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How to stop self-criticising and build yourself up instead

Stop the self-harm It won’t hurt as much when you say something mean about me if I say it about myself first. For decades, this had been my mantra, a type of self-defence mechanism I developed as a kid against those who would criticise, bully or belittle me. On one hand, it made me humble, aware of my flaws and open to improving myself. On the other, self-criticising stunted my ability to be confident and trust my gut. The self-criticism quickly took on a life of its own – to the point where I was constantly trying to anticipate what people might not like about me and then beat them to the punchline. “I know I can be too much, and you’re probably sick of me,” I’d tell friends, which was a statement born less out of self-awareness and more out of fear. That sort of self-deprecating remark made it impossible to love myself, put others in an awkward position and backfired on quite a few occasions. A new friend once quipped, “If that were true, why would I be friends with you? Are you saying I have bad taste in friends?” That hit hard. For people who didn’t have good intentions, well, I’d just handed them a laundry list of all my insecurities. What I was really saying was I’m afraid you’ll hurt me, so I’ll hurt myself first. That’s a pretty harsh way to live life. Luckily, there’s a path out of the self-criticising trap. I talked to the experts to find out why we’re so good at putting ourselves down – and how to stop. Why do we criticise ourselves so much? I’m not the only one who made self-criticising a personality trait. In fact, a lot of women are conditioned to be this way, says psychologist Dr Traci Stein, who is also an author and creator of a series of programs to fight critical self-talk and build self-compassion. “Having negative thoughts about ourselves is human nature. We all want to fit in, be accepted and not be ostracised,” she explains. “We are all under a lot of pressure to measure ourselves according to other people’s evaluations and expectations. So we subconsciously fixate on something to ‘fix’ so we will feel loved and accepted.” The irony of these thoughts is that while they’re based on a desire to fit in and feel accepted in our community, they often have the opposite result, says Latasha Blackmond, author of Be You, No Filter: How to Love Yourself and Stay #SocialMediaStrong. “Over time, self-criticism does the very thing you’re afraid of: It isolates you by making you very self-centred and, yes, selfish. You’re too busy worrying about yourself to love and help others,” she says. Ouch. What is self-criticism and how do you spot it? Self-criticism is any thought that highlights a flaw or problem you have – or think you have (as Stein points out, critical thoughts are often untrue). These negative thoughts can become ingrained so deeply in your inner voice that they become hard to recognise in the moment. You can identify these thoughts, she says, because they are often self-defeating and repetitive, leading to feelings of insecurity, confusion, self-doubt, sadness and anger. The connection between self-criticising thoughts and negative emotions is so strong that many people with chronic depression find that a habit of severe self-criticism is at the core of their mental illness. Often tell yourself you’re a massive failure? That’s self-criticism. Other examples of self-critical thoughts include: <ul> <li>I’ll never be good enough. I’ve always failed at everything I try.</li> <li>I don’t deserve to be loved.</li> <li>I hate myself.</li> <li>If only I were richer, thinner, prettier or smarter. Then people would like me.</li> <li>I don’t deserve good things, but I deserve all the bad things.</li> <li>I’m so annoying. Everyone must hate me.</li> </ul> These are just the tip of the garbage iceberg. Self-criticism can cover any area of your life, including your body, relationships, sexual encounters, career, finances, goals, hobbies, family and education – even your life in general, Stein says. What is the harm in self-criticising? On a basic level, being able to recognise our own faults benefits us because it gives us a chance to correct them and improve. But this is different from the type of malignant self-criticising many people engage in, Blackmond says. “Self-criticism is rarely productive and often impedes growth,” she says. “You start to believe all the bad things you are saying about yourself, which can then turn into a self-fulfilling prophecy. This, in turn, leads to anxiety and depression, creating a vicious cycle of negativity.” Case in point: You tell yourself you’re too dumb to get the promotion at work, so you don’t even try. When you don’t get the promotion, you tell yourself that proves you were right. You beat yourself up for your “failure,” which reinforces the belief that you are dumb, starting the whole cycle over again. “People who are very self-critical lack the confidence to make mistakes they can learn from. Fearing they aren’t good enough can lead to struggles at school, work and in general, and can lead someone to avoid any situation that generates more worry and self-doubt,” Stein says, adding that these people are also more likely to end up in toxic or abusive relationships. Another issue arises when self-criticism framed as self-improvement turns into excessive worrying, Stein says. “So someone might wind up worrying about an awful lot of things, from whether they are ‘good enough’ in some way to excessive worrying about their health, safety or competence – even if there is no objective evidence suggesting they have something to worry about,” she explains. “These worries take up a lot of time and energy.” How to stop self-criticising once and for all The good news about these negative thoughts is they are just that: thoughts. And you can change your thoughts, Blackmond says. It starts by cultivating a positive mindset through self-compassion. “Be aware of the negative thoughts and interrupt that internal dialogue,” she says. “Change them into something positive. Speak to yourself kindly, like you would to someone you love and care about. You’d never tell your child that they are stupid and ugly, so don’t speak to yourself that way either.” Easier said than done? Here are 12 tips from our experts that will help you cultivate self-compassion and nix harmful critical thoughts. 1. Celebrate imperfections Kintsugi is a Japanese art form that repairs broken pottery with gold, highlighting the “flaws” and showing the beauty in breaking down and repairing. Look for kintsugi in your life, metaphorically and physically. “Look to art, music, poetry and prose, drama and [other areas] that celebrate imperfection and see it as a gift, not a flaw to be hidden,” Blackmond says. Try this: Start by reading body-positivity quotes and confidence quotes. For a hands-on lesson in the beauty of imperfections, get a kintsugi craft kit. Or watch a play, read a book or listen to a song that celebrates our flaws. 2. Be less judgemental of others People who are harshly critical of others are usually harshly critical of themselves as well, so learning to offer others grace and compassion can open the door to doing the same for yourself, Blackmond says. “It’s about not seeing the world as black or white, good or bad,” she says. Try this: Whenever you catch yourself thinking negatively of someone else – from your sister to a celebrity to a terrible driver – stop the thought and offer a more compassionate take. Let’s say your mind automatically thinks What kind of idiot can’t park between the lines? Replace the thought with a kinder take: This person must have been in a big hurry or having a bad day. I hope things get better for them. 3. Delete your social media apps Or at least lessen the amount of time you spend on them. “Social media can have this immense impact on our self-esteem because it encourages us to compare our worst selves to other people’s best selves,” Blackmond says. Besides, what you see is often photoshopped or cherry-picked. Try this: Stop comparing yourself to others. Limit your time on social media to one hour or less per day. Curate your feed, and unfollow anyone who makes you feel bad about yourself. 4. Get therapy Self-critical thoughts can be really sticky, especially if you’ve made a habit of them, Stein says. “A good therapist will help you learn to recognise these thoughts, challenge them and come up with anxiety-management strategies,” she says. “They can also act as a mirror, helping you see yourself in a more accurate light.” Try this: Find a therapist who specialises in self-compassion or read a book about self-compassion. 5. Do a mindfulness meditation Mindfulness is simply the practice of being present in the here and now, and when you’re focused on this moment, you can’t beat yourself up by looking to the past with regret or looking to the future with worry, Stein says. “Mindfulness meditation is a powerful tool for learning to reframe or stop self-critical thoughts,” she says. Try this: Download a meditation app like Calm, Headspace or The Mindfulness App, and do a daily guided mindfulness meditation. Don’t worry about acing the practice on day one. Being mindful is a learned skill, and mindfulness meditation is useful even at the beginner stage. 6. Use self-deprecating humour sparingly Making other people the butt of your jokes is cruel… and so is making yourself the butt of the joke. “A little self-deprecating humour in the right situation can help defuse tension and build relationships, but a little goes a long way,” Blackmond says. Heavy-handed self-deprecating humour makes others uncomfortable, and it can affect how you see yourself. “Be very careful with how you speak about yourself, even in a joking way,” she says. “Better yet, pick a different type of humour to bond over.” Try this: Brush up on your public speaking, and if you’re going to crack a joke, pick one that has nothing to do with you. 7. Go outside Self-criticism makes your world get smaller and smaller as you limit yourself. The antidote? Make your world bigger. “When you find yourself getting trapped in a cycle of negativity, go outside and take a walk,” Blackmond says. Breathe the fresh air, look at the sunset, say hi to your neighbours, pick up a little trash along the way – all these things will help you instantly feel better about yourself and the world. Try this: Take a walk outdoors each day and boost both your mental and physical health. Listen to some confidence-boosting songs in the process to really break your negative mindset. 8. Learn a new hobby From painting to computer coding to rock climbing, trying new things helps you focus on the positive while “proving” the negative thoughts wrong. The trick, Blackmond says, is to go into it with a positive attitude. Be open to new things and accept that failing is a part of the learning process. “It’s OK to fail,” she says. “Expect mistakes as part of the learning process – celebrate them.” Try this: Sign up for a class, find a new hobby or go back to an activity you used to love. 9. End toxic relationships “A lot of us are self-critical because we were criticised early on by parents or other loved ones,” Stein says, adding that people often see this type of criticism as good because it’s “done out of love.” But this is not loving behaviour. “Go where you’re celebrated,” Blackmond says. “Everyone deserves to be celebrated and lifted up by their loved ones.” Try this: Break the cycle by keeping relationships with only those people who build you up and encourage you to grow. Avoid people who use “brutal honesty” or “tough love” to show their care. Stand up for yourself and kick those toxic relationships to the curb. 10. Try cognitive behavioural therapy Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and its companion, dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), are powerful psychological tools for reframing negative thoughts and learning how to think more positively, Stein says. “CBT helps people become more aware of the specific, core beliefs behind all of these in-the-moment worries and identify what is triggering the negative self-talk,” she explains. They sound technical, but the concepts are simple, and anyone can implement them with practice. Try this: Even if you have to get out of your comfort zone a little, it’s worth signing up for a course of CBT. Not ready for that? Do a CBT workbook at home. 11. Help other people The fastest way to feel more positively about yourself is to do something positive in the world, Blackmond says. “Self-criticism is inherently selfish. Serving others is selfless,” she says. “Pure altruism sparks a cascade of love and positivity that fills you and radiates outwards.” Try this: Do something for someone who can’t do anything for you, she suggests. For instance, volunteer at a local school or food bank. Not only will you be doing some good in the world, but you’ll reap the many benefits of volunteering. 12. Use self-reflection instead of self-criticism No one is saying that you need to think you’re perfect exactly the way you are, or there’s no room for improvement. Rather, Blackmond says, you should be looking honestly and realistically at your flaws. The trick is to do it in a positive way. Self-reflection encourages insight and action based on self-love and a desire to do better and be better, she explains. Self-criticism stops that process, trapping you in a cycle of negativity and stunting your growth. Try this: Keep a journal of the things you like about yourself and the things you can improve on. Practice gratitude for yourself and others. Make positive goals to help you progress in those areas, track your progress and celebrate your successes. Stop the self-criticising cycle “At the core of every self-critical belief is the question ‘Am I lovable and worthy of love the way I am?’ And the answer is yes, you are,” Stein says. Too many people, like me, use self-criticism as a self-defence tool, and it cuts us off from the very love and acceptance we crave. Learning how to build emotional strength and quiet that critical self-talk through self-compassion is the key to stronger relationships and a happier life. “You’ve only got this one life, so don’t waste it on regret and worry,” she says. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/healthsmart/conditions/mental-health/how-to-stop-self-criticising-and-build-yourself-up-instead?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Mind

