If the inability to throw a decent pitch on a baseball diamond is political suicide for male leaders, the flip side to this reality, when a female public figure is involved, is the inability to hold a baby “properly.” For proof look no further than the nasty treatment levelled at new mom Meghan Markle this week, after photos emerged online of the Duchess holding baby Archie in such a way that appears uncomfortable for both mother and infant. The photos, taken at a charity polo match in which royal brothers William and Harry participated, paint an awkward picture: Markle is holding baby Archie to her chest like a misshapen parcel that is determined to slip out of her hands.However, there is most likely, a very obvious explanation for this image — and anyone of good faith who has held a baby before can probably guess what it is. Markle was probably in the middle of changing Archie’s position when the photos were taken, a manoeuvre that is almost always awkward no matter how well behaved the baby in question, or how experienced the care-giver. That said, even if Markle was holding Archie awkwardly for a prolonged period of time — who cares? His head was supported. No one was in danger. No one is perfect. And besides, the double standard at play is outrageous. If it had been Harry, not Meghan, photographed holding Archie in any position, good or bad, he’d be drowning in praise. But mobs of self-righteous moms on the internet aren’t usually interested in seeking out nuance and truth. They are out for blood. A few choice examples of said bloodlust: “Meghan likes the press today of her and the baby ... always looking for attention,” wrote one Twitter user. “But she doesn’t know how to hold the poor thing.”And another: “She can’t have any maternal instincts at all. Archie’s neck and whole body not supported by her at all. No sun hat to protect him.”And yet, another: “Sm ...
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