Blogger's View: Royal Family & New York Post Cover

ForeignStudents writer Erik gives his opinion on two of last week's hot topics- Kate Middleton's pregnancy and the a controversial front cover of the New York Post. 

Kate Middleton and the Royal Family

Although the British sovereign does not use their power like previously in history, the monarchy still deserves respect. In the past many competent kings and queens helped Britain to become the strongest country in the world, which it really was until the second half of the 20th century.

Today, the goodwill towards the Royal Family lives off the achievements of their predecessors and their power now is merely ceremonial. However, they must still be careful in their private lives, because every single step is followed by the public.

Still, the royal family is a popular subject for the media, which is constantly lurking for gossip and scandals. I think that Kate's pregnancy will top the headlines for several weeks, or even months. On the one hand it reflects that people are interested in the condition of the Duchess, but on the other hand, she and her husband are only human and deserve privacy. Not to mention that the couple significantly contribute to the integrity of the monarchy and do not deserve too much rumour. Let the Prince continue in his career as a helicopter pilot and do not disturb the mother-to-be.

Speaking about the expected baby, I am curious about the reaction of Prince Harry, as the child will replace him in the line of succession.

New York Post Cover

The New York Post ran a cover last week (above right) of a man seconds before he was hit by a subway. Many were outraged by the photo.

I don't think it was fitting for the New York Post to publish the images of the man seconds before his death. What's more the article says nothing about the circumstances of the tragedy, nor explains why they could not help him.

It reminds me of another image I came across of a man in danger, but instead of disgrace, this one calls for wit and pity. A picture in recent edition of the Metro showed the torso of a half- naked man sticking out of a wall. It was an unsuccessful attempt at a prison break. Here it is:

Two convicts in a prison in Brazil dug a hole through the wall- a traditional first step from the ‘prison break manual'. The first prisoner managed to sneak out to freedom, but the second inmate got stuck in the hole. His large physique did not allow him to get through. It must have been humiliating and embarrassing for the man when the wardens found him, screaming for help. He was freed by the fire fighters only to be returned to prison.

Conditions in Brazilian prisons are really horrific, which is shown by the many riots and prison break attempts. In April 2005 about 470 inmates seized control of a prison, endangering the lives of 130 people, including visitors. The main objection is that the people sentenced for minor crimes must share overcrowded cells with dangerous criminals, and are often subject to beating, extortion and worse. No wonder some will do anything to get out.

Erik is a university graduate from Slovakia who is currently living in London. You can read more posts by Erik here.

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