Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

i Editor's Letter: Give back to society

 

Stefano Hatfield
Saturday 31 March 2012 01:12 BST
0Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

It's Pavlovian. When a journalist enthuses about something, there is a knee-jerk cynical response among certain readers: "Well, that's got you a free iPad", "That's you sorted for Emirates upgrades", and other such hilarious rejoinders.

This week I've been trolled for it twice: by recommending Mad Men, and celebrating the British genius that is JK Rowling.

It's part of the malaise I described yesterday: we suffer from such collective insecurity that we find it easier to knock things down than build them up. It takes much more confidence to be positive and enthusiastic than to be negative. As an aside, that's actually one of David Cameron's stronger personality traits.

As a moody, pretentious student, I revelled in cynicism. It seemed "cool" to put everything down and rage against the man, or the machine. In truth, there was little to rage against at Exeter University other than Sloanes and the dreadful weather. This was my rebellion against my Ma's indefatigable enthusiasm in the face of huge life obstacles.

Only when I moved to New York did I truly understand the chasm between healthy scepticism and debilitating cynicism. To live in America is to appreciate the difference between their all-too-easy-to-mock "can-do" attitude, and our creeping "why-bother?" culture. It wasn't just about backing business start-ups or recommending restaurants, it was their almost universal desire to "give back" to society, be it through charity or coaching, and the joy they take in introducing people they like to other people they like. I became determined not to conform to a "miserable Brit" tag.

So, come on, i readers. Let's rise above donorgate, pasty politics and fuel fiascos - what are you proud of in Britain? What do you enthuse about? Tell us. It will make you feel better.

Follow @stefanohat

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

0Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in