Aussie tourist criticised for outfit choice while visiting an orphanage in Bali

An Aussie tourist has clapped back at trolls who have criticised her outfit choice while she was visiting an orphanage in Bali. Kelsey Foster, 28, dropped off food at a home for struggling children while she was holidaying on the island. The young woman spent time playing with the children who she said were “nothing but grateful”. Her act of kindness still wasn’t enough to stop critics from targeting her for wearing a plunging top and a skirt to stay cool in the hot and sticky weather. “Next time it would prob be much more respectful to keep your puppies inside your clothes,” one cruel person said. “It’s not something children need to experience at a young age,” another wrote. Ms Foster quickly hit back saying: “Hilarious how quick judgment comes because of what I am wearing,” she wrote. “A swimsuit I had on already from the morning on a 33C day in humidity I am not used to, how dare I?" She explained her outfit choice, saying she had gone snorkelling that morning before her driver recommended stopping at the orphanage nearby. “The children didn’t care what I was wearing. They had the biggest smiles to see all the food and things I took them,” she said. Images: Facebook

Travel Trouble

"Put it up properly!" PM criticised for public flag blunder

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has come under fire after the Aboriginal flag was hung upside down on the first day of the Jobs and Skills Summit at Parliament House - made worse by the fact that no one in attendance seemed to notice the error either. The incorrectly-hung Indigenous flag was in the background displayed alongside the Australia and Torres Strait Islander flags as Mr Albanese addressed the 140 government and business leaders and was spotted in various selfies and photos taken on the day. When correctly flown, the black half of the flag, <a href="https://aiatsis.gov.au/explore/aboriginal-flag" target="_blank" rel="noopener">representing</a> First Nations Australians, is meant to be at the top, with the red half, signifying the earth, at the bottom. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Loved joining this powerhouse of women speakers on the opening panel at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/jobssummit?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#jobssummit</a>. Equity for women can’t wait ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/SenKatyG?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenKatyG</a>⁩ ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/sammostyn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sammostyn</a>⁩ ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/emmafulu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@emmafulu</a> ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/June_Oscar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@June_Oscar</a>⁩⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/leonora_risse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@leonora_risse</a>⁩ ⁩ <a href="https://t.co/eVd6kDATfJ">pic.twitter.com/eVd6kDATfJ</a> — Michele O'Neil (@MicheleONeilAU) <a href="https://twitter.com/MicheleONeilAU/status/1565152042347180034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2022</a></blockquote> It hung upside down until delegates left for the lunch break and was correctly displayed when they returned. Prominent Indigenous leaders called out the faux pas, including Coalition Senator Jacinta Price and Warren Mundine, a business leader and former Labor Party president. Senator Price, who has previously criticised Mr Albanese’s flying of the flag as empty symbolism, said it was ironic that the government went out of its way to show symbolic respect for Indigenous Australians, yet still made such an error. “With all the virtuous expression of respect for Aboriginal Australians... and all the carry on with strategically placing the flag prominently to express this deep virtue you’d think that this Albanese Government could actually hang it the right way up?” she said. “Especially at such a significant and groundbreaking event such as the job summit.” <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/albo-flag1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Various speakers were photographed in front of the incorrectly-hung Indigenous flag, which was corrected during the event’s lunch break. Images: @AlboMP (Twitter) Mr Mundine said he was shocked when the saw the flag on TV, describing the mistake as “ignorant” and “pathetic”. “How ignorant and pathetic is it that our national flag is treated this way… put it up properly!” he said. The Parliamentary Services Department, which was responsible for the error, later said the flag being upside down was the result of “an unfortunate human error”. “The incorrect mounting of the Aboriginal flag was due to an unfortunate human error. Once the error was identified, it was immediately corrected,” it said. While a flag flying upside down can signal that someone is in distress in the US and is sometimes used by protestors at rallies, the act is banned under all circumstances by the Australian flag protocols. Mr Albanese has been displaying the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags in parliament and at government events since becoming PM following the May election, with Indigenous MPs and leaders praising it as a long-overdue acknowledgement of First Nations culture and Australia’s history before British colonisation. Images: @AlboMP (Twitter)

News

Retailers criticised for ‘outrageous’ markups on rapid COVID tests amidst shortage

