A reader has written to the Guardian to express her frustration at what she sees as the newspaper's over-reliance on male-oriented sporting references, arguing they exclude a large part of its audience.
A plea to 'wake up to your female readership'
In a letter published on 16 January, Kathy Dalwood from London took issue with an editorial that used a cricket analogy involving former England fast bowler Stuart Broad. "I have absolutely no idea who Stuart Broad is and I guarantee the majority of women reading your editorial wouldn't either," Dalwood wrote. She described the practice as "blokey, pub-style chat" and urged editors to "wake up to your female readership, for pity's sake!".
Other readers weigh in on varied topics
The publication of Dalwood's letter came amidst a series of other witty contributions from readers. David Thomas from Witney, Oxfordshire, mused on the relativity of geography, noting that as a Dover Athletic fan, he's heard away supporters chant "You're French and you know you are".
Meanwhile, the popular BBC reality show The Traitors came under scrutiny. David Christmas from London suggested contestants need alternatives to exclaiming "Oh my God!" when predictable events occur, echoing a separate letters debate about secular replacements for the word 'blessing'.
That debate prompted Christine Batley from Cromer, Norfolk, to share an anecdote about her 77-year-old husband. When 'blessed' by a nurse or acquaintance, he reportedly asks if they are qualified to utter such words, creating "always an awkward moment".
Humorous take on health advice
Finally, a piece of health research prompted a characteristically dry British response. Following a Guardian article on 13 January which suggested that five minutes more exercise and 30 minutes less sitting could prolong lives, reader Dave Headey from Faringdon, Oxfordshire, queried: "what do I do with the extra 25 minutes?".
The collective letters, which also touched on concepts of north and south, showcase the diverse and often humorous voice of the Guardian's readership, while highlighting ongoing conversations about inclusive language and editorial focus.
