I used to think The Independent was a halfway decent newspaper. They’ve done some sterling work, exposed some really nasty skullduggery, even got awards for it. So it comes as a severe shock to read an article like this under the headline:
Binge drinking is why women can’t read maps, say scientists
Mhhh-hmmm. Uh-huh.If you’re a normal human being, the WTFometer should have registered Total Disbelief just with the headline. There’s a minor backpedal on the blatant sexism in the opening sentence, describing the notion as “received wisdom”, but that’s not exactly the same as pointing out that it’s complete and utter bollocks. In equally large type. I know plenty of women who can read maps, and a fair number of men who couldn’t find their arses with both hands and a GPS.
Then the culprit – the story is bylined “Jeremy Laurance, Health Editor” – writes things like:
