It’s not journalism, it’s harassment: solidarity surrounds Samantha Armytage

How could anything remotely positive stem from a woman enduring the ignominy of being followed by photographers and having images of her going about her Sunday splashed across the internet, calling for particular attention to be paid to her underwear? It seems oxymoronic to suggest there is any upside.

But if there is a sliver of a silver lining, it is that the Daily Mail’s most recent treatment of television host Samantha Armytage has been met with almost-universal condemnation.

The fact The Australian’s Chris Kenny agreed with Fairfax columnist and author Clementine Ford on the subject is incontrovertible proof: to say consensus between these two is a rarity is an understatement.

That time you agree with @cIementine_ford https://t.co/hqOHu2JNRW

— Chris Kenny (@chriskkenny) December 12, 2016

The Daily Mail didn’t just publish the photographs of Sunrise’s Armytage on Sunday: it ran an ‘article’ alongside the images analysing her love life, her choice of clothes – underwear included – and her lack of make-up under the headline “Sam Armytage’s giant granny panties show a visible line”.

Has “reporting” really stooped to this level? Disgusting. I feel for you @sam_armytage https://t.co/ZFFTlBCgLh

— Lisa Wilkinson (@Lisa_Wilkinson) December 12, 2016

It is not journalism: it’s harassment. It’s not par for the course. It is an exercise in attempted humiliation.

And it’s toxic. Aside from the intrusion in Armytage’s life and the personal toll it could take, it reinforces the idea that a woman’s appearance is everything: that it’s open to being publicly dissected and examined.

Am I the only one who thinks it’s way creepy to be literally trying to look through a woman’s clothing to find a story ? Knock it off. https://t.co/jtOSf3FoJ1

— BenFordham (@BenFordham) December 11, 2016

The fact tabloid journalism isn’t new doesn’t confirm its validity.

It is true that Sunrise host Samantha Armytage isn’t the only person The Daily Mail subjects to this treatment. But it’s also true that it’s hard to find a man or woman scrutinised as often as she is, in the manner she is.  

 

When I first saw this ‘headline’ I thought it was, you know, from @theonion. I was gobsmacked to discover it was actually printed as a story. In a newspaper. With intrusive and frankly disturbing photos. I have chosen to cut the photos out in this post and you don’t need to look up the disgusting invasion of privacy @sam_armytage has to endure. But F Me. What can we all do to put a stop to this trashy ‘journalism’? I don’t know you very well Sam but I’m horrified you have to put up with this.

A photo posted by @jane_l_kennedy on Dec 11, 2016 at 10:12pm PST

On the weekend Samantha didn’t “dare to bare” her underwear or anything else: she went shopping with clothes on.

Someone “dared” to take her photo and someone else “dared” to scrutinise it to bring attention to her choice of underwear – reportedly swimmers. At this stage, most Australians who have weighed in, agree it is those two choices we need to examine – not Samantha’s.

The solidarity for Samantha Armytage doesn’t render “undie-gate” remotely palatable but it is worth recognising. Proof of the outpouring of support for Sam Armytage and distaste for The Daily Mail is here:      

The only story about Sam Armytage you need to read today. https://t.co/Gu0ygB5KUR

— David Crowe (@CroweDM) December 11, 2016

Before @DailyMailAU pantshames me – have been for a walk OUTSIDE with no make up & @sam_armytage style #giantgrannypanties pic.twitter.com/OUQRbQeNGD

— Barbara Cox (@Barbara_Cox) December 12, 2016

The style Queen never gets it wrong… @sam_armytage neither do you jx pic.twitter.com/TDS9VqIqzi

— Julia Morris (@Ladyjmo) December 12, 2016

That should be to @sam_armytage. X https://t.co/Cz0UXtU8Bm

— Louise Milligan (@Milliganreports) December 12, 2016

And just like that @DailyMailAU has proven they are literally bottom feeders. #undiegate @sam_armytage

— Shelly Horton ?? (@ShellyHorton1) December 12, 2016

Whether it’s headscarfs or panties, some Media are obsessed with how women choose to dress#WhatWeWearIsNoneOfYourBusiness
??@sam_armytage pic.twitter.com/dyhqX7vvJF

— Mariam Veiszadeh (@MariamVeiszadeh) December 12, 2016

Very much enjoying 30% off Bonds classic cottontails, today of all days. #solidarity #dailyfail #ffs pic.twitter.com/MMfcb6EFTF

— Jessica Rudd (@Jess_Rudd) December 12, 2016

#putoutyourgrannypanties and stop reading @DailyMailAU pic.twitter.com/elKGTb9vPr

— Lauren Day (@L_Day) December 12, 2016

For you @sam_armytage I cannot believe the bullshit you have to go through. Enough! #putyourgrannypantsout pic.twitter.com/jks0UKXTQj

— Mrs Woog (@Woogsworld) December 12, 2016

I wish I had the fight left to write this. But I’m old, tired and so grateful that @clementine_ford is on it. https://t.co/RILGbsWKaZ

— Juanita Phillips (@Juanita_Phillip) December 12, 2016

Who is up for putting out their granny undies?