Yesterday she told the times:
that anorexia was "one example of the way [young] people have become very self-regarding".
She said: "I am alarmed by anorexia among young people, which arises presumably because they are preoccupied with being beautiful and healthy and thin.
"No one has anorexia in societies where there is not enough food.
"They do not have anorexia in the camps in Syria. I think it's possible anorexia could be about narcissism."
It did not take long for the "professionally offended on behalf of others" brigades to lambaste her on TwitFace to the point where she felt that she had to go all mea maxima culpa with this:
I did not expect the [Sunday Times] to quote my views on anorexia and am full of regret that my reported views have caused distress. I am deeply sorry.
Why?
Why is she sorry? Are we not allowed to express views others disagree with? Is there some law that says we have to apologise and whip ourselves publicly with willow branches to make amends?
I would have preferred it if Bakewell had stood up to the 'digital' mobs and explained what she meant. If they then did not like it: tough.
These incidents are happening too frequently for us to be comfortable with.
