http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/janet-street-porter/?service=Rss http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/janet-street-porter/editoratlarge-what-a-bunch-of-whingers-and-the-women-are-worst-1816856.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/janet-street-porter/editoratlarge-what-a-bunch-of-whingers-and-the-women-are-worst-1816856.html <p>They still don't get it, do they? MPs and their lucky relatives on the public payroll insist they're a special case. Thousands of families are facing a bleak Christmas with factories closing, shops going bust and factories operating on short time. But MPs live and breathe in a bubble where hardship is something they quantify differently from the rest of the country. </p> Janet Street-Porter Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/janet-street-porter/editoratlarge-face-it-martin-ndash-katie-sells-books-and-you-dont-1812777.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/janet-street-porter/editoratlarge-face-it-martin-ndash-katie-sells-books-and-you-dont-1812777.html <p>Martin Amis tells an audience he's based a character in his forthcoming novel State of England on the glamour model turned celebrity author Jordan/Katie Price. According to Amis, "she has no waist... an interesting face... but all we are really worshipping is two bags of silicone". Not just a repulsive comment, but a bit rich coming from the man who's spent thousands on improving his own dentistry.</p> Janet Street-Porter Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/janet-street-porter/editoratlarge-nicoles-sex-roles--betray-women-in-the-real-world-1808989.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/janet-street-porter/editoratlarge-nicoles-sex-roles--betray-women-in-the-real-world-1808989.html <p>On the face of it, Nicole Kidman would seem to be a rum choice to be talking about violence against women. After all, she's been raped in one film (Dogville), and had kinky sex with Tom Cruise in another (Eyes Wide Shut). She had a bath with a rather young boy (in Birth) and shagged Billy Zane in Dead Calm, her Hollywood debut – all in the name of art, of course. But Nicole isn't just a highly successful actress who's managed her career so brilliantly she now earns over £7m a film; she's decided to do her bit for the less fortunate by becoming a "goodwill ambassador" for the UN Development Fund for Women. </p> Janet Street-Porter Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/janet-street-porter/editoratlarge-tesco-calls-its-big-sites-towns-i-call-them-monopolies-1804759.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/janet-street-porter/editoratlarge-tesco-calls-its-big-sites-towns-i-call-them-monopolies-1804759.html <p>Brave new world or corporate toytown? Residents of east London have watched as large swathes of the area have been torn down to accommodate the 2012 Olympics. While the prospect of new, world-class sporting facilities in a run-down and under-developed part of the city is an exciting one, we ought to be concerned about other aspects of this huge chunk of urban regeneration. Local people have lost their cherished allotments, small shops have been closed, and a whole range of family-run businesses forced to relocate. Run-down Georgian and Victorian property (which could have been restored to add a blend of architectural styles to the urban landscape) has been compulsorily purchased as developers rip down existing buildings to replace them with brand new housing. The things that residents want – independent shopkeepers, markets, libraries, theatres and playgrounds – are taking second place. </p> Janet Street-Porter Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/janet-street-porter/editoratlarge-a-womans-place-is-on-the-platform-1801018.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/janet-street-porter/editoratlarge-a-womans-place-is-on-the-platform-1801018.html <p>Who are we being asked to vote for at the next election? British politicians are shamelessly emulating the Yanks, offering voters not just the name on the ballot paper but spouses as a bonus. That's why Sam Cam's wardrobe has been the subject of more scrutiny than any Tory policies. Until now, the job of running Britain has been the job of one person. But since Obama offered himself as a multifaceted package – the well-dressed, cool, intelligent wife and two cute girls, a wholesome photogenic first family – our politicians have opted for US-style presentation. And it's not just the Brits – on the other side of the Channel, Sarkozy's opportune marriage to Carla Bruni has increased his international profile, and given him loads of photo opportunities. In spite of her limited artistic skills and lack-lustre vocal talents, Carla makes a short, vain bloke interesting.</p> Janet Street-Porter Sun, 11 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100