Classic British TV comedies like ‘Allo ‘Allo, Dad’s Army, and Fawlty Towers provide valuable insight into the political cultures that influenced Brexit, according to a new book.
These sitcoms reflect the British public’s mixed feelings toward Europe and their desire to maintain a separate identity from the continent. The lighthearted nature of these shows allows both creators and viewers to explore topics that might otherwise be taboo.
In a chapter contributed to the Bloomsbury book “British Humour and the Second World War: ‘Keep Smiling Through,” Professor Gavin Schaffer from the University of Birmingham argues that shows like ‘Allo ‘Allo amplify the thoughts that influenced the British electorate’s decision to leave the European Union.
Professor Schaffer explains, “Many Britons embraced ‘Allo ‘Allo as it humorously portrayed European differences, highlighting the core distinctions between Britain and its European neighbors.”
“The show also sheds light on the evolving British attitudes towards Europe in the late 80s and early 90s, as Britain forged closer ties with its European counterparts. Despite the increasing bond, British Euroscepticism remained rooted in suspicions stemming from World War II.”
According to Professor Schaffer, ‘Allo ‘Allo can be seen as an attempt to overcome the anti-German sentiment of the war era and process the trauma caused by the European conflict, while also emphasizing the perceived differences between the British and Europeans.
He also analyzes other sitcoms from the 60s and 70s, such as Dad’s Army, Fawlty Towers, and It Ain’t Half Hot, Mum. He notes that Fawlty Towers cleverly incorporates Britain’s relationship with Europe, while Dad’s Army portrays a period of national unity during the war, with the show’s characters embodying British resilience against European adversaries.
“The argument that the British possess a unique ability to laugh at themselves was central to the popularity of ‘Allo ‘Allo,” Professor Schaffer explains. “This helps to explain the British-European relations of the time, illustrating how the British considered their outlook and principles different from the rest of Europe.”
“The enduring affection for this type of humor reveals a British blind spot regarding the legacy of the war and the barriers separating Britain from the rest of Europe. Beneath the surface lies a nation uneasy about its European neighbors and its own identity. Paying close attention to ‘Allo ‘Allo exposes a narrative of a nation unprepared for further European integration.”
Citation:
“Listen very carefully: TV sitcoms give clues to why Brits voted for Brexit” (2023, July 3).
Retrieved 4 July 2023
from https://phys.org/news/2023-07-tv-sitcoms-clues-brits-voted.html
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