Orwell was deadly serious in arguing that capitalism, faced with a largely literate and free electorate, could only by means of cultural debasement maintain a class system so grossly unequal and inequitable. He knew nothing of Habermas and Frankfurterschule neo- Marxism. Old George worked it out for himself. Rebekah Wade in her seclusion may think she understands the common people or she may just be selling her master's newspapers on the street. But she certainly stirred a mob reaction on an issue that needs sensitive and informed leadership - incitements to thought not precipitate action.
Panics make news, statistics are boring and demanding.
I said yes. It takes political courage to appeal to the best instincts of people, not the worst.