Retailers across Australia have been criticised by consumers for marking up the prices of rapid antigen tests for COVID-19, amidst increasing case numbers and a national shortage of tests. Many people around the country are struggling to find any tests at all, which is where services like <a rel="noopener" href="https://findarat.com.au/" target="_blank">Find A RAT</a> come in, helping people share information about stores that have stock, although there are only 149 listings of stores with RATs in stock, compared to 2271 listings of stores that are sold out. Of those stores that do have RATs in stock, many are charging desperate consumers an exorbitant amount for the necessary at-home testing kits. Australians have taken to social media to name and shame retailers that are charging sky-high prices for the tests, including Channel 9 reporter Airlie Walsh, who said that a BP service station in Edgecliff, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, was selling individual tests for $30 each. She added, “They’re as little as $1 – $2 in Europe, but for a family of four in Oz, you’ll pay $120.” Journalist Eliza Barr was finally able to acquire some tests for $19.99 each, marked up from $12.25 to $13.75 and typically sold as a pack of 20. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> The most cursory Google reveals these Innoscreen tests are meant to come in a box of 20 and can cost as little as between $12.25 and $13.75 per test in Australia. This is absolutely unforgivable. <a href="https://t.co/72eih9FOOZ">pic.twitter.com/72eih9FOOZ</a> — Eliza Barr (@ElizaJBarr) <a href="https://twitter.com/ElizaJBarr/status/1478198750401073153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2022</a></blockquote> While online retailer Kogan is now out of stock, as are Chemist Warehouse, Amazon and Harvey Norman, screenshots show that at one point, it was selling individual tests for $44 each. Beauty and health journalist Eleanor Pendleton took to Instagram to criticise the markups, explaining that in November, she purchased over 100 RATs for a production shoot, costing $1200. She wrote, “What cost me $1200 two months ago would today cost $4000! “With PCR tests only available to those with symptoms, the price gouging on RATs is disgusting.” The markups come as Prime Minister Scott Morrison held firm to his government’s decision not to make RATs free, despite individual state governments such as Queensland and Victoria purchasing supplies themselves in order to provide them for free to residents. The price gouging also comes as the need for RATs increases, as governments urge citizens not to line up for PCRs unless they are symptomatic. On Tuesday afternoon, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission announced that it was on the case. Rod Sims, chairman of the ACCC, said it was monitoring the situation “very closely”, explaining, “If we get a number of reports about excessive pricing from particular outlets, that’s when we can get involved and take whatever we judge to be the appropriate action. We’re gathering information as fast as we can.” Image: Massimiliano Finzi

News

COP26: what the draft climate agreement says – and why it’s being criticised

Having led the delegates at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow to believe that the first draft of the final agreement would be published at midnight Tuesday, the UK presidency will not have made many friends by delaying it till 6am Wednesday morning. There will have been plenty of negotiators – not to mention journalists – who will have needlessly waited up all night. In fact, COP26 president Alok Sharma will not have made many friends with the <a href="https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/Overarching_decision_1-CMA-3.pdf">text itself</a> either. As the host and chair of the summit, it is the UK’s responsibility to pull together all the negotiating texts which have been submitted and agreed over the last week into a coherent overall agreement. But the widespread consensus among delegates I have spoken to is that the draft they have produced is not sufficiently “balanced” between the interests and positions of the various country groupings. And for the chair of such delicate negotiations, that is a dangerous sin. Let’s recap. This COP (the conference of the parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change) is the designated moment under the 2015 Paris Agreement when countries must come forward with strengthened commitments to act. There are two main areas for this. One is emissions cuts by 2030, the so-called “nationally determined contributions” or NDCs. The other, for the developed countries, is financial assistance to the least developed nations. The problem facing the COP is that we know already that, when added together, countries’ emissions targets are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/nov/09/cop26-sets-course-for-disastrous-heating-of-more-than-24c-says-key-report">not nearly enough</a> to keep the world to a maximum warming of 1.5°C above pre-industrial times, as the Paris Agreement aims for. And the financial promises don’t even reach the US$100 billion (£74.1 billion) a year that was meant to be achieved in 2020, let alone the much larger sums the most vulnerable countries need. So what have the poorest countries – and the vociferous civil society organisations demonstrating in Glasgow – been demanding? First, that NDCs should be strengthened before the scheduled date of 2025. And second, that <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-02846-3">at least US$500 billion</a> should be provided in climate finance over the five years to 2025, with half of this going to help countries adapt to the climate change they are already experiencing. <h2>Urging – not requiring</h2> So what does the UK draft text say? It merely “urges” countries to strengthen their NDCs, proposing a meeting of ministers next year and a leaders’ summit in 2023. But “urges” is UN-speak for: “You may do this if you wish to, but you don’t have to if you don’t.” That is not enough to force countries to get onto a 1.5℃-compatible path. The text must require them to do so. On finance, the text is even weaker. There is no mention of the US$500 billion demand, although it does call for adaptation funding to be doubled. There is no mention of using the <a href="https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2021/08/23/how-the-world-can-make-the-most-of-new-special-drawing-rights">special drawing rights</a> (a kind of global money supply) which the IMF has recently issued for climate-compatible development. And there is insufficient recognition that the most vulnerable countries need much better access to the funds available. Of course, developing countries do not expect to get all their own way in the negotiations. But commenting on the overall balance of the text between different countries’ positions, one European delegate said to me: “This looks like it could have been written by the Americans.” It is of course true, as Alok Sharma emphasised in his afternoon press conference, that the text can still be changed. There are several issues on which negotiations are continuing and the text has yet to reflect their progress. Sharma has asked all parties to send in their suggested amendments to the draft and to meet him to discuss their reactions. He will find himself asked for a lot of meetings. But it matters how this early text is drafted, for two reasons. First, the lack of balance means that it is the least developed countries which will have to do the most work to change it. In Paris the French presidency worked the other way round. They drafted an ambitious text and dared the biggest emitters to oppose it. Second, the perceived imbalance could affect the trust in the British hosts. Sharma has built himself a strong reputation over the past couple of years preparing for the COP. He will not want to lose that in the crucial last days ahead. This story is part of The Conversation’s coverage on COP26, the Glasgow climate conference, by experts from around the world. Amid a rising tide of climate news and stories, The Conversation is here to clear the air and make sure you get information you can trust. <a href="https://page.theconversation.com/cop26-glasgow-2021-climate-change-summit/">More.</a> <img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/171632/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michael-jacobs-840558">Michael Jacobs</a>, Professorial Fellow, Sheffield Political Economy Research Institute (SPERI), <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sheffield-1147">University of Sheffield</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/cop26-what-the-draft-climate-agreement-says-and-why-its-being-criticised-171632">original article</a>.

