From New Statesman UK: http://www.newstatesman.com/2013/03/press-regulation-freedom-speech-and-death-lucy-meadows
In a week where supposed threats to the freedom of the press have been at the top of the political agenda, Jane Fae explores how media intrusion and disrespect in the case of primary teacher Lucy Meadows, who died this week.
By Jane Fae
22 March 2013
This morning, you could almost feel sorry for the British press. For following the death of primary school teacher, Lucy Meadows, there’s a mob out there baying for blood. A cursory read of the #lucymeadows tweets suggests that no paper escapes criticism entirely.
Particular venom, though, is reserved for the Daily Mail (“hateful”, “disgusting”, “murdering”) – and for one writer in particular, Richard Littlejohn – described variously as “a bully”, “a murderer” and a “nasty fat evil pus filled hateful cunt of an excuse for a human being”.
That’s so UNFAIR!
Because at this moment, we have no idea why Ms Meadows is dead.
And as someone who has taken a lot of flak over the years for my refusal to leap to judgment, sticking up for unpopular causes when the majority has already made up its mind, I say now: “Screw fairness!”
This might be one of the unhappiest coincidences of all time. The press, however, crying foul only this week at legislation that would stop them from exposing Goebbels – though I always thought that when it mattered, various members of our fourth estate were enthusiastic supporters of the man.
Maybe it is not fair. But it is deserved. Why?
Last night, I was given access to emails from Lucy Meadows to a member of the trans community, seeking help back in January. I spoke to others before deciding to write about them: we do not know absolutely if Lucy would have wished them made public – but this is now the only voice left to her.
She talks of her good luck in having a supportive head. But the stress of her situation is also visible. She complains bitterly of how she must leave her house by the back door, and arrive at school very early, or very late, in order to avoid the press pack.
Continue reading at: http://www.newstatesman.com/2013/03/press-regulation-freedom-speech-and-death-lucy-meadows
