JK Rowling’s heroism has exposed the cowardice of Britain’s ruling class

[RoyalCorgi]

You know he's right.

[[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/02/28/jk-rowling-has-exposed-the-ruling-class-cowardice/

I was thinking along these lines today regarding JKs latest tweet. She's so effective at cutting through the crap and people listen to her.

Very astute article.

Not really a fan of this line: How have we come to a point when a centre-Left billionaire author from Edinburgh represents Middle England’s views better than the London-centric establishment class, and even many “Conservative” politicians?

I wouldn't say she's from Edinburgh, though she lives there now, but what I don't like here is the contrast between JKR, 'from Scotland', and 'Middle England'. I know that's a phrase, but the issue we're talking about here is UK wide (and in many ways international). It just strikes me as the old England=UK view.

I think his use of Middle England here isn't about equating it with the UK, it's about the term being associated with small-c conservatism and stable values that, historically, were pandered to quite a bit by the Establishment in London and, especially, the Conservatives.

But I also think he's lazy in talking about the group, not just because it's also a UK wide issue, but because every group of people basically takes JKR's position on this matter when the details of gender ideology are explained to them except those who are politically activist. And the Middle England he's talking about do not tend to agree with her on a number of other issues she takes stances on, because she is, at the end of the day, fairly left wing (for a multi-millionaire). So she doesn't really represent them particularly, they just happen to agree with the vast majority of people across the globe on this matter.

That's a good fierce article

I couldn't see a link for those who cant get behind the Telegraph paywall so here is the full article as archived https://archive.ph/I0kGm

I like the article - surprise! But it is more of a fanzine approach than a real political analysis of what has been happening.

As to the reference to Middle England, I think that is really misjudged, not for the reasons suggested by PP, but middle england is usually meant to be those who dont make a fuss, just get on with their lives quietly and exemplify through how they live "decent" values. (Which raises the question why so much of middle england has quietly accepted the TRA onslaught - be kind?).

Alternatively Middle England is used to imply those reluctant to change, and obstantly hang on to societal norms that ended generations ago.

And again much as I obviously love and revere JKR and her braveery, she hasn't stopped the transing of society - and obviously no one person could do this.

If it were then by now JKR would be PM, Stonewall would be closed down for abusing its charity status, the NHS totally reorganised and Potteresque training groups would be flooding schools educating both teachers and pupils on the reality of sex and the power of challenging gender architypes, not conforming to them.

Still a lovely, if sentinmental, tribute.

JKR rules OK

I wonder if JK ever imagined she'd be so lionised by the right-wing media. It is fantastic that they are and I long for the day when the left-wing lot follow suit and can actually bring themselves to acknowledge the way a wonderful, witty and unimaginably strong woman stood up to and exposed institutional misogyny.

I appreciate what he says about the common sense elements of left and right joining forces. I'm still not sure I'd describe myself as anti-woke though! A lot of the things woke used to mean - awareness of racism, misogyny, environmental destruction - were and remain forces for positive change and I could never be "anti" those things. What I am is pro women's rights and "anti" their destruction and while many in the media seem to want me to see that as a right-wing agenda, I disagree. Human rights shouldn't have a wing.