Should Meghan Markle Take Protection From Media Bullying?

Meghan Markle hasn’t had it easy ever since she became Prince Harry’s wife. The former actress, who’s currently the Duchess of Sussex, has been subjected to ruthless media scrutiny—and bullying, to be precise. While many are of the opinion that Meghan likes attention—irrespective of whether it’s good or bad, several have questioned the unfair treatment being meted out to her.

Many Quora users feel that it was meant to be that way, and even Meghan was aware of what was coming her way. “Let’s face it, a certain subset of the media was always going to dislike the Duchess of Sussex from the very day she was launched into the spotlight as Prince Harry’s partner,” Alan Tyson, a Quora user from the United Kingdom, said. “That mind was always made up, cemented and sealed with a disapproving kiss,” Tyson added.

Albeit the brickbats hurled at the Duchess is, in a way, uncalled for, many are of the opinion that Meghan is doing just what she pleases. “She isn't being bullied more than any other person who wants to do things their way instead of the way they have been done for years,” another Quora user named Clair Chase said. “As she said in an interview 'I don't want to wear glass slippers, I want to shatter the glass ceiling.' She has been successful in doing that. She can't expect everyone to approve. Meghan loves attention. It doesn't matter if it's good or bad.”

Thinking along similar lines, another user inferred that Meghan voluntarily wedded into a royal family, and was well-aware of the consequences of her actions and the media glare that her position would attract. So, in a way, the harsh comments weren’t necessarily bullying—but could be termed “ legitimate criticism” rather.

While Meghan has been accused of not quite making the cut as a royal, it is evident that the Duchess is taking baby steps and will eventually get better at it.

“The Duchess isn’t going to get everything right the first time, she’s made a sudden jump into what is essentially an alien culture,” said Tyson. “My opinion? The media and the gossipers united are punching a child for dropping a plate. I’ve always despised the idolatry and blind worship of celebrities. It’s not for me. But reading about the hatred the Duchess receives on an hourly basis has made me realize there is one thing I hate more: calumniation,” added Tyson.