Am I allowed...

[MistsandMellowMilady]

.. to crash as a lurker and mention Natascha Kampusch as a subject of discussion? There isn't anything about her in Chat or News and I would like to hear your views.

She does seem to have been an extraordinarily brave child who has become an inspirational and amazing young lady against odds which defy all description.

Obviously I don't want to dwell on or link to the specific details but she is a refreshing and true survivor IMO.

[DuelingFanjo]

I think the way she has been treated by the press is really sad :(

[NothingButTheTeuch]

Hmmm, I have been trying to think how I articulate this as I am sure someone will come along and explain far better...

Until I am completely sure (if ever) that she is not still being manipulated (i.e. by the press) then I am not comfortable with her being held up as a heroine.

A survivor, yes.

But then I have no idea whether she is brave and inspirational. Maybe she is still terrified and intimidated

[MistsandMellowMilady]

It is. But the impression that I had was that she shamed them.

[Marjee]

I've not heard anything about her for a long time! I agree she is an inspirational strong woman. May I also mention Elizabeth Fritzl? Giving birth 8 times alone in a cellar wow!

[ladyharriet]

She is... you know, I don't even know what to say. Incredible. I can't even begin to imagine. I think I'm trying to say what NothingButTheTeuch is saying.

I find it disgusting - and constantly gob-smacking - the way that some people (not on MN afaik) like to try and pick holes in her story or make snide comments. You know, the "Oh, surely she had a chance to escape in x situation" or "Why did she buy that house, it doesn't add up". How can anyone know how they would react in such a terrifying, incomprehansible situation? There is no normal. There is no standard that a freed abductee of eight years should adhere to. How can we have anything but pure sympathy and respect for her?

[ladyharriet]

I do feel uncomfortable though when I see her in the press. Maybe it's what she needs and maybe it really isn't. Just want to make clear that in my post above I wasn't getting at anyone who felt uneasy about that or worries that she's being exploited.