I'M NOT sure I can buy in to the intensity of feeling over an X Factor contestant being a convicted killer. From a journalist's point of view, I understand it, of course.
Entertainment stories are among the best-read stories online, and the revelations and counter-arguments over Shae Brider's initial success on X Factor NZ adds a gleefully dark aspect to the competition's backstories. We're a country that can get excited about Rhys Darby's house sale.
I don't think Brider himself realised how big a deal it was going to be.
It is absolutely understandable that the family of the victim of Brider's manslaughter are going to be prone to anger over him, and likely to be unhappy if he rises even minutely out of obscurity, even if it is to better himself.
Nonetheless, it remains a basic fact that Brider walks this earth, breathes the air, and is entitled to do so. He is also entitled to function in society, operate within its rules, and extend himself as a person, in ways that he enjoys.
In a way, I feel this is one aspect that traditional religions do extremely well: the concept of forgiveness. There is absolutely nothing that can change or alter what Brider did in Wanganui over 10 years ago. He was punished for it.
But beyond that, as long as he draws breath and obeys society's norms, he has just as much freedom as the next person to pursue goals.
The Times-Age sees many people who can't seem to keep out of court. We report on people being arrested for crimes while waiting to appear in court on completely separate crimes. These people are not "functioning" in our society, and we can only be grateful for a system of police and courts which keeps these people in check. This isn't the case with Brider.
The family of his victims are aggrieved with him for seemingly being economical with the truth. They have had their say in the paper, and their point of view has been given.
But as to his role on X Factor, there should be no apology.
We apologise too readily, I think, when people are offended. I'm more inclined to say: I understand why you're offended, and you have a right to be offended. But being offended isn't the same as being wronged. And being offended doesn't give you rights.