‘Beggars of Britain’ is an article written by Tony Parsons and published in Arena magazine. Considering language used like ‘shell suit’, I would estimate that the article was published in the mid to late 90’s. The article displays Parsons’ point of view about beggars in Britain.
Within the article, Parsons presents a very one sided view of begging. He says multiple negative and even abusive things about beggars. One of the points that Parsons makes is that beggars are lazy, ‘… Young beggars, who look like they could run a four minute mile if they ever made it up off their fannies.’ Although phrased rather crudely, Parsons seems to be saying that beggars wouldn’t be in their position if they weren’t so lazy. He also talks about how begging is no longer a taboo and how he wishes it still was, ‘Of all the taboos, don’t beg was the greatest of all.’ Parsons then says something rather outlandish, ‘You could sleep with your sister before you went begging.’ This is a gross exaggeration from Parsons and it only further emphasizes his dislike for begging and beggars.
Throughout the excerpt of the article that we looked at Parsons continually repeats begging, beggars and beg. Within just the first four paragraphs, Parsons repeats these words fifteen times. This sets the tone of the article as a rant; by repeating beg, begging and beggars several times he comes across as angry.
Parsons uses scatological language in his article and other abusive language rather provocatively. ‘He (his Father) would have been happier seeing us sleeping in a shoe box full of shit than he would have been begging.’ This line seems to be screaming for a reaction, it feels as though it has been designed for people to react angrily at. He also describes a begging old woman as an ‘obese hag’, this is simply offensive/abusive and I would say that it has been used either because that is his actual opinion or because he wants a reaction.
On whether this article is completely serious or not, I would say that Tony Parsons is being somewhat serious. I think that the points that Parsons makes are his actual opinions but he has probably been excessive in order to get a reaction to his article, to provoke people to respond with anger. Arena magazine was apparently aimed at ‘black collar workers’ in the late 90’s, so it was probably the kind of magazine in which Parsons could get away with being provocative in this manner. In my opinion, the article is rather unprofessional and does not display a balanced argument. Therefore, I do consider it a rant and one that I certainly don’t agree with in any way, shape or form. Tony Parsons currently writes in The Sun and this only further convinces me that this would be his actual opinion.
If there is anything more you think I should add to this, especially the fourth paragraph, let me know.
React!