British Soap Operas

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British soap operas are, of course, overly dramatic. In nearly every soap opera, including the Eastenders, Coronation Street, Emmerdale, and The Archers—the characters constantly discuss money and drink excessively. Of course, these shows are not made to be taken literally—they are mindless entertainment, not serious social commentary. However, behind the drama, they raise subtle questions about the nature of Britain today: the clashes between cultures and religions, upper and lower classes, and the young rebelling against the old. All of these things could be happening at the very same time, and underlining all of these issues is the idea that no one should be trusted.

British people are often the victims of stereotype, but to watch these shows, one would not recognize it. Brits are said to be polite—not so in these shows. Rather than sacrificing comfort or happiness for the sake of manners, the characters in these shows openly confront one another regarding any and every issues that are raised. In Coronation Street, for instance, a character confronts one man she used to date in a pub. He brings up their history together, emphasizing the fact that he knows her better than anyone else. She simply yells, “That history is exactly why we don’t have a future” (Warren), and stalks away with her new boyfriend. In a country where manners are highly valued, confrontations like these are rare—but in soap operas, they happen all the time. Conversely, homes seem to be the places where people speak quietly and share secrets about each other.

Because confrontations usually happen at a bar or a pub, these are not simply settings for drama; they also emphasize the drinking nature of Britain’s citizens. Characters are rarely seen without a g...

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...them apart as distinctly British. They see that life, especially blown out of proportion in a soap opera, is full of inevitable misfortune. We may have complete control over our lot in life, our class, or our looks—but a warm pot of tea (or whiskey) and a good laugh will help make life bearable.

Works Cited

"National Statistics Online - Religious Populations." Home: UK National Statistics Publication Hub. Web. 06 Apr. 2011. .

Newman, Lorraine, prod. Eastenders. BBC. BBC1, 3, HD, London, United Kingdom, 4 Apr. 2011. Television.

November, Steve, prod. Emmerdale. ITV. ITV1, London, United Kingdom, 5 Apr. 2011. Television.

Toye, Joanna. The Archers. BBC. BBC Radio 4, London, United Kingdom, 5 Apr. 2011. Radio.

Warren, Tony. Coronation Street. ITV. ITV1, London, United Kingdom, 4 Apr. 2011. Television.

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