Female history show presenters

[duckandcover]

I sort-of loathe myself for even thinking this - but an watching a female historian on BBC4 and it's driving me mad. Tight red dress for no apparent reason, red lipstick, lingering shots of her bum. Why? Just why? It's brilliant to see a show full of female academics rather than the usual beardy talking heads. But her presentation style is grating. YET she's a beautiful girl, so shouldn't have to hide? Please some thoughts to stop me baffling myself....

[specialsubject]

I think to refer to male academics as 'beardy talking heads' is rather rude.

the shots of the woman's backside won't be her choice. How she dresses is irrelevant, don't really notice what people wear unless it really shouts.

what I do notice is diction - which is why I struggle with Lucy Worsley who is a genuine academic and knows her stuff but is not well suited to TV.

[EBearhug]

The usual beardy talking heads? TV academics these days tend to be good-looking and camera-friendly, regardless of whether they're male or female.

[RustyBear]

"She's a beautiful girl so shouldn't have to hide"

[Keepithidden]

I'm a sucker for Mary Beard and Ruth Goodman!

I quite like Lucy W too, though I agree a bit with Special, she makes up for it with knowledge and enthusiasm IMO though.

[AutumnMadness]

I am a little bit in love with Lucy Worsley. I do hope, however, that I will never find out about her politics. Finding out that Rory Stewart was a Conservative MP spoilt my enjoyment of his documentaries more than a bit. I know it's unfair, but can't help myself. :(((((

How people look does not bother me though, but shots of backsides are unreasonable.

[grimbletart]

Why Autumn? Did it challenge your prejudices?

[AutumnMadness]

Yes, instead of just enjoying the programme, I am now constantly thinking about my prejudices and how they are challenged. Like "is he a patronising privileged little git in the way he fraternises with the Cumbrian farmers or is it me being prejudiced?" Or "is his equation of modern Afghanistan with the dark ages Britain an example of colonialist thinking or is it actually a useful analysis tool?" Grrrrrrr.

[yegodsandlittlefishes]

Er yes...'She's a beautiful girl so shouldn't have to hide' ...results in, 'Who should have to hide then?'

What exactly have you got against women's beards anyway?

[SabrinaMulhollandJjones]

Because, although the beeb are generally lefty and generally pretty 'good eggs' imho, there's still a surprising amount of institutional misogyny there - maybe misogyny is too strong a word? - around. Too much of 'women are decorative', and if she has a nice arse and is easy on the eye, we'll get more viewers type thing.

[WallyBantersJunkBox]

Autumn, I'm with you. Have had a long time huge crush on Lucy. The series she presented on murders in British history was fascinating. I love her enthusiasm, sense of humour and ability not to take herself too seriously.