A reader has written to The Guardian to express her frustration with the newspaper's frequent use of sporting analogies that she says alienate a large part of its audience. The letter, published on 16 January, highlights a growing conversation about inclusivity in editorial content.
A plea to 'wake up to your female readership'
In her sharply-worded contribution, Kathy Dalwood from London stated she is 'fed up with reading Guardian articles that make use of male sporting analogies'. She used the example of England cricketer Stuart Broad, asserting: 'I have absolutely no idea who Stuart Broad is and I guarantee the majority of women reading your editorial wouldn’t either'.
Dalwood argued that such references are therefore 'incomprehensible' to many. Her direct appeal to editors was: 'Guys, just stop this blokey, pub-style chat and wake up to your female readership, for pity’s sake! It’s well past time'.
Other witty observations from the letters page
The same letters column featured several other humorous and pointed contributions from readers across the UK. David Thomas from Witney, Oxfordshire, mused on the relativity of geography, noting that as a Dover Athletic fan, he has heard away supporters chant 'You’re French and you know you are'.
Meanwhile, David Christmas from London suggested that contestants on the popular BBC show The Traitors need a wider vocabulary. He wrote that a 'more pressing need' than finding a secular replacement for 'blessing' is to give them alternatives to 'Oh my God!' for when predictable events occur.
Personal boundaries and puzzling health advice
Christine Batley from Cromer, Norfolk, shared an anecdote about her 77-year-old husband's response to being 'blessed' by acquaintances or medical staff. 'He just asks if they are qualified to utter such words,' she wrote, noting it always creates an 'awkward moment'.
Finally, Dave Headey from Faringdon, Oxfordshire, responded with dry wit to a health article suggesting that 'five minutes more exercise and 30 minutes less sitting' could prolong lives. His simple question: 'what do I do with the extra 25 minutes?'
These letters collectively showcase the vibrant and often critical dialogue between The Guardian and its readers, touching on issues of editorial tone, regional identity, modern language, and the interpretation of public health guidance.
