One Direction, the boyband that swept the world in the mid-2010s, and created fans of young people, especially young women, everywhere. The group split in 2015 and broke the hearts of their fans, but now, not even 10 years later, the band gathers once more at a funeral for their band member, Liam Payne, after his death on Oct. 16. Many members of our Editorial Board and Northern Michigan Students grew up fans of One Direction, and our Board met on how to navigate such a blow to the inner child.

Born in the early to mid-2000s, most of us were too young to cling to Justin Bieber, but when we were in middle school, One Direction took hold. They were the biggest boyband of our generation. Most of our walls were plastered in posters, our tables filled with tabloids and our speakers spewing songs, all One Direction. Their hold was monumental and so was the heartbreak when they broke up. 

The adult exterior presented by college students is unphased, but inside, the inner child cries. This is the first and, so far, one of the closest deaths of a celebrity of our age group, as well as the most mysterious, as police are still investigating Payne’s death.

Along with the investigation TMZ released pictures of Payne’s body to the internet, which spread like wildfire. Not only was this child star hounded throughout his life, but not even death could stop it. 

The practice of that behavior is nothing but predatorial, vile and inhumane. Paparazzi are infamous for hounding and disregarding the wishes of celebrities to sell a picture for minute profit. Yet, this example goes beyond that, into horrid territory, and attempts to guise itself as journalism. Throughout the practice of journalism, taking pictures of the deceased is not uncommon, but it must be done with respect. Photos of dead bodies are not to be used as clickbait or ‘goreporn’ for money. That is not ethical journalism. 

For that to be done to such a beloved figure of the college crowd only further stings the wound and makes it harder for fans to move one. Yet, it must be done. The inner child must be embraced and for grief to run its course. After all, grief is evidence of love, and nothing honors Liam Payne more than that.