Last night’s episode of Who Do You Think You Are? was an excellent example of why this series is so compelling. The actor, Hugh Quarshie (above), was in search of his roots on West Africa’s Gold Coast, modern-day Ghana. One scene had him in his ancestral village meeting the local Chief, a cousin it transpired. They exchanged civilities and once mutual respect had been established the Chief, looking impressive in his black and white robes, asked Quarshie where he lived. ‘Temple Fortune’, Quarshie replied, smiling quizzically, ‘near Golders Green. Have you visited London?’. A pause from the Chief, then: ‘Ah, yes. I live in Edgware’.
The scene was emblematic of WDYTYA. It continually establishes the many ways people are connected and it’s moving because it turns out that the whole world can be your brother – or at least distant cousin or great-grandparent. Dervla Kirwan had a Jewish great-grandfather whose life was ruined by anti-semitism in Edwardian Dublin; Rupert Penry-Jones is descended from an Indian ‘native’; Bruce Forsyth’s ancestor was a US-based gardening designer and bigamist; and Quarshie found himself establishing an affectionate relationship with cousins in flat and chilly Holland as well as in hot and humid Ghana. In previous series millionaire