Straight from the top to the bottom

Possibly the worst programme on radio is NPR’s “from the top.” Ostensibly the show is about showcasing young performers in classical music. Yet, in reality, it is all about the incredibly annoying host, Christopher O’Riley, for whom condescension has become an art form in itself. Whilst I wouldn’t call a 15 year old an adult, I can’t imagine why you would talk to a 15 year old you didn’t know as if you were asking a 5 year old what their favourite colour was. My impression – both now and when I was younger – is that talking to kids you have just met as if they are adults is almost always the right thing do to.