In a regular context, Jonathan Franzen would be deemed a feminist and a conservationist, but instead he is attacked as a chauvinist and climate-change denier. This may seem strange, but it’s part of the problem with groupings who are obsessive about self-definition and ideological minutiae. This is rarely to the benefit of the grouping, no matter how worthy, but it says a lot about human nature and our need to exclude and include, persecute and laud.
AchHansZombies
On theguardian.com
When Franzen is asked to pee sitting down, it’s not emasculation, it’s hygiene. Stand, and your penis emits a lateral aerosol. This, plus poor aim, is what makes men’s toilets stink.
Tim Treffry
Sheffield
The Rebecca Root interview is a long-overdue presentation of what it means to be transgender. Trans people do not live lives of “stealth”; in today’s world, it’s just not likely that anyone can disappear and reappear in a new “guise”. It is a tough path, and finding love usually falls way below the major priority of finding and keeping a job.
neeHolygirl
On theguardian.com
The plight of many tenants is tantamount to abuse. Once upon a time, we had fair rent officers, who looked into rents and stipulated adjustments if standards were not reflected by price. This was a simple, workable approach where tenants were not at the mercy of private landlords, but people with a voice as represented by the fair rent officers – bring them back.
Emily Gibson
Brighton
Rather than an increased inability to endure discomfort, there is a simpler explanation as to why waiting 30 seconds for a microwave can seem more tedious than waiting an hour for an oven, . It’s that an hour is plenty of time to go and do something else.
Chris Padley
Lincoln
The answer to Bridget Christie’s 22 August column about young people’s behaviour is simple: these are Thatcher’s grandchildren. We suffered “Thatcher’s children”; now we have their offspring to deal with.
Helen Adams
Guiseley, Leeds
The 22 August All Ages was a revelation: a model with flesh on her bones. I almost cried with joy.
Laura Clements
Hackney, London
When asked, “Have you ever said I love you and not meant it?” Rita Ora replies, “Yes, I am not going to lie”. Bit ironic.
Jo Simmons
Brighton
I haven’t a clue about what’s going on in The Last Saturday, but I’m really worried about Putnam.
Anne Cowper
Swansea
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