Travel Trouble

Perrottet criticised for failing to provide Auslan interpreters

Dominic Perrottet is facing criticism after it was pointed out he has made multiple appearances in his official capacity as Premier of NSW without making use of an Auslan interpreter for deaf and hard-of-hearing members of the community. This includes Monday’s ‘Freedom Day’ press conference from Watson’s Pub in Moore Park. The absence of an interpreter was first noted by deaf activist Sherrie Beaver on Twitter, who said a source had told her Perrottet had cancelled Auslan interpreters for all NSW press conferences. She also stressed the importance of COVID-19 information being readily accessible to all, writing, “By being able to access information about changing COVID-19 restrictions in Auslan, Deaf people will be able to acclimate to the new COVID normal. Without access to information in Auslan, how will they be able to adjust life post-lockdown? Huge impact on their mental health!” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> With Sydney exiting lockdown today, I have noticed there wasn't an Auslan interpreter present at this morning's presser with <a href="https://twitter.com/Dom_Perrottet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dom_Perrottet</a> - same for the last few days. Source tells me Perrottet cancelled Auslan interpreters for all NSW press conferences. — Sherrie Beaver (@isigniwander) <a href="https://twitter.com/isigniwander/status/1447363711161622531?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2021</a></blockquote> Speaking to the Australian, Beaver said, “Having Auslan interpreters present at press conferences gives deaf people access to important information, so they are able to make informed decisions and lead full lives, especially during the pandemic and being able to adhere to changing Covid-19 restrictions. Captions are not wholly reliable due to several reasons, but mainly technical because captions can fail and often lags. “Deaf people are often not familiar with jargons and terminology used in pressers, which is another reason why Auslan interpreters are important.” Auslan is its own language with its own jargon and slang, and its grammar and vocabulary are quite different from English. According to the 2016 census, there are 10,000 native speakers in Australia, with many more speaking it as a second language. While not all deaf or hard-of-hearing people speak Auslan, providing an interpreter at government press conferences for those who do is an important way to ensure they feel like included and respected members of the community, and to ensure they have access to the same information at the same time as everyone else. An ABC journalist then reached out to NSW Health, and was told by a spokesperson that as NSW starts to return to normal, there will be a range of media events, some of which may include the services of an Auslan interpreter, and some which may not. The spokesperson emphasised that when Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant would be speaking, an Auslan interpreter would always be requested. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> "NSW Health will also request an Auslan interpreter at any press conference where the Chief Health Officer or Deputy is providing a public health update." — Celina Edmonds (@celina_edmonds) <a href="https://twitter.com/celina_edmonds/status/1447458472270856198?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2021</a></blockquote> The group Australian Lawyers for Human Rights echoed Beaver’s sentiments, tweeting, “COVID-19 Press conferences are a fundamental source of information in an ever-shifting environment. Failure to provide real-time information in an accessible manner violates the human rights of people with disability”. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> COVID-19 Press conferences are a fundamental source of information in an ever-shifting environment. Failure to provide real-time information in an accessible manner violates the human rights of people with disability<a href="https://t.co/kkLFkKLwRj">https://t.co/kkLFkKLwRj</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nswpol?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nswpol</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/deafaustralia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@deafaustralia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DeafAustNSW?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DeafAustNSW</a> — Aus Law Human Rights (@AusLawyersHR) <a href="https://twitter.com/AusLawyersHR/status/1447443106572357636?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2021</a></blockquote> In addition to not using Auslan interpreters at media events on Sunday and Monday, Perrottet did not utilise the services of one at an event on Tuesday morning about his government’s plan to support small businesses impacted by lockdowns. Image: Brook Mitchell/Getty Images

Hearing

SAS Australia stars criticised over ‘dirty tactic’

Two recruits on SAS Australia employed what many fans are calling dirty tactics on Monday night’s episode of the reality television show, and the online backlash was swift. Sprinter Jessica Peris was up against Olympian Jana Pittman in a challenge that saw them try to knock each other off a log that was suspended in the air above fast-moving water. Peris was victorious, but only after throwing a handful of sand in Pittman’s eyes, causing her to become disoriented. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> It's win at all costs in this task <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SASAustralia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SASAustralia</a> <a href="https://t.co/2ujqkvjHq7">pic.twitter.com/2ujqkvjHq7</a> — SAS Australia on 7 (@sasaustralia) <a href="https://twitter.com/sasaustralia/status/1444947599216111618?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2021</a></blockquote> Later, fellow sprinter John Steffensen employed the same tactic against actor Dan Ewing, and the pair were loudly criticised on social media, with many calling the move a ‘dog act’ and a ‘dirty tactic’. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> That’s a dog act! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SASAustralia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SASAustralia</a> — Lauren K (@lolly375) <a href="https://twitter.com/lolly375/status/1444946609817616391?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2021</a></blockquote> Others defended the move, arguing that “in war, it’s life or death”. Without consulting a military strategist or historian it’s hard to be certain, but ‘throwing sand in your opponent’s eyes’ probably isn’t a widely employed tactic in modern warfare. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> In war it's life or death. There's no safety rope. Sand in the eyes can be washed out. Hand in your number if you think otherwise <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SASAustralia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SASAustralia</a> — MXYZ 💉💉 (@MXYZ_) <a href="https://twitter.com/MXYZ_/status/1444949890065256450?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2021</a></blockquote> As it turns out, the pair were acting on advice from the Directing Staff. Mark “Billy” Billingham spoke to Peris as she was preparing to walk across the pole, suggesting, “You know what I’d do? Keep your cool, keep looking at her … Handful of dirt when you get close enough. Face full of dirt … Boom, sweet, take her out.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 👀👀👀 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SASAustralia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SASAustralia</a> <a href="https://t.co/mIW2q0PQRI">pic.twitter.com/mIW2q0PQRI</a> — SAS Australia on 7 (@sasaustralia) <a href="https://twitter.com/sasaustralia/status/1444946465768427521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2021</a></blockquote> Peris tried to apologise to Pittman during the journey back to base camp, but Pittman let her know exactly how she felt, telling Jess, “Only you two did it. I just didn’t expect it from you (Jessica) … I expected it from him. … It’s just different personalities. I’ve never been a particularly aggressive person. No offence, doll, but there is no way I could’ve done that. Maybe that’s my weakness.” In response, Steffensen argued that there were “different rules here”. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> I’m with Jana, I would rather lose and have my morals than cheat to win. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SASAustralia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SASAustralia</a> — Ashlee (@_itsashleeee_) <a href="https://twitter.com/_itsashleeee_/status/1444949739380764677?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2021</a></blockquote> AFL player Heath Shaw ultimately won the challenge, but departed at the end of the episode, along with Peris and ironman Jett Kenny. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Selection was one of the most challenging things Recruit #18 Jessica Peris has ever done in her life... and also the most rewarding! 👏 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SASAustralia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SASAustralia</a> <a href="https://t.co/YYNGrzCZld">pic.twitter.com/YYNGrzCZld</a> — SAS Australia on 7 (@sasaustralia) <a href="https://twitter.com/sasaustralia/status/1445139161850122241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2021</a></blockquote>

"Respect your partner": Man criticised for rant about wife

A husband who has been working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic has been slammed online for complaining about his stay-at-home wife. He took to Reddit to say that his spouse isn't keeping their toddler twins quiet while he's working. “So as many of you have been doing in these times, I’m currently doing work from home,” the husband said. “I have a wife and two toddlers (twins). I need silence to work and I don’t have a home office. “It has been slowly ****ing me off because I am working hours and I hear noises such as my wife talking, watching TV, kids playing from the other room. “I have been VERY patient with them telling more than once that I need 100% silence to focus but even if they are trying to be ‘quiet’ I still hear some noises (kids, walking around, making food, cleaning etc).” The rant went up to another level, as he said that the "least they (his family) can give me is peace and quiet while I do my job". “I got fed up with it and told my wife off, I’m the one working in this family and paying for everything,” he said. “The least they can give me is peace and quiet while I do my job. “My wife is a stay-at-home mum and it’s her job to be silent and shut the kids up. “If I don’t have complete silence, I cannot work and therefore could lose my job. “My wife on the other hand doesn’t appreciate any of it. When I wasn’t working from home, she would ask me to do chores after work and take care of the kids when I am obviously very tired and needing to wind down and relax for the night. “Then when I’m off on the weekend, I’m still expected to help out. “I would remind her that that’s her job as a stay-at-home mum, but she refuses to listen to me because ‘it’s my kids and my home too’.” People were already irritated with the anonymous man's claims, saying that they wanted to help out the mother. "How do I divorce her husband for her?" one user joked. However, things got worse as the husband claimed he was being disrespected in their marriage. “It hurts that she doesn’t appreciate how hard I work or my feelings. I do my part by supporting this family financially, if it wasn’t for me we wouldn’t have a roof over our heads or food to eat,” he said. “But despite me voicing my feelings she not only has the nerve to disturb my work but also expects me to work more afterwards. “My wife is angry at me and refuses to back down. The worst part? She claimed that I don’t appreciate her. “I work very hard and I feel like I deserve to have my feelings considered.” The man was met with a wall of criticism from disbelieving Reddit and Facebook users. "You sound like you don't appreciate your wife at all," one user said bluntly. "Remember that you get breaks from your paid work; your wife gets none from her unpaid work. What kind of AH expects complete silence from toddlers?" "You have two jobs - one of them is being a parent," another pointed out. "So yep, when you're not doing your other job, that's when parenting comes into play. It doesn't sound like you appreciate her at all." "Get some sound proof headphones and respect your PARTNER. Notice, I say partner, not slave or maid." “I’ve never met a toddler who could be silent EVER! Let alone two. Let alone for months on end. Dude must be crazy,” said another.

