Blame game

The vogue for publicly traducing your parents in order to promote yourself ( or sell a new book) is unpleasant and dishonourable.

Society’s rules were very different in previous eras: for example, spanking children. You have only to look at the Carry On films of the Sixties and Seventies to see how they were based on the premise of men (mostly) engaging in what would now be called ‘abusive behaviour’ for which they would end up in court these days.

These films were hugely successful in their day. Whatever happened to our sense of humour, our ability to take responsibility when we made mistakes and — most important — showing some proportionality in our criticisms?

Blaming your parents when they are dead and have no way of defending themselves is all part of the current trend of blaming someone/anyone for everything you think has gone wrong with your life — instead of taking some responsibility yourself.

It doesn’t take into account how much society’s mores have changed. We j udge everything by today’s standards and laws.

It is often celebrities who see this as a PR opportunity. Many people had parents whose behaviour was less than perfect, but they are/were our parents and deserve respect. We should put some effort into understanding why they behaved as they did — especially if they’re still alive.

LYN HUGHES, Devon.