No, wouldn't have used the tsunami reference, but I kind of agree with him about Scots defeatism and limited frame of cultural reference. There's a feeling that the only authentic Scottish voice is a working class one - the more middle class you are, the more 'English' you seem - which in a way limits the possibilities in Scottish books, films, TV etc.
Ill-advised tsunami reference aside, he has got a point. Although, I also think he over-states his case: from Jean Brodie to Shallow Grave, there's always been more to post-war Scottish culture than working class despair.
Not a great analogy really - Scotland's not exactly a 3rd world country...
ReplyDeleteNo, wouldn't have used the tsunami reference, but I kind of agree with him about Scots defeatism and limited frame of cultural reference. There's a feeling that the only authentic Scottish voice is a working class one - the more middle class you are, the more 'English' you seem - which in a way limits the possibilities in Scottish books, films, TV etc.
ReplyDeleteIll-advised tsunami reference aside, he has got a point.
ReplyDeleteAlthough, I also think he over-states his case: from Jean Brodie to Shallow Grave, there's always been more to post-war Scottish culture than working class despair.
middle class despair!
ReplyDelete