Family & Pets

Family criticises police "inaction" over missing grandfather

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> A family in NSW is furious over alleged police "inaction" following the disappearance of their beloved grandfather feared to have gone overboard on a ferry in Manly. Kenneth Hanes, 73, left his home around midday last Tuesday and hasn't been seen by family since. His wife, Nola, logged into his Opal account on Thursday and discovered that Kenneth had boarded a bus on the day he left to Blacktown Railway Station. His daughter, Fiona Crawford, believes that the local police hasn't done enough to find him. "If a child went missing on the ferry from Manly to Circular Quay, would police wait three days to request information?" she said. "It's soul destroying that we have no answers and there's just so much inaction and he's a human being. He's not a shift, he's not a case file number." His family said that police acted too late in finally searching the harbour. "It's so disappointing to think we treat our elderly like that," Ms Crawford said. "My dad wasn't a doddery 73-year-old man with dementia that just flopped off the Manly ferry. "He was a human being that went to Manly and got on public transport. "He just deserves so much better than this." </div> </div> </div>

Travel Trouble

Former fire chief declines to criticise ScoMo’s holiday as the country burns

A former fire chief has declined to comment on Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s decision to go on holidays while the country struggles to deal with bushfires across the country. Greg Mullins, the former commissioner of Fire and Rescue NSW, made his feelings known in a press conference. “Look, everybody needs a holiday. I’m not going to comment on what the Prime Minister’s doing, and frankly at the moment, the federal government’s not doing much in this space anyway. So I don’t think it really matters,” Mullins explained. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg confirmed on Channel 9’s Today show that Morrison was “overseas with his family”. “He’s having a well deserved break, and obviously it’s been a very busy year. He’ll be back at work shortly, and then he’ll be off to India, leading a delegation to advance Australia’s interests.” While some have supported the PM’s decision to relax with his family, others are furious as many are struggling to breathe due to the intense smog surrounding Sydney. Greens NSW MP David Shoebridge said that Morrison was “in denial”. “When the country you lead is on fire you have an obligation to stick around and sort it out. Or at least put the right policies in place before you clock off. But this guy’s just in denial ... on holiday ... in denial,” he wrote in a <a href="https://twitter.com/ShoebridgeMLC/status/1206682973761753089">tweet</a>. However, Mullins wants to focus on the issue at hand as a group of his fellow former fire chiefs have announced plans to hold an emergency summit when the bushfire season is over. “People are becoming very angry and they want to have a say,” Mr Mullins told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/leaders/former-fire-chief-declines-to-criticise-scott-morrison-for-going-on-holiday-as-bushfires-burn/news-story/556d74de351e7cf6052badd29a98670e" target="_blank">news.com.au</a>. “They are being told that now is not the time to talk about climate change, but I have dealt with hundreds of people who have suffered losses and I know they want to know why. It’s part of the healing process.” Mullins acknowledged that Australia’s fire services were well resourced, but the impacts of climate change were making the problem nearly impossible to deal with. “There will always be people thinking that more (resources are) needed. Wondering what could be done. Well frankly, it’s too late. We’ve got what we have. They’re very well resourced,” he said. “It’s not enough because of climate change. Climate change is driving this problem to a place where you simply can’t deal with it. “So what we need to do is get people together. It should have been a national government doing this, but they’re not stepping up to the mark, so we will.”

Domestic Travel

“Not OK”: Ben Fordham criticised for posing inappropriate question to NSW Premier

Federal Minister for Women Marise Payne has slammed a Sydney radio host after he asked a question to New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian or whether she would have an abortion. Sitting down with 2GB host, Ben Fordham, Berejiklian was grilled about the bill to decriminalise abortion that is before the state’s parliament. The Premier has been heavily criticised as accusations have been made against her saying she tried to rush the bill through Parliament, with members of her own government furious as to how she handled the situation. During the interview, Fordham asked Berejiklian whether she would ever consider having an abortion. “I can’t speak for what circumstances I’d be faced with,” she said. “I don’t want to make people feel guilty who have had to go down that path. “I’m not someone who’d be comfortable going through that process, but that’s just me, I can’t speak for other women.” Senator Payne was angered by the interview, saying it was inappropriate to ask such an invasive question. “I don’t think it’s appropriate to ask anyone publicly, male or female, about sensitive health questions like that and it’s not OK,” she told the ABC’s Insider program on Sunday. The exchange between Fordham and Berejiklian went as follows: Fordham: Under no circumstances? Berejiklian: I can't speak for, I can't speak… Fordham: But within, Gladys, Gladys from Willoughby or wherever you live… Berejiklian: But I can't, but heaven forbid, I've not been in a situation where I've had to contemplate that, and nor would I. But I can't make a vote according to me and my beliefs, I cast my vote because I know other people don't have the life experiences I've had, don't have my beliefs. Fordham: You didn't want your faith or your personal beliefs to flow over into everyone else's views. Berejiklian: That's right. Fordham: But for the record, your own personal view. Not your parliamentary view, or your Premier view. Berejiklian: My personal view is I'm a very conservative person who would not feel comfortable in having that process, but that is just me, and it's not fair for me … and Ben, you've been naughty in pushing me to say that, because I don't want anyone to feel guilty about decisions they've made, because I'm not in their shoes. Senator Payne, who is currently the most senior woman in the federal Liberal Party due to also being Foreign Minister, said that the bill should be left up to New South Wales politicians to decide. “But I do think it’s appropriate for that matter to be decriminalised in New South Wales, yes.”

Body

"It's a stunt": Pauline Hanson criticised over plans to climb Uluru ahead of ban

Pauline Hanson, One Nation leader, has headed to Uluru in her fight to keep the climbing track on the national icon open. Climbing Uluru is set to be banned on October 26th, but the One Nation leader posted to Facebook about her plans to climb it before the ban. Hanson said that she has been given permission from the traditional owners of the land to climb Uluru. “I have been given permission by Anangu Mayatja Council of Elders, Mr Reggie Uluru and Mr Cassidy Uluru to climb the Rock,” she wrote on Facebook. “Both are senior traditional owners of Uluru.” <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FPaulineHansonAu%2Fphotos%2Fa.154502488087405%2F1060770234127288%2F%3Ftype%3D3&width=500" width="500" height="541" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> She then further explained that she was invited to Uluru for discussions about the future of the rock. “The Anangu Mayatja Council of Elders have invited me to the Rock for discussions about their future following my calls for the climb to remain open,” she wrote. “I arrived yesterday afternoon and held talks with the two sons of Paddy Uluru who was the traditional owner and other family members. “Today I will meet with around 15 of their Anangu Mayatja Council of Elders.” <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FPaulineHansonAu%2Fposts%2F1060575410813437&width=500" width="500" height="776" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> Even with permission of the traditional owners of the land, she has been criticised by both Indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. Labor’s Opposition Spokesperson for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney spoke to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.sbs.com.au/news/a-stunt-senator-pauline-hanson-slammed-for-climbing-uluru-ahead-of-ban" target="_blank">SBS News</a> about how it was a “stunt”. "She has no appreciation whatsoever of the cultural significance of Uluru ... Uluru is a living being for Aboriginal people. It's not something that you clamber over," she said. “It’s a stunt.” Burney said that she visited Uluru and "had a long conversation with some of the traditional owners [who] explained to me the very real and deep cultural reasons why they are resolute in closing the climb with the full endorsement of the management of the park". Burney also dismissed the fact that Hanson had received “permission” from the traditional owners. "The climb is an open climb at the moment. The traditional owners cannot stop anyone climbing [for the time being]," she said. Hanson has been open about her stance on Uluru as she argued with Steve Price on The Today Show and has maintained that nothing needs to change. “We’ve been climbing the Ayers Rock, or Uluru, for many years,” Hanson said on the program. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> “It’s no different to saying we’re going to close down Bondi Beach because there are some people there that have drowned. How ridiculous is that!” <a href="https://twitter.com/PaulineHansonOz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PaulineHansonOz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9Today?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9Today</a> <a href="https://t.co/aQ2nPTtdgL">pic.twitter.com/aQ2nPTtdgL</a> — The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTodayShow/status/1150509729103278080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">14 July 2019</a></blockquote> “The Australian taxpayers put in millions, hundreds of millions of dollars into it and they’re wanting another $27.5 million to upgrade the airport there for the resort,” she said. “Now the resort has only returned $19 million to the taxpayers only just recently. It employs over 400 people there, 38 per cent are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. “The fact is, it’s money-making. It’s giving jobs to indigenous communities, and you’ve got thousands of tourists who go there every year and want to climb the rock.”

