Journalism
The Spark: The Case Against the Sexual Revolution
The liberalisations of the 1960s brought significant new freedom to women's lives. But Louise Perry argues that this has now combined with the more recent impact of online pornography, which is both ubiquitous and frequently violent. (The Spark, BBC)
How Social Justice Became A New Religion
A quick question. If someone is yelling “repent” at you in the street, are they more likely to be (a) a religious preacher or (b) a left-wing activist? (The Atlantic)
The Church of Social Justice
What do you believe in? As traditional religions wane in Britain, Helen Lewis asks if political movements are taking their place (BBC Radio 4).
The British Right Doesn’t Want to Hear Doubts
This is a long, hot summer in Britain, and 150,000 people are choosing our next prime minister. (The Atlantic)
Jane Austen’s Persuasion Meets the Girlboss Era
This Persuasion has turned its heroine, Anne Elliot, from a quiet, melancholic presence to a klutzy Fleabag clone. (The Atlantic)
Here Lies Boris Johnson
"Watching someone take the slow train to an obvious conclusion is always frustrating. Yesterday afternoon, the Conservative politician Sajid Javid stood up in the British Parliament to criticize his party leader, Boris Johnson, for being careless with the truth." {The Atlantic)
Start the Week: The Post-Nuremberg World
Talking to Linda Kinstler, Ronen Bergman and Philippe Sands about war crimes trials and targeted assassinations (BBC Radio 4).
The Wagatha Christie Trial
"Coleen Rooney represents the classic approach to fame, in which you must zealously guard your privacy. In contrast, Rebekah Vardy is an avatar of a made-for-Instagram world, in which you are a fool if you do not monetize your personal life." (The Atlantic)
Start the Week: Family Drama
Recorded live at Hay Festival, three prize-winning authors discuss their work. (BBC Radio 4)
The Shadow Royals
One peculiarity of European aristocrats is that their names pile up, like snowdrifts. It’s lunchtime in Tirana, the capital of Albania, and I am about to meet Leka Anwar Zog Reza Baudouin Msiziwe Zogu, crown prince of the Albanians. (The Atlantic)