It's elementary about Watson

As one blogger writes: "Watson is an exceptional achiever and inspiration, but she has not discovered anything, she has not contributed to the sum of human knowledge, and she has not lent her celebrity to any valuable cause. She has indirectly gambled with the public purse and while I am glad she is home safe and sound, there was every possibility that we would have had to spend millions rescuing her. An over achiever? Yes. A hero? No."

Another critic writes our nationalistic outpouring could be better directed into other issues. This is another example of the (politically indiscriminate) valorisation of the individual.

And many more critics have sneered at her camp's decision to delay her arrival to to maximise the publicity.

Perhaps these critics have a point. Watson has achieved beyond measure but she has done so to fulfil her own dreams, not to advance any societal or humanitarian cause.

Perhaps there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Working towards and achieving a personal goal is a commendable act. I suspect she will inspire many other young people - as long as her example does not become a rod on for the backs of children whose parents regards them as comparatively lazy.

Watson is a private citizen and a child. When the dust settles, critics and fans alike (and opinion writers) will need to take a step back and let Watson direct and determine the level of public involvement she wants to have.

There is also the media view that young people such Watson have succeeded despite their age rather than because of it. So often youth achievement is presented as an aberrant exception, disempowering other young people.

The reality is that there are thousands of young Australians who are making extraordinary contributions in very ordinary, mundane ways. These young people go through all sorts of hardships, yet sadly their struggles and contributions are often only recognised if there is some sort of sensationalist media slant to it.

So by all means, let's celebrate Watson. But let's do so mindfully.