WRLD

Alex von Tunzelmann

@alexvont.bsky.social wrld.org
Historian, writer, broadcaster. She/her. Latest book, FALLEN IDOLS, shortlisted for the Wolfson History Prize 2022. HISTORY’S SECRET HEROES and THE LUCAN OBSESSION on BBC Radio 4. One of the Silk Road Slippers https://www.silkroadslippers.com
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Alex von Tunzelmann 4d

I wouldn’t want to comment on any allegations that are currently under investigation but purely from an outside point of view: I think it’s a huge red flag when parents who have been cut off try to turn it into everyone’s business so they can build support/sympathy for themselves against their child

Kate @rebelraising.bsky.social · 4d

Interesting in the context of "oh look, turns out Meghan Markle's estranged dad, who got all that media time to say how mean she was, is probably a paedophile."

Alex von Tunzelmann 4d

Yes, I think I probably saw the same thing. There are bound to be two sides to any such story, of course.

Matt Erickson @thematterickson.bsky.social · 4d

I stumbled on someone who did a deep dive on this and in almost every case the adult child has given a clear and compelling articulation of the reason for the split, which the parent simply refuses to acknowledge has happened.

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Alex von Tunzelmann 4d

I agree! The moral panic, however, does not.

Tom Mirga @tmirga.bsky.social · 4d

Adult children cut ties with parents because (1) the relationships are painful, (2) parents refuse to change, (3) finally as adults, children have agency. It’s pretty simple.

Alex von Tunzelmann 4d

To be clear: I have no sense that the number of adult children cutting off their parents is increasing. The growing phenomenon I am describing is the press coverage/moral panic, not the supposed issue itself.

Jonathan Roberts @jonroberts.bsky.social · 4d

I’d be really curious to see actual data on this. Is it really happening more or just confirmation bias because it’s something that’s been picked up by certain portions of the press.

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Alex von Tunzelmann 4d

Yes, everything about this feels like it’s designed for a scenario that really won’t happen in the way it anticipates

marykmac.bsky.social @marykmac.bsky.social · 4d

It pisses me off so much. Even if there weren’t marauding gangs, the idea that I’m just going to aIt in my house smugly going, “well, WE’RE ok” whilst leaving my kids’ friends to starve? We survive as a community or not at all.

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Alex von Tunzelmann 4d

Now we’re talking

Matt Yeo @mattjyeo.bsky.social · 4d

If you have enough supplies, you may be able to support your own defence force to keep them at bay.

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Alex von Tunzelmann 4d

Yes. I think I’d just have to join them

R Del @delexical.bsky.social · 4d

Might be your ticket to joining a decent gang though? I think we all have hidden marauding skills, we'll be surprised.

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Alex von Tunzelmann 4d

I dunno man, I’ve seen a lot of disaster movies

Michael Orr @orrorbit.bsky.social · 4d

Unless you put a billboard in your garden I don’t think you’re at any more risk

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