News

“Probably going to get criticised”: Lisa Wilkinson doesn’t hold back in interview with NZ PM Jacinda Ardern

Despite the recent popularity of NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, veteran news reporter Lisa Wilkinson wasn’t flustered and didn’t hold back in asking the difficult questions in a new interview on The Sunday Project. The question was about Ardern’s thoughts on Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s stance on deportations. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> Jacinda Ardern was propelled into the world stage because of an unspeakable atrocity, and the way she reacted to it. A lot’s happened since then, and<a href="https://twitter.com/Lisa_Wilkinson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Lisa_Wilkinson</a> sat down with the NZ PM to talk life, love, and of course, politics. <a href="https://t.co/3zkgDVV0jm">pic.twitter.com/3zkgDVV0jm</a> — The Project (@theprojecttv) <a href="https://twitter.com/theprojecttv/status/1152871393006149638?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">21 July 2019</a></blockquote> “You’ve described Scott Morrison’s stance on deportations as ‘corrosive’,” Wilkinson started. The question immediately flustered Ardern as she went into damage control mode. “Oh look I think we should be fair the, the deportation policy has existed for a while and…” Ardern stated. Wilkinson helped out Ardern and branded Morrison “the architect” of the policy that Ardern has described as “wrong” and “unjust”. “That is, that is correct,” Ms Ardern said. “When you are friends as we are, you can speak frankly with each other you know.” Ms Ardern added, “I think it speaks to the strength of it that we do speak so openly." The Sunday Project interview was filmed shortly after a meeting between Ardern and Morrison, where the two leaders discussed the implications NZ citizens living in Australia have faced since the laws have tightened back in 2014. Ardern spoke candidly to NZ media, according to the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-07-19/dutton-dismisses-ardern-demands-to-stop-deporting-new-zealanders/11324382" target="_blank">ABC</a>. “If something’s wrong and if something is not fair and is unjust, you don’t let it go,” the NZ Prime Minister said. “I totally accept that it is within Australia’s rights to deport those who engage in criminal activity in Australia. But there are some examples that will not make any sense to any fair-minded person.” Luckily, Wilkinson switched to a lighter note and asked Ardern about how she’s going with motherhood. Ardern revealed that she’s not “this Wonder Woman” and gets a lot of help from her fiancé Clarke Gayford. “No one needs to see anyone pretending it’s easy because it’s not and so I’m not going to go around pretending I do everything,” she said. “I’m not, it’s hard and women who are both working and raising children deserve to have help and support and so we shouldn’t pretend it can be done alone.”

International Travel

Israel Folau breaks his silence after raking in $2 million : "For those that have criticised me..."

Israel Folau has broken his silence after his fundraising campaign was shut down this week, saying he has “no ill will” towards those who criticised the rugby player’s statement on homosexuality. Folau’s new crowdfunding page, hosted by the Australian Christian Lobby, has raised more than $1.7 million to support his legal defence against Rugby Australia’s decision to terminate his contract in May. And the rugby player has spoken out by sharing a message on his personal Instagram account on Wednesday morning. Folau wrote: “I am humbled by the support I have received from so many of you since Rugby Australia terminated my employment contract after I shared a religious message on social media. To those who have criticised me, I bear no ill will towards you. You have every right to express your own beliefs and opinions. “I am incredibly thankful for the Australian Christian Lobby, which has not only come to my defence in the media, but generously established a website to receive donations on my behalf.” <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzJrqzInvNK/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzJrqzInvNK/" target="_blank">I am humbled by the support I have received from so many of you since Rugby Australia terminated my employment contract after I shared a religious message on social media. To those who have criticised me, I bear no ill will towards you. You have every right to express your own beliefs and opinions. To the thousands of you who donated to my GoFundMe campaign, I am forever grateful. GoFundMe’s decision to shut down my campaign proves the importance of my case; whether you share my faith or believe in my right to express it, attempts to sanction what we believe is a threat to all Australians. I am incredibly thankful for the Australian Christian Lobby, which has not only come to my defence in the media, but generously established a website to receive donations on my behalf. For those not in a position to donate, your support and prayers will make more of a difference than anything else. God bless!</a> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/izzyfolau/" target="_blank"> Israel Folau</a> (@izzyfolau) on Jun 25, 2019 at 4:32pm PDT </div> </blockquote> The 30-year-old’s first fundraiser on GoFundMe was shut down on Monday after it was flagged of being “<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/sport/sports-life/magda-szubanski-opens-up-on-israel-folau-and-her-new-gofundme-campaign/news-story/47dd913891a8db584e446bbed4c2cffa" target="_blank">at risk</a>” of violating the company’s policies. The ACL’s managing director Martyn Iles said he could “not go into detail” about where the rest of the donations would go once the $3 million mark has been achieved. “It will go to different causes that are completely consistent with the intentions of the original donors,” Iles told Deborah Knight on the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/sport/sports-life/what-will-the-acl-do-with-the-excess-money-raised-for-israel-folau/news-story/864d07f1417c5dd58e5ebed65e3c82ca" target="_blank">Today</a> show on Wednesday morning. “I am not able to go into the detail at this stage.” Iles denied that the money would be used for personal purposes. “Absolutely not personal use, absolutely not the ACL,” he said. “[The donors] bought into Israel because they see him as somebody they want to champion. They see him as somebody they identify with, and there is a great deal of trust built up there. “That is not misplaced at all. This money will be used well and will actually end up making a difference regardless of where it goes.” Earlier this month, Folau announced that he had launched legal proceedings with the Fair Work Commissions against Rugby Australia and NSW Rugby for breach of contract. His lawyers said in a statement that Folau is seeking “substantial remedies from his former employers should they be found to have breached the Fair Work Act in terminating his employment”. In May, Folau’s contract was ripped up after a Rugby Australia panel found him guilty of a “<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-05-17/israel-folau-sacked-over-social-media-posts/11090938" target="_blank">high-level breach</a>” of the players’ code of conduct over his controversial Instagram posts, including one claiming “hell awaits” gay people. “Rugby Australia did not choose to be in this situation, but Rugby Australia’s position remains that Israel, through his actions, left us with no choice but to pursue the course of action resulting in [this] outcome,” said Rugby Australia’s chief executive Raelene Castle at the time. “People need to feel safe and welcomed in the game, regardless of their race, background or sexuality.”

Technology

Husband criticises wife’s funeral outfit – describes it as “too much”

When attending a funeral, everyone knows that it is essential to make sure your outfit is smart, modest and most importantly, black. However, one woman has asked for fashion advice after her husband complained about the dress she was planning to wear to a funeral. Sharing a photo of the dress on <a href="https://www.mumsnet.com/">Mumsnet</a>, the woman’s black dress has divided the internet, with public opinion split on the outfit choice. In the post, she explained that she intended to pair the black dress with “black tights and black ankle boots with a small heel". <img style="width: 385.9223300970874px; height: 500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7822310/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/e823e93a7cb041a0b008129c810bb608" /> She added that her 5-foot height also made the dress more modest as the hem sat at “practically knee-length” on her. But her husband didn’t believe the dress was suitable for the occasion. “I thought it was perfect but [dear husband] seems to think it’s ‘too much’. So [would it be unreasonable] to wear it?” she asked. After sharing her post, the woman was flooded with responses of varying opinions. Some said the dress was offensive as it is the sort of style one “would wear on a night out” and “a bit short”. Others suggested ways that she could make it less stylish. “Do you have a pair of black jeans or trousers you could wear underneath? That would be more suitable than tights,” one wrote. “Also could you wear a vest or crew neck t-shirt underneath?” However, others believed that everyone was overreacting over the dress. “Good grief. Please don’t wear it with trousers and a crew neck. You’re going to a funeral, not a nunnery,” one fired back. The woman has not yet revealed if she will wear the dress to the funeral. Do you think the dress is inappropriate for a funeral? Let us know in the comments below.

