An American friend of mine, recently sent Alex an article from The New York Times Magazine by Roger Bennett about how the British Press is viewed across the pond.
In the issue dedicated to all things in London 2012, it gave its readers advice about how to make a ‘snap judgment’ about those who live in the capital by starting with the newspaper he or she reads.
The article made me smile, but how true is it?
The Daily Telegraph – Older conservatives who mourn the loss of the empire by placing cricket before family. Last truly happy on D-Day.
The Guardian (or The Observer on Sundays) – Bikram-practicing middle-class liberals preoccupied with ending all wars and rolling their own cigarettes.
The Times – Definitely a member of the political and corporate élite; fancies him or herself as tolerant; has zero middle-class friends.
The Independent – Slightly depressed and overeducated underachievers who are really worried about the environment.
The Daily Mail – Middle-class housewives who live in fear of rising house prices, Elton John and Gypsies. Loves: Lady Thatcher, talented pet stories and George Clooney.
The Daily Express – Intolerant, easily outraged and yet to recover from Lady Diana’s death. Constant fear of terrorist attack is blunted by gin and reality TV.
The Daily Mirror – A really great night out starts with binge drinking at the greyhound track.
The Sun – Beloved by working-class conservatives eager to read a tabloid that goes for the jugular whether the topic is politics, soccer or topless women.
This has been a… NYT take on the British Press, ‘View from the Bottom’.
Take care, Max x.
Live Healthy, Laugh Often & Love Yourself!
Published by My Mum. Copyright © Kevin Maxwell Film, Media & Performance 2012.