Learning of major news events in a foreign language through the perspective of a foreign culture can be both enlightening and disorienting. When it involves America, we see ourselves uncensored and often one-dimensionally. We are "different." When it involves other nations, it is an opportunity to witness an event as that country views it. Examples?
Royal Wedding
Checking into our hotel in Castres, we were ecstatic to learn there was, for the first time, an English language channel (two even!) We turned the set on just as the royal vows were finishing. BBC provided 24/7 coverage from an exclusively British point-of-view. The British newscasters were ecstatic, fully engaged and not in the least impartial. It was a national four-day holiday. A celebration not just of a wedding but of being British. Many hours of coverage were exclusively devoted to the flamboyant, handmade costumes crafted just for the occasion, from full body knightly armor to Union Jack dresses. We might not 'get it' entirely, but we enjoyed this closer peek into the British psyche.
Osama's Death
This was the most surreal of all. Everyone we met, upon learning we were Americans (typically people ask if we are German, and sometimes, English), wanted share the news with us that "Obama killed Osama." Some expressed an interest in our thoughts, but most simply wanted to be the first to break the news. The animation of the attack was played over and over. News formatting on the French stations was similar to that in the US. However, what seemed to intrigue them most of all were the endlessly repeated joyous celebrations that made it appear as if all of America was drunkenly partying in the streets like the Munchkins of Oz or college kids at Mardi Gras. Even just yesterday at breakfast, a German man made an offhand comment about how Americans always party and shout in the streets when we kill our enemies. It's hard to fault him for his negative perspective when the foreign press offers such a narrow viewpoint.
DSK
This is the French politician arrested for sexual assault in New York City. And, yes, that is what he is always referred to in the French press - just 'DSK' - as if he were an icon. They seem to be in a national state of shock and soul-searching. Especially, as more facts about past criminal behavior and indiscretions come out. There is a national dialog taking shape about the role of the press to ferret out illegal behavior versus historical reticence to pry into people's private lives. Very different approach from the American journalists who have no qualms about diving in head first.
This begs the question, 'What will Spain bring?'
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More pics of Oloron-Sainte-Marie and the looming Pyrenees.
Sainte Marie Church built in celebration of the capture of Jerusalem during the first Crusades. The church has been for many centuries a pilgrim destination.
A closer look at two Moors supporting the main column of the church portal.
Moorish influence in the interior of the Sainte Marie church.
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Tess, interesting observations about hearing major news overseas. Sad to hear that the main impression of the U.S. reaction to Osama's death was wild partying. That is so narrow and not representative of most peoples' actions & thoughts about it. Diane
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