It's easy to think that an interview involving two affluent individuals, led by a billionaire celebrity, discussing their "struggles of life" is another over-exaggerated media bore with little relevance to our own lives. Sure, whether or not you have taken an interest in the Sussexes vs Buckingham clash, it's unlikely to affect you either way. To many, this makes it easy to ignore, in particular to those who disliked the monarchy even before the interview was broadcast. But the interview seems to have a sparked a wider debate, bringing to the fore issues about systemic racism and the media demonisation of those in the spotlight.
A common argument I have seen over social media is the anger towards those who are questioning the integrity and trustworthiness of Meghan and Harry's interview. Cancel culture is out in full force at the moment to destroy anybody who dares suggest that there may be inaccuracies from the interview, because if it's about race and mental health then it must be 100% factual, right?
As it stands, as a society we are inclined to believe everything that was said until there is evidence to prove otherwise. As of right now, there is no official counter evidence, nor any evidence to prove the claims made during the interview. This means it is Meghan and Harry's word versus nothing. Subsequently, whilst we should believe what has been said, there also should be room for questioning the potential motives, exaggerations and inaccuracies there may be within the interview. It will always be important to provide counter arguments in times like these and in this instance construct our own opinions and thoughts about the interview as opposed to falling in line with the vocals online because we are scared. Ask questions such as why would they arrange an interview of this nature? Why would they want to destroy the reputation of their own family? Was it really necessary?
One major figure who is being dragged through the metaphorical mud of social media's loud and angry mob is the controversial Piers Morgan. As I mentioned cancel culture is on its high horse right now, with #sackPiersMorgan trending on Twitter, alongside #PiersMorganisabully. They're relentless and unforgiving. In this case, Piers has questioned the validity of the statement's made by Markle during the interview. Whilst I think the way in which he is doing this is wrong, and a lot of the time he is ignorant, misogynistic and at times overtly racist, he does raise the useful point which is can we believe what has been said?
Piers has dubbed her the 'Pinocchio Princess'. This is wrong because what evidence does he have to suggest she is lying? I believe that... wait, hold up. Something's coming through to me right now at LJ&Nixon HQ. Yep can confirm Piers Morgan has LEFT Good Morning Britain.
Well, that rather changes the context of everything I have just written in the last five minutes but I'm going to choose to not change it and instead move on...
I find it interesting that over the summer with Black Lives Matter, we all sat here in sunny Britain pointing disgustedly across the Atlantic Ocean at the systemic racism in the US. It was clear that everyone regarded systemic racism as a largely American issue. But now, in the words of Michael Scott "how the turntables", as not only the US but the entire globe is pointing at Britain. If the allegations are true, then we have a serious scandal to deal with.
Not only this, but the image of the royal family is, in my opinion, permanently tainted. The echo chambers of social media and tabloid press will amplify and distort the issues at hand and the noise will become louder, more extreme and ultimately uncontrollable in calling for an end to the monarchy. Many have asked it for it for a long time, but now that movement has just gained a whole lot more followers. Even Australia now wants to cut all ties with the monarchy. This is clearly only the beginning.
Meghan and Harry stated part of their reason for leaving the UK as the tabloid press. This must be awful for them to endure when twisted, overemphasised, and torturous news is spouted daily even when they aren't making public appearances. It must be draining and no ordinary citizen can even attempt to relate to this.
But I'm going to pull out the Uno reverse card and suggest that the people are just as to blame for this as the media. The gullibility of today's society is remarkable. People will believe anything they read because if it comes from an established news source it must be right. News can never be a true reflection of reality. There will always be alternative motives from the mainstream media, whether they are owned by Rupert Murdoch, know their readers are traditionally of a certain political leaning, or have ties with politicians, think tanks, pressure groups, etc. Journalism today is intrinsically corrupt as we live in the post-truth age so we must question everything we read or hear, even if it comes from ex-royals.
The point I am trying to make here is that the tabloids know that most of what they write will be believed by the gullible population. So the media will tailor their content to be sensationalist and outrageous because that is what will generate more clicks, more purchases and more income. It doesn't matter if it isn't necessarily true because it will be read anyway. Therefore, the fake news and inferential racism surrounding Meghan and Harry from the tabloids is powered by the people who continue to read and believe it. You could say, don't blame the media, blame society.
What are we to do about it? Something that should have happened a long time ago which is use cancel culture for good. Abstain from reading tabloids including The Sun, The Daily Mirror, The Daily Star, The Daily Mail and the Daily Express. Avoid news which is short, sensationalist clickbait which is often twisted and biased. Instead find news sources which are reliable, trustworthy, and ethical. Dare I say, us perhaps?
So I'll conclude with a metaphorical weather report...
A monumental storm has been sent hurtling towards the UK originating all the way Los Angeles, California. Named the 'Meghan and Harry', it is set to cause irreparable damages to the UK with Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace likely to receive the worst of the storm. The royal family has refused to comment at this time, and are reportedly taking permanent shelter until the storm has gone away. Back to you in the studio Piers... Oh wait.
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