Technology

Body language expert criticises “unprofessional” habit of Duchess Meghan

Since entering the royal family, every outfit, engagement and gesture made by Duchess Meghan is carefully watched by the world. And now, the 37-year-old Duchess of Sussex has prompted discussion after she was spotted with her hands in her pockets at several public events. During her visit to New Zealand, Meghan was snapped with her hands in the pockets of her white tuxedo dress, designed by Maggie Marilyn. <img style="width: 296.5px; height: 500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7821872/image_.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/a61af5ccacc24464be95c1ba77aa3aad" /> The couple were attending an event at Courtenay Creative, a programme for young people who aspire to get into the film industry. Etiquette expert William Hanson said the laid back pose is “too relaxed and too unprofessional” for a member of the royal family. Speaking to <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-6329105/Meghan-Markle-hands-pockets-royal-tour-criticised-etiquette-expert.html">FEMAIL</a> he said: "We know that Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are pioneering a new, relaxed, tactile branch of monarchy but having hands in the pocket is a step too far.” "There is good casual and there is bad casual. Placing a hand in the pocket is too relaxed and unprofessional, however dressed down Prince Harry and his wife may have been. "Will the world end? No. It is just a small blip in Meghan’s usually delightful manners that can be easily corrected for future engagements." However, body language expert Judi James believes there is a simple explanation for her habit – the Duchess’ love of fashion. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7821873/image_.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c2eea79daa114e5cb172b47794c9a7be" /> "Meghan's high levels of confidence suggest her reason is more to do with fashion than anxiety though," Judi told <a href="https://www.ok.co.uk/royal/royal-latest/1428494/meghan-markle-duchess-of-sussex-hands-in-pockets-reason-prince-harry">OK! Online</a>. "It is also a probable nod to her love of '50s styling. "Her full skirts are very Audrey Hepburn and to wear them well a hand in one pocket is almost de rigueur. "She also loves slouchy coats and jackets and the same fashion rule of 'wearing' the tailoring would apply with them too." Do you think it is fine for royals to have their hands in their pockets during public engagements? Let us know in the comments below.

Body

“I would be starving”: Michelle Bridges' tiny lunches criticised

Former The Biggest Loser trainer Michelle Bridges is famous for her tough stance on health and fitness. But her latest promo of her new range of lunch boxes has fans questioning her small portion sizes. Taking to Instagram, Bridges shared photos of her homemade lunches – which look delicious but on the small side. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BmcUTqUgVKn/?utm_source=ig_embed" data-instgrm-version="9"> <div style="padding: 8px;"> <div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"> <div style="background: url(data:image/png; base64,ivborw0kggoaaaansuheugaaacwaaaascamaaaapwqozaaaabgdbtueaalgpc/xhbqaaaafzukdcak7ohokaaaamuexurczmzpf399fx1+bm5mzy9amaaadisurbvdjlvzxbesmgces5/p8/t9furvcrmu73jwlzosgsiizurcjo/ad+eqjjb4hv8bft+idpqocx1wjosbfhh2xssxeiyn3uli/6mnree07uiwjev8ueowds88ly97kqytlijkktuybbruayvh5wohixmpi5we58ek028czwyuqdlkpg1bkb4nnm+veanfhqn1k4+gpt6ugqcvu2h2ovuif/gwufyy8owepdyzsa3avcqpvovvzzz2vtnn2wu8qzvjddeto90gsy9mvlqtgysy231mxry6i2ggqjrty0l8fxcxfcbbhwrsyyaaaaaelftksuqmcc); display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div> </div> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BmcUTqUgVKn/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank">Getting quite addicted to finding new and colourful combos for my take-to-works 😋🍽 Today's #5minutelunchbox is brought to you by hot smoked salmon (store bought but totes inspired to smoke my own this weekend @commandosteve 🐟), lemon hummus, leftover brown rice and fridgy bits and pieces. Looks good right 😎👌 #mblunchboxrevolution @woolworths_au @bigwaustralia</a> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/mishbridges/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank"> Michelle Bridges</a> (@mishbridges) on Aug 13, 2018 at 7:25pm PDT </div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BmJ7NP9AJy7/?utm_source=ig_embed" data-instgrm-version="9"> <div style="padding: 8px;"> <div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"> <div style="background: url(data:image/png; base64,ivborw0kggoaaaansuheugaaacwaaaascamaaaapwqozaaaabgdbtueaalgpc/xhbqaaaafzukdcak7ohokaaaamuexurczmzpf399fx1+bm5mzy9amaaadisurbvdjlvzxbesmgces5/p8/t9furvcrmu73jwlzosgsiizurcjo/ad+eqjjb4hv8bft+idpqocx1wjosbfhh2xssxeiyn3uli/6mnree07uiwjev8ueowds88ly97kqytlijkktuybbruayvh5wohixmpi5we58ek028czwyuqdlkpg1bkb4nnm+veanfhqn1k4+gpt6ugqcvu2h2ovuif/gwufyy8owepdyzsa3avcqpvovvzzz2vtnn2wu8qzvjddeto90gsy9mvlqtgysy231mxry6i2ggqjrty0l8fxcxfcbbhwrsyyaaaaaelftksuqmcc); display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div> </div> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BmJ7NP9AJy7/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank">Had to take a snap 📸 of my #5minutelunchbox this morning, even though this caption will take me longer to write that it took me to put this together! Last night's quinoa (made a cup or so extra), chucked together with some fridge staples while I boiled a couple of eggs🥚🥚 #sosimple #mblunchboxrevolution @Woolworthsau @bigwaustralia Love Mish 💋❤️</a> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/mishbridges/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank"> Michelle Bridges</a> (@mishbridges) on Aug 6, 2018 at 3:59pm PDT </div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl1rBNugK0z/?utm_source=ig_embed" data-instgrm-version="9"> <div style="padding: 8px;"> <div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"> <div style="background: url(data:image/png; base64,ivborw0kggoaaaansuheugaaacwaaaascamaaaapwqozaaaabgdbtueaalgpc/xhbqaaaafzukdcak7ohokaaaamuexurczmzpf399fx1+bm5mzy9amaaadisurbvdjlvzxbesmgces5/p8/t9furvcrmu73jwlzosgsiizurcjo/ad+eqjjb4hv8bft+idpqocx1wjosbfhh2xssxeiyn3uli/6mnree07uiwjev8ueowds88ly97kqytlijkktuybbruayvh5wohixmpi5we58ek028czwyuqdlkpg1bkb4nnm+veanfhqn1k4+gpt6ugqcvu2h2ovuif/gwufyy8owepdyzsa3avcqpvovvzzz2vtnn2wu8qzvjddeto90gsy9mvlqtgysy231mxry6i2ggqjrty0l8fxcxfcbbhwrsyyaaaaaelftksuqmcc); display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div> </div> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl1rBNugK0z/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank">Today's #lunchsorted in 10 minutes this morning thanks to my MB Meal Prep Kits 🙌 Cauliflower 'fried' rice with vegetables, pan fried chicken breast and a very portion controlled serving of my incredibly moorish tamari seed mix from the pantry 😋 #mblunchboxrevolution @woolworths_au @bigwaustralia</a> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/mishbridges/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank"> Michelle Bridges</a> (@mishbridges) on Jul 29, 2018 at 7:13pm PDT </div> </blockquote> Many of Bridges’ followers commented on her tiny lunch photos, noting these portions would not keep them full throughout the day. “I would be staaaaarving still after eating that,” one person wrote. While others said “That would keep me going for about seven minutes” and “My 1 year old eats more than this.” Another wrote: “Love the colours these come in but I don’t think they are big enough!” However, many followers leaped to the personal trainer’s defence saying the smaller size would help them avoid overeating. “Where do you get these trays - they look perfect for portion control,” one commenter wrote. “Love these, hubby and I both use the set I bought to take our lunches to work,” another said.

