From: eve@varneys.org.uk > > I've watched quite a few of the WDYTYA programs and I've been suspicious > > of a few. For the most part I've felt they were genuine. Many have said > > they found the experience more moving than they expected and I can > > believe that. > > > > I > > > As for getting angry, I'm afraid I can't see that unless those > > responsible are still alive. > > > It just concerns me that so few actors and show biz people seem ever to > have learnt any history. > Common sense would show that people generally didn't go into the > workhouse unless their home conditions were really desperate, and > generaqlly they were better fed, better housed, better cared for medically, > and probably less exposed to physical and moral dangers than they would > have been, or actually had been, outside. True, they lacked television, mod > cons, designer clothes, and the liberty to misbehave, start a boy band and > (save the mark) be a Selebritty - but most would have lacked these > opportunites outside the workhouse too. > No one NOW would want to be sent to the workhouse, but thibnga were > different then - and adults at least had to apply for admission when they had > exhausted all other possibilities. For these luvvies to emote all over the > screen as if their own ancestors had been singled out for harsh treatment, > rather than being rescued from worse lives, is not really acceptable. > EVE > > > Author of The McLaughlin Guides for Family Historians > Secretary, Bucks Genealogical Society> Sound and sensible comments, Eve, with which I entirely agree. Unfortunately, these luvvies do not seem to understand that we can only ever analyse historical events and facts within a context of the social mores and attitudes of the times in which they occurred. It is utterly pointless getting angry over something that happened over 100 years ago when the world was so totally different. Applying a mindset of 21st century values to history is just so much nonsense. Having myself been involved in TV documentaries, I know that producers want to evoke a response from the subjects. However, wouldn't it be nice if they also presented an opinion from someone such as your good self, expressing the points that are made here by those of us who actually know what we are talking about? -- Roy Stockdill Genealogical researcher, writer & lecturer Famous family trees blog: http://blog.findmypast.co.uk/tag/roy-stockdill/ "There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about." OSCAR WILDE