I don't know if I would have done that, but I understand why they did. First, they allowed him to decide whether or not he wanted to appear. Second, even if he didn't want to appear, I think it would have been a good idea for them to appear without him because they were being hounded with questions. With all the vicious speculation surrounding Shawn, can you imagine how much worse it would be if he had never been seen in public and all interviews were refused? I don't think they had much of a choice. And, even if they did, the parents, and apparently Shawn, felt it was important to speak out to help other missing children. Furthermore, I think in a way it was good for Shawn to appear simply to remove the stigma that he has something to be ashamed of. He did nothing wrong.
I agree. His appearance shut up most of those who were speculating about him not wanting to be home or preferring life with his captor. The whole nation was able to see with our own eyes how much he loved his parents, how much he had suffered, and how thankful he was to be rescued.
The media storm was going to happen with or without them simply because of the circumstances of the case. The Akers were able to get out in front of it with positive images and a message of hope. I think they have done very well in a very difficult situation.
Given what this child has been through the past 4 years, I have no idea why his parents would leave this kind of decision in his hands. Not at all wise, from what I can see.
Second, even if he didn't want to appear, I think it would have been a good idea for them to appear without him because they were being hounded with questions.
They could have, and I wouldn't really have had an issue with that. But if they truly want to be out of the limelight, the best thing to do is just ignore all the media requests for interviews. Walk right past the reporters in your yard they are aren't there. As long as they keep making any kind of statement, it's going to 'feed the lion.'
With all the vicious speculation surrounding Shawn, can you imagine how much worse it would be if he had never been seen in public and all interviews were refused?
I think the speculation is fueled by them giving attention to the media. If they had quietly taken their son home and ignored the media, there'd be little to no speculation because there would be nothing to speculate about.
And, even if they did, the parents, and apparently Shawn, felt it was important to speak out to help other missing children.
I never watch Oprah, so I obviously did not see the interview. What specifically did they do that could have helped other missing children?
He did nothing wrong.
True, he did nothing wrong. But I think it was very unwise for his parents to allow him to appear on Oprah less than a week after being rescued.