Selling to the lowest common denominator

I think that view is misguided. The reason the French tabloid Closer, Ireland’s Daily Star newspaper, and Italy’s Chi magazine published the topless photos is because they sell. It is profitable. There is a huge demand for them from the public. Why? Because sex, nudity and scandals involving celebrities and public figures sell. Thus, blaming the editors for publishing is akin to shooting the messenger. Granted, the editors should have exercised caution. But that is just the nature of the beast. 

The irony is that I suspect many of the consumers of the above tabloids and magazines are women. And I am willing to bet that, if it weren’t for the Rupert Murdoch phone-hacking scandal, the British press would be delighted to have those photos.

Digging a little deeper, why does the public enjoy viewing these photos, especially when they feature the British royal family, such as Prince Harry? Besides the vicarious pleasure, it is the knowledge that they are mere mortals like us when stripped of their titles, wealth and privilege.

Edward Kitlertsirivatana

Bangkok