Madeleine McCann: Introducing Amelie And The Maddie Catty
WITH Madeleine McCann missing – still missing – the papers discover a new angle of investigation: her sister.
“MADDIE COME HOME,” says the Sun’s headline. “Tot hugs Maddie’s cuddle cat.” And there is Amelie McCann holding on to her sister’s comforter.
What purpose this serves, Anorak is unsure. We have tired of looking at the faces of Madeleine McCann’s parents but are we so desperate for a new face in the narrative that we need Amelie? No new suspect. No arrests. No sign of Madeleine. So here’s Amelie. She can keep the story alive, justify its place on the front pages?
While readers wonder why it’s newsworthy to publish a picture of Madeleine McCann’s little sister, while the faces of media shy David Beckham and his tick-like wife’s children are pixelated to preserve their privacy, the Mirror spots Amalie.
More Amelie on the Mirror’s front page. “A cuddle from her little sis,” reads the headline above the shot of Amelia hugging Madeleine’s toy. And on the Express’s front page, more Amelie. And on the Mail’s.
Is this a cynical manipulation of the news? It tugs the heart strings. It cannot fail to. But for what ends? To make us feel more a part of a story turned into public spectacle? Can it be too long before the Mirror is offering readers a chance to buy the “Maddie Cattie”, replica cuddle cloths, with a percentage of profits going to establish a fighting fund?
“Little Amelie McCann clutches her big sister Madeleine’s favourite “Cuddle Cat” soft toy yesterday — and wishes the missing tot was back with her,” says the Sun’s reporter in Praia da Luz.
Touching stuff. Or just creepy…
September 15th, 2007 at 7:48 pm
[...] from her room, at the Ocean Club resort, in Praia da Luz, Algarve. What will be sold in the shop? The Maddy Catty?Share This Opinions? : Add your view now! | In: Anorak Twitterings | By: Anorak | Most Popular [...]
August 11th, 2007 at 6:18 pm
I agree that the McCanns are getting far too much attention and spending a lot of time going to church. Personally, I would be far too emotional if it was my child to be near people and in the spotlight. I would want to help find Maddie. It does annoy me a bit the way the couple walk aroundholding hands with the same expression- no emotion. I wasn’t convinced by Kate McCann saying “I love you” as a message to her daughter-I would be choking on my tears. But we are all different. Who am I to judge? Where do the McCanns leave their other children during interviews? It seems as though they don’t have time for them either. Wouldn’t any mother be clutching onto them for dear life? I still feel creepy about Robert Murat and his mother. I don’t know why but I do.
July 9th, 2007 at 12:35 pm
Its a joke when your telling people to put posters up everywhere LOL The McCann’’s havent even done that and its their daughter.
July 7th, 2007 at 3:49 am
why would someone do this to her she just turned 4 how could someone why did they want her where ever she is i kno shes comin home safe and sound!
June 5th, 2007 at 8:41 pm
well… lets hear it for Ross….
Ross Says:
May 25th, 2007 at 5:01 pm
“So you think that puting posters up randomly will help find this ONE kid?
What a load of nonsense ”
(….well, now that I know this, I feel so much better and I will just stop now and never lift a single finger putting up a ‘help’ poster….NOT!)
… i’d have to say that doing nothing and sitting on our arses would produce nada; so why the heck not put up posters???
but in Ross’s world; using the media, and helping ourselves is a waste of time.
this is a family of means that lost their child… what would Ross be saying if this well-off family sat around and waited for police and interpol to do their work, instead of pounding the pavement, asking for help (both with our time and money), and staying active.
This family will not stop until they find answers…. I would be doing the same…. this family has put an incredibly bright light on the subject of child abduction and not only will Maddie be brought home; but, several children that were abducted years ago have once again had their names and faces in the paper as a result of the McCanns efforts.
Yes, this is a use of media I can stomach… if I read another article on Paris Hilton I will puke… If I read more about Maddie; I pray it is that she is home and well.
No… let’s live in Ross’s world where we are bitter and hateful and shallow. Pray, Ross, that you never need the help of community.
June 1st, 2007 at 8:21 pm
Thank you Ross for your intelligent take on this, the most emotive of subjects. I post on another website and one of my posts was in a similar vein to yours - the vilification I received was astounding. How unintelligent of people not to be able to separate the horror at the media’s manipulation of this story with the quiet horror that every parent felt when the story first broke. Go and cuddle your children and tell them you love them - the most positive thing that any parent can do in response to Madeleine’s disappearance.
June 1st, 2007 at 9:52 am
[...] all night because I’m worrying about Madeleine McCann. My mood doesn’t do a U-turn every time Cuddle Cat is mentioned on ITV News. I care, of course I care, it would be inhuman not to, but if you really [...]
May 31st, 2007 at 10:29 am
I agree with you Mark!
May 27th, 2007 at 6:55 am
itcertainly seems more constructive than this conversation as its going nowhere fast
May 25th, 2007 at 5:01 pm
So you think that puting posters up randomly will help find this ONE kid?
What a load of nonsense.