Woe is Wogan

I recently read an article by Terry Wogan in the Telegraph, entitled “A Frenchman’s home is his castle”. He is entitled to make derisory remarks about the French…after all it is only his opinion. I find the man extremely smug and full of his own self-importance. Consequently, his generalisations of the French are typical of his insular attitude to other mere mortals.

Having lived for almost ten years amongst the “agricoles”, as he refers to the local hard-working farmers, I have learned to accept that their history, their culture and their pride is special and unique. If “Brits” choose to visit or live amongst them, we should accept that we are guests and, as such, we should respect their way of life.

To quote Mr. Wogan: “These agricoles, the very salt of the earth of France, across whose darkened thresholds you are unlikely ever to be asked…”. What is the point of such dramatic terminology? I live in rural Limousin, a region of rivers, lakes, forests and rolling hills…an area of natural beauty. I see no “darkened thresholds”…only picturesque hamlets of stone houses with red tiled roofs, wisteria, roses and grape vines adorning their entrances. “The Gascon guards his privacy and his land fiercely,” he declares. I despair at his narrow-mindedness. Is the Wogan family retreat open to all and sundry?    

Yes, the French are very private in the presence of strangers, but once accepted, you are welcomed into their lives. I have often heard “Brits” complaining about their attitude, but for the most part, they have only themselves to blame. So many arrive here with no language skills and expect the French to make the effort. Could you imagine that in the UK?      

I suggest that Mr. Wogan (I refuse to acknowledge an undeserved title) sticks to what he does best…promoting his ego. At least there are alternative channels when he blights our television screens and his newspaper articles are useful fodder for the wood-burner.  

                                                                                   James R. Vance       janvier 2011