Body

Kmart criticised over decision to ditch family favourites

Kmart shoppers around Australia are criticising the department store for its dwindling selection of DVDs and CDs, as the chain begins to phase out the entertainment products both in store and online. Customers have left stores frustrated because they are no longer able to find well-priced movies and TV shows on DVD to watch with their families. The shoppers also criticised the discount store for removing the entertainment products without an official public statement. A Kmart spokesperson told <a href="https://www.kidspot.com.au/lifestyle/entertainment/books-tv-and-movies/mums-upset-by-kmarts-stupid-decision-to-ditch-family-favourites/news-story/91c85167b1b9e121a10217e63fb9c7e6" target="_blank">Kidspot</a>: “As part of Kmart’s expanding range of in-house designed products we have made the decision to exit DVDs, CDs and Blu-ray products so as to allow space within the store for our new creative and activity-based kids products. At present, DVDs, CDs and Blu-ray products are currently on clearance as part of the transition, and we thank our customers and suppliers for their support. We won’t be stocking these items online as our decision to exit is across both in-store and online.” Mum Shelley Brokey said Kmart’s decision would impact those who cannot afford online streaming services. “My daughter likes to watch ABC iview but we can’t afford the amount of internet it takes to use that so I’ve relied on Kmart to buy kids DVDs. I know that’s the way the world is going but some people just can’t afford Netflix or even afford good internet with lots of data,” she told Kidspot. Kirsti Shorti Wells said she felt “let down” that Kmart made such a big change without informing customers. “I’m very disappointed and feel let down, just like when the video shops closed,” she said. “All the newer movies were gone in the first day of the discounts. It seems it was pot luck if you were in there and got a bargain. No one seemed to know about it. It just happened! “I did ask staff why they were discounted and was informed that they would no longer be selling DVDs. As a single mum I always buy from Kmart due to the price being so good or occasionally from Big W. I buy anything from Mary Poppins to what they’ve recently seen at the cinema. My eldest was learning about the Titanic and I wanted her to see the movie and there was nowhere to get it but Kmart. We cried. She learnt and we’ve watched it again and again. It’s something my kids enjoy a lot. CDs are great for the kids to have their own music in their rooms too. Now I’ll either be forced to pay double the price at Coles and Sanity or wait until it comes on TV and record it. Thank goodness for the Video Ezy booths. We enjoy picking those on a Friday night now.” One upset customer, Karina Sanders, said she will now have to drive 45 minutes away to her nearest Sanity store to purchase DVDs and CDs, after her local Kmart cleared its stock earlier this month. “All DVDs, CDs and Blu-ray titles had 25 per cent off tags and there were very few children’s titles to choose from,” said Karina, who has relied on the retailer for DVDs for many years. “I buy them for my two girls and it will cost me more and be an inconvenience. I have checked online and had other people check for DVDs I am wanting, but they haven’t been able to find them.” How do you feel about Kmart’s decision to remove all DVDs and CDs from stores and online? Let us know in the comments below.

Money & Banking

Sam Armytage’s blistering response to man who criticised her outfit

Yesterday morning, a photographer from Queensland posted a picture on Twitter comparing Samantha Armytage’s outfit to the “pirate shirt” worn by Jerry Seinfeld in his hit show Seinfeld. Peter Wallis posted his tweet after seeing Armytage in the shirt on Sunrise. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://twitter.com/sam_armytage?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sam_armytage</a> watching Seinfeld last night? <a href="https://t.co/gVgxPOspRg">pic.twitter.com/gVgxPOspRg</a> — Peter Wallis (@petewallisphoto) <a href="https://twitter.com/petewallisphoto/status/989267006288379904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2018</a></blockquote> An unimpressed Sam sent a tweet to her 174,000 followers explaining the significant reason why she wore the shirt on TV. “How did I know there’d be a ‘pirate shirt’ comparison today? It’s actually the @witcheryfashion #whiteshirtcampaign for @OvarianCancerOZ. But thx for your feedback,” she wrote. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Witchery White Shirt Campaign in support of the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF). During the campaign, 100 per cent of gross proceeds from the shirts sold go to OCRF. The campaign is a fundraising success, raising more than $10 million for the foundation throughout the past 10 years. The campaign also raises awareness around the statistic that a woman dies of the disease every 10 hours. This is not the first time Armytage has received criticism in the last month, with protestors <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/2018/04/protesters-highjack-sunrises-live-commonwealth-games-coverage/" target="_blank">appearing in the background of Sunrise</a> on their Commonwealth Games set on April 10 on the Gold Coast. The protest followed a Sunrise segment on Aboriginal adoption, that some believe descended into “blatant racism”. The protestors, standing on the Gold Coast beach backdrop, screamed at Armytage, saying they were “coming for her in her dreams” and that they were going to “write a letter and get her fired”.

Beauty & Style

The outfit Meghan Markle is being criticised for

On Monday, Prince Harry and Meghan made an appearance at a sombre event which has led to the former actress being slammed for her outfit choice. The engaged couple attended the memorial service of Stephen Lawrence, an 18-year-old British black man who was murdered in a racially-charged attack 25 years ago, reported People. For the memorial service held at St Martin-in-the-Fields church, Meghan wore a sleeveless, printed V-neck dress from Hugo boss. At the event, the royal couple spoke with Lawrence’s mother and Harry gave a speech on behalf of his father, Prince Charles. British Prime Minister Theresa May also attended the memorial service and was seated next to Meghan. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 📸 More pictures of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MeghanMarkle?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MeghanMarkle</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PrinceHarry?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PrinceHarry</a> at the memorial service for Stephen Lawrence yesterday <a href="https://t.co/YoBLCfzesT">https://t.co/YoBLCfzesT</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HarryAndMeghan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HarryAndMeghan</a> <a href="https://t.co/cyKzO2c0gx">pic.twitter.com/cyKzO2c0gx</a> — Meghan Markle Fan I meghanmarklefan.com (@mmarklefancom) <a href="https://twitter.com/mmarklefancom/status/988741247853563904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2018</a></blockquote> However, royal speculators have been quick to criticise Meghan’s outfit for the event. One user wrote, “Surprised to see Meghan Markle had her shoulders uncovered at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StephenLawrence?src=hash" target="_blank">#StephenLawrence</a> memorial – seems a bit of a fashion faux pas to me?” Another user, who referred to Meghan by her character’s name in Suits, said that Meghan’s outfit was not fitting for the occasion. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MeghanMarkle?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"></a>"It´s a memorial service for a murder victim. In a church. Is it too much to ask of Rachel to cover up with a jacket, wear stockings, sort out that messy hair for once and stop the holding hands!" <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AGDLM?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AGDLM</a> The Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the 25th Anniversary Of Stephen Lawrence Memorial Service in London on 04.23.18.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/principeharry?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#principeharry</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/meghanmarkle?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#meghanmarkle</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/princeharry?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#princeharry</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/releza?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#releza</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/princeharryandmeghan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#princeharryandmeghan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/meghanstyle?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#meghanstyle</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fashion?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fashion</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/moda?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#moda</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/style?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#style</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/photooftheday?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#photooftheday</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/dress?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#dress</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/skirt?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#skirt</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/shoes?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#shoes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/outfit?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#outfit</a> <a href="https://t.co/N7av3wVM6f">pic.twitter.com/N7av3wVM6f</a> — A.Guardián dela Moda (@Angel_Guardian) <a href="https://twitter.com/Angel_Guardian/status/988737979232370690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2018</a></blockquote> Other royal fans were more forgiving of Meghan’s outfit choice. “Give her time, she is still learning. We know it should have been a suit or a dress with a collar and sleeves. She is a fashionista of the mod world,” a supporter said. Despite the criticism of her outfit, Vogue noted that the couple’s presence at the Lawrence memorial could mark a “watershed moment for the royal family, which has traditionally discouraged its members from publicly expressing their own political views”.

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