Paul Russell: Sexism and feminism and bums

Who says a 42-year-old female can’t turn heads? Former fashion model Carla Bruni did just that this week when photos of her and Spanish Princess Letizia were published in papers around the globe. What angered some Post readers is that we ran a full-page photo showing these two women from the back. This “gratuitous bum shot” was further dissected in Anne Marie Owens’ column, “Carla Bruni: Bad for feminism.” (To make it clear to readers what was at issue, we helpfully ran another photo of the women’s backsides with Owens’ column.)
This cheeky coverage provoked quite a reaction.
“What’s worse for feminism is an article bemoaning ‘gratuitous bum shots’ being used as an excuse to run a big ol’ gratuitous bum shot,” wrote Arisa Cox. “It was a trap, and the Post fell for it. On purpose.”
Other readers felt Ms. Owens was misguided in her criticism of Ms. Bruni.
“This column profoundly shows how empty feminist rhetoric has become,” wrote Wendy Knox. “To be relevant, feminists need to be seen shouting from roof tops protesting the rape and death of women killed in Sudan, the denial of education to women in Afghanistan, having women “honour” killed by their own brothers and fathers and being stripped of fundamental rights that we take for granted in Canada. Until then, don’t write trite words about women derrières and expect to be taken seriously.”
Emily Jansons agreed that feminism has bigger enemies than the French First Lady.
“It is the media that takes the photos, writes the headlines and articles and emphasizes these ‘backward’ images of women,” Ms. Jansons wrote.
“It is the media, and by extension our society’s hunger for coverage of fashion, marriage and celebrity stories, that is bad for feminism — not Carla Bruni.”
-- It’s no secret that the future of print newspapers is itself in the news. This is one of the reasons why the Post ran a series called “Pressing Matters” this week, allowing columnists to explain how newspapers have affected their lives. A handful of readers also weighed in on this topic.
“I love the National Post and have been a loyal reader since 1998,” wrote Gary J. Smith. “The highlight of my long day is to head out to the magazine store and pick up the Post. I currently enjoy George Jonas, Robert Fulford, Jonathan Kay, Barbara Kay and, of course, Conrad Black! So thanks for your lovely tribute to newspaper reading.”
After noting that he has “enjoyed reading about the influence that newspapers have made on the lives of various Post writers,” John Clubine listed some quotes from celebrities “who have been influenced by the printed paper.”
My favourite was a quip from Thomas Jefferson: “Were it left to me to decide whether we should have government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.”
-- The Post’s decision to drop the print edition of the Monday paper for the summer brought in many notes of dismay — but also letters that show just how loyal our readership is.
“The decision not to publish a Monday edition is, of course, disappointing; but considering the circumstances, quite understandable,” wrote Stephen Boyling. “Better a Tuesday-through-Saturday paper than none at all. I would be more than pleased to see my subscription rate increased if it meant the survival of this outstanding paper. Your recent [Pressing Matters] columns on the value/benefit that newspapers provide only heightened [my appreciation] of their necessity.”
“I will pay double for Monday papers,” stated an unsigned e-mail. “Don’t stop. You are the only thing worth getting up for on Mondays!”
Other readers said (jokingly, we hope) that this tweak to our publishing schedule would have a real impact on their personal lives.
“Dropping the Monday edition for the next few months is going to cause me deep personal distress for which I may need to see my therapist … again,” wrote Michael Brooks.
“My marriage may be at risk, since my wife and I might just have to converse at the breakfast table on Mondays, which has been unheard of for at least six years now.”