What's wrong with this picture? - Whitby Sophie Bench?

[ebony_dawn]

I've just read that some folks are getting together through WGW to get a memorial bench in Whitby and maybe plant a tree or two if they raise enough for that unfortunate goth lass, Sophie Lancaster, who, like so many people (alternative types or not) wasn't safe walking around her neighbourhood. Apparently the bench is going to cost £1600!

Personally, I think that although it's a lovely idea, I don't agree with getting a bunch of strangers to donate money for a bench in memory of person they didn't even know. If there should be any reason for asking for donations for anything, surely it should be for something that could make a difference...like a charity that could help raise awareness of such crimes or help the victims?

Discuss.....

Comments

[daevid.livejournal.com]

This (http://forum.topmum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=737) may shed some light on why they are doing it...

[happyblade.livejournal.com]

I haven't got time to read through several pages of comments to see what you're meaning. I get that people were upset, I was really upset, too. Everyone was upset when little gothlet Nicky Raphael was bullied to death, tributes were made, but the fund-raising efforts of one group helped 60 victims of bullying and the events raised awareness and the continuation of such events raised money for several other charities.
I'm not trying to disrespect what they are doing, not at all. I just think that amount of cash the cash could go to better use.
I didn't know this lass so I'd feel a bit off for contributing to some kind of memorial, that's a job for loved ones in my eyes.
I would prefer to be of some use in whatever small way I can to raise awareness and/or support victims. Is there is a specific comment that I should be reading? Did the family request donations for the memorial bench or something? If so, then people are doing what the family actually wants and that's lovely.

[jozafeen.livejournal.com]

I've waded through all 13 pages and one person (not a relative) mentions planting a rosebush or something at Whitby as a memorial - it must've escalated from that as the male victim's aunt is a WGW forum regular.

[happyblade.livejournal.com]

Okay. That still doesn't change my opinion though.
Anyway, I'm busy and need to go out and do stuff. I'll catch up on comments when I get back.

[daevid.livejournal.com]

That was it, and whilst i agree with it in principle i do agree that the moneys could go to better use... I do wonder whether this has been put to the family at all?

[happyblade.livejournal.com]

Well, I don't know them at all and I didn't know Sophie so I don't feel like it's something *I* should be suggesting to them directly. I find it hard to believe that nobody has thought of suggesting it though.....