Don Your Way column: Always be kind? Why Caroline Flack's tragic death won't change a thing

The tragic death of TV presenter Caroline Flack has certainly sparked an interesting debate these past few days.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The suicide of the former Love Island presenter instantly brought an outpouring of demand for people to be kind to each other.

In theory, a great idea. In reality, a complete non-starter.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Sadly, Caroline Flack’s death won’t change a thing. Whether we like it or not, we live in a nasty society these days – and whatever your view on who’s to ‘blame,' we’re all part and parcel of it.

Darren Burke says the tragic death of Caroline Flack won't alter anythingDarren Burke says the tragic death of Caroline Flack won't alter anything
Darren Burke says the tragic death of Caroline Flack won't alter anything

Celebrities have spoken relentlessly about trolling and abuse. Yet it still goes on.

The paparazzi and media were blamed for hounding Princess Diana to her death. Yet in the wake of the tragedy, newspaper sales went through roof as readers went in search of every last detail.

I’ve seen plenty of people urging kindness on Facebook the last few days. The same people who I’ve seen make all manner of particularly unpleasant insults about celebrities, footballers, politicians, royalty, people they know, relatives – the list goes on.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Rather than being a force for good, social media has become a breeding ground for anger and hate.

I’ve had colleagues subjected to rape threats, death threats and constant abuse on a daily basis. Simply for doing their job.

Not much kindness there, eh?

I’ve seen people ripped to shreds on Twitter, people who’ve become vilified and on par with Osama Bin Laden due to the power of the web. Remember that woman who put the cat in a bin?

This very article will no doubt have a load of vitriolic comments posted below it. Virtually every story on here does, so why should this one be any different?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

If we’re all going to be kind to each other, like we claim we are, when does it start?

How does it begin? Are we kind to certain people or just a small section of society that we might happen to agree with?

Sorry, but Caroline’s death will alter nothing – unless everyone plays their part.

And that's not something I can see happening any time soon.