Emma Clayton

WHO would’ve thought that the sneering, volatile face of the UK’s punk revolution would turn into something approaching a national treasure?

John Lydon was the scrawny North London lad who survived a near fatal childhood illness and went on to leave an indelible mark on popular culture and social history for a brief chapter of the 1970s. Lydon has been promoting a book of song lyrics, and it seems these days he’s as English as fish and chips.

In a recent interview, the former Sex Pistols frontman compared himself to Charlie Drake and Steptoe, and revealed that he doesn’t ‘alf love a Royal Wedding. With his old-fashioned turn of phrase and toothy grin, Lydon is endearingly eccentric.

As spitting, snarling, cussing Johnny Rotten, he upset just about every strata of society, while thrilling and inspiring a generation of kids at the same time. Now he’s turned 60, but I’d say he’s far from mellow.

With his comments on everything from Brexit to the Queen, he continues to ruffle feathers - and is still creating a bit of Anarchy in the UK.

 

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WHEN I was a student I had a postcard on my wall of a billboard advert, featuring a pair of stockinged legs emerging from a giant egg.

The words “Born Kicking” were sprayed across it, turning it into a feminist slogan.

I was reminded of that postcard when I saw Daily Mail’s recent front page, with a picture of Prime Minister Theresa May and Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon sitting together under the headline “Never Mind Brexit, Who Won Legs-it!”.

The newspaper was accused of sexism; focusing on the women’s appearance rather than their meeting about the process that will see the UK leave the European Union.

The front page sparked widespread criticism, with some politicians and commentators saying we should be way beyond such representations of women, and that “Legs-it” trivialised a significant political event.

My gut reaction was pretty much the same. We’re nearly two decades into the 21st century - why are two of our most powerful women being judged on the shapeliness of their legs?

Yes, it was lighthearted nonsense, but it leaves a nasty taste in the mouth. Would a picture of two high-ranking male ministers in suits and ties have prompted such a headline, and such scrutiny of a particular area of their body? Of course not.

Men aren’t immune to scrutiny and ridicule in the Press.

Jeremy Corbyn has been criticised for all aspects of his appearance, from his choice of tie to his scruffy beard, David Cameron often came under fire for wearing the same blue T-shirt during ‘downtime’ from being PM, and Boris Johnson, it seems, is fair game when it comes to images of buffoonery.

And many of the placards brandished at anti-Trump women’s marches ridiculed the American President’s physical appearance.

Politicians have always fallen victim to caricature, from 18th century cartoons to Spitting Image.

Where “Legs-it” crossed the line was focussing on women’s sex appeal first, and political clout second.

It shows that, despite all the advances made in sexual equality, some things haven’t really moved on since those stockinged legs kicked out of an egg on that billboard three decades ago.