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The Daily Mail considers itself to be above the other tabloid newspapers and is convinced that its readers are thoroughly middle-class families or aspiring middle classes. It does seem strange then that the comment moderation on the Mail website seems to let through so many really unpleasant or shocking sentiments, and that so many of those comments have large green ratings - demonstrating clear consensus amongst the Mail readers.
Consider this article for example: Shock BNP council win brings fear of rise in extremism
Now, presumably, most middle-class families would be pretty concerned at a party that even Richard Littlejohn has described as 'knuckle-scraping scum' has started to gain some popular support at a local level. The BNP campaigns on lies, hate and ignorance, surely these are not values representative of the average middle-class family?
Well, take a look at some of the comments and the green ratings on this article:
I guess it is correct to describe the BNP as "far right" if the benchmark is the Labour party. The present government is "extreme left" (what we used to call "communist") and the Conservatives by the same measure are "left wing" - around what was once traditional Labour. With all the mainstream parties drifting further to the left and, using currently popular calibration, ANY party that sits anywhere right of what was once considered "centre" is described as "right wing" or "extreme right" by those following (yet in denial of) the establishments general surge to the left. If the new "centre" ground is say between New Labour and (new) Tory then yes, any truly right wing party would be described as "extreme". How you view such a party and where they sit depends upon your view of the new left (which is basically everyone else) and Labour in particular.
- Bob, Essex, UK, 20/2/2009 13:41
Now, to argue that the BNP are not really an extreme right wing party, but only seem that way because New Labour are 'extreme left' is really quite an insane position to take up. Bob's opinion can be dismissed immediately with his assertion that New Labour are 'extreme left' or 'what we used to call communists' (by 'we' I assume Bob means 'utterly ignorant people'). How can New Labour possibly be described as communist? The policies pursued by New Labour could easily have been pursued by the Conservative party, there is no difference between the two parties.
I do wish that someone at the Mail or a Mail commentator would actually explain how exactly New Labour are 'extreme left' or 'communist' I really would. Instead, the Mail and its readers have simply applied the label and now believe that it actually is true. Nonetheless, at least 416 Mail readers have found the time to agree with him.
You all will be in for a bigger shock come the general election.
Click to rate Rating 1782
- Jimpy, Lincoln.UK, 20/2/2009 13:19
So the general consensus is, well the BNP can't be any worse than Labour, along with some people seemingly quite excited at the prospect of the BNP coming into power.
I've never even considered voting BNP..... I have always been a natural Tory voter.
But now..... I'm very seriously thinking about it.
Converations I've had with other ' ordinary ' people brings it home to me that they are thinking of doing the same thing.
I'm just fed up of the three party ' magic roundabout ' that never takes us anywhere.... always ' to and fro - to and fro ' but never forward !!
It's like a huge political cosy club... and I have had enough of it.
I'm looking towards the BNP... in absolute desperation !!!
- Michael, Yorksire, ENGLAND, 20/2/2009 13:46
585 people agree with Michael. I am not surprised that this is the case. The Mail distorts reality, it does not allow readers the chance to actually engage with any of the issues that they seem to be concerned with, it just plays on their fears, making them angrier and more afraid. The Mail paint despair each day and in doing so perform a vital service for the BNP: the Mail sell despair, the BNP hope. It is no surprise that the issues the Mail constantly distort and despair about - racial tensions, immigration, jobs etc - are exactly the same as those used by the BNP when they promise change.
Considering that the Mail moderates each comment (removing those that do not tow the editorial line) you have to start believing that the Mail really does support the BNP party, it just does not want to be seen as doing so. |
Is it surprising that people voted for someone from a new party after the corruption of the big parties.
- mike m, Hounslow, 20/2/2009 13:21