Title: Perceptions of Meghan Markle in British Tabloids: A Critical Analysis
Introduction
The relationship between Meghan Markle and the British tabloids has been a subject of extensive scrutiny, especially after her move to Los Angeles following her time in the UK. This article explores how British tabloids perceive and portray Meghan Markle, delving into the often harsh and unforgiving nature of their coverage.
The Tabloid View of Meghan Markle
The British tabloids have consistently viewed Meghan Markle with a blend of disdain and skepticism. Many tabloids have portrayed her as too haughty and unsuitable for her position, pointing to her American background and divorce history to question her fit for the royal family.
One tabloid article is particularly scathing, likening her to an 'arrogant American divorcee' who 'snagged' the young prince Charles and 'took him to the cleaners.' This portrayal reflects a broader trend of attacking Meghan's status and success, a tactic that has been employed against other royal wives in the past.
Tabsloids: The Dark Side of the British Media
The history of the British tabloids is replete with examples of their reportedly despicable treatment of royal wives. Princess Diana, often seen as the golden girl, was not spared the tabloids' harsh criticisms. Sarah, Duchess of York, faced numerous attacks, while Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, received perhaps the worst abuse, much of it fueled by rumors about her appearance and age. Catherine and her family were similarly harassed, leading to a situation where the tabloids even turned on Diana when she stopped supporting them.
While the tabloids have a well-documented history of targeting royal wives, the way they treated Meghan Markle stands out for its intensity. Her less-than-conventional background and strong reaction to their attacks suggest that she expected a different treatment. However, she inadvertently played into the tabloids' hands by reacting in a way that fueled their coverage, a strategy some might argue is rooted in the old adage 'there is no such thing as bad publicity.'
The Tabloids' Motivation
The British tabloids, like any media organization, are motivated primarily by profit. They capitalize on the public's fascination with celebrities by building up their images and then feeding a constant stream of scandals and innuendos. Most of these allegations are unfounded, but they significantly impact the public's perception of the individuals involved. This can lead to a vicious cycle where the tabloids further exploit any perceived controversy to increase sales and revenue.
There is a persistent belief that the media serves as a watchdog for the public, but in the case of the British tabloids, this is far from the truth. They are often seen as an extension of the commercial sector, exploiting human weaknesses to make money rather than serving a higher purpose or moral standard.
Exemplifying the Tabloid's Actions
Recent examples illustrate the absurdity of British tabloid coverage. The case of Prince Andrew's association with known sex offenders was severely mishandled, with Andrew arrogantly denying any regret for his friendships. Yet, in stark contrast, the tabloids have focused relentlessly on Meghan Markle, as if she were responsible for the unfolding scandal. Her mere presence has become a hurdle in the path of the public's attention, and her every move is scrutinized, exploited, and sensationalized.
Conclusion
While the tabloid portrayal of Meghan Markle is troubling, it is also a testament to their unrelenting pursuit of sensationalism. The royal family's dignified and welcoming approach to Meghan was exploited and used in a spiteful attempt to undermine the British monarchy. This behavior not only reflects negatively on the tabloids but also highlights a deep cultural issue within the UK. It is essential for British citizens to critically evaluate the media they consume and to take steps to counter the pervasive influence of such sensationalist reporting.