Give Bindi a break

As a parent from a household of animal lovers, I had pretty good exposure to Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin over the years. There was a lot of sadness around here at his untimely demise, and what it would mean for his young family. They were financially secure of course. Daughter Bindi would never have to work a day of her life if someone managed Steve's legacy of TV, print and film properties well enough.

…I can't name one child who has grown up in the public spotlight that wasn't completely dysfunctional as a grown-up

I find it troubling that 9-year old Bindi Irwin was thrown into the limelight, continuing to create programming around her father's fame, and her own budding personality. Her mother Terri obviously feels that her little girl can handle the public attention. But I can't name one child who has grown up in the public spotlight that wasn't completely dysfunctional as a grown-up.

Just a cursory glance of the Australia Zoo website indicates the whole operation turned on a dime to promote Bindi around Steve's legacy. In a creepy twist, Steve Irwin's bio on the website doesn't even bother to mention that he's dead.

I hope for the girl's sake she can get away from the limelight soon and lead a child's normal life (albeit one of extreme privilege). I suspect however an enterprise is in place that relies on her, and those who profit from it will not allow this to happen.