Professor Mary Beard's appearance on U.K. T.V. programme Question Time evidently led to her suffering vile on-line abuse from numbskull trolls whose behaviour is clearly inexcusable.
Why trolls seized upon Mary probably had more to do with the view she expressed on the issue of immigration and its effect upon the Lincolnshire town of Boston than anything else. Mary, it seems, expressed a view based on the verity of Boston Borough Council's "Social Impact of Population Change on Boston" report.
An audience member, a Mrs Rachel Bull, expressed the contrary view based, she said, on her experience of living in and around Boston over many years.
I have little doubt that Mary Beard and I hold different political views. Likewise I am sure that neither one of us would feel any bitterness or hate towards the other because of any difference in opinion. Respect: it's not a word in the Troll Dictionary (which, incidentally seems to attach more importance to the first six letters of the alphabet. ( although frankly I found "E" a considerable challenge !)
Nevertheless, Mary, I do wonder whether being a Classics academic might sometimes be a serious handicap; especially so when it comes to dealing with matters of a political nature. Questioning sources and testing the accuracy of information before reaching conclusions is generally good practise. However to allow such distrust must be an extreme challenge for one with such a kind heart.
As for the numbskull trolls there is little more to say - but so much more to pity. Bless their little cotton socks.
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