young lives. These beautiful girls had their lives cut short in their prime and this was devastating for their families.
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What was horrible, in my opinion, was that their heartbroken families were photographed at the funerals. The private time that they should be allowed to say goodbye for the last time was cruelly invaded by photographers.
In Cobh last month there was the most horrendous murder/suicide case, one that made headlines as you would expect in a case like this.
One of the daughters of this couple also suffered stab wounds and was hospitalised as a result of her injuries. During the aftermath the family made a plea to the press to allow them privacy and space. Was this wish respected?
That would be a very resounding NO! The girls were photographed attending the funerals and their Facebook posts on their personal pages were published.
When is this barbaric intrusion of real lives going to end? In the era of smartphones and instant internet access, we almost expect now to see these type of pictures on a daily basis. We have got to reclaim our common decency and morals before they are lost forever.
I ask every reader, when you see an inappropriate photograph of an accident, a crime or a funeral to please report it to the editor of the offending publication. Until we act and take action they will deem it acceptable.
Many years ago I was at a funeral of a young family who had died tragically and there were numerous photographers present.
I was delighted to see members of the family accompanied by guards remove them from outside the church before the immediate family, drowning in their grief were subjected to flashing cameras.
Come on people, bring back some respect! Banish this trend forever!
Until next week,
Orlagh xx
