Priorities!

Hamas and Fatah – the two major political factions in Palestinian politics – have formed a unity government. It is still not clear if the new government will recognize the state of Israel, promise to end violent attacks or even live up to past agreements with Israel. This is important. If all they resolve to do is not fight amongst themselves, it could even lead to steps backwards in the quest for peace in the Middle East.

And yet, this did not make it to the front page of any paper in Denmark. We had more important stories. Like the future wedding between a former member of the Danish monarchy and a man who doesn’t even own up to his existing obligations as a father.

And even that story had a bit of merit, since it could – albeit under very extreme circumstances – affect who inherits the throne in Denmark.

But what did we get to read about?

You guessed it: the death of Anna Nicole Smith.

It is always sad when someone dies, but the level of media interest? She does not hold any political office. She is known only for her Playboy past, her short marriage to an old rich guy and the subsequent trials, a short-lived television show and a few personal tragedies. And that makes her much more interesting than peace in the Middle East, global warming, politics and the new potential threats from Russia and China.

Am I the only one to find this scary? That for all the important stories that could grace the world’s big medias, we focus on the death of a person who is famous for being famous?

Inspired by the fictional character of Ronald Weasley: We need to sort out our priorities!