Where we try to define 'inspirational' and clearly fail

Yesterday we heard on the radio that Cheryl Cole has been voted the most inspirational woman of the decade. To be fair, Eldest's attention was drawn not by the story itself, but by her parents snorting with derision in the front of the car. She wished to know what was going on, and why we were unimpressed with it. And what 'inspirational' meant.

"Inspirational means someone who makes you want to be like them, to be a better person. So an inspirational person needs to have done something pretty special - like overcoming poverty or disability to do something fantastic, or helping save lives, or writing a book, or inventing something amazing, or campaigning to change things. Cheryl Cole sings a bit, and she looks pretty on the telly. We don't see that as being inspirational. What do you think?"

"No, it's not," Eldest agreed.

"So, who do you think is inspirational? Who do you think should be voted the most inspirational woman of the decade?"

Eldest thought for a moment.

"Alesha Dixon."

We've a way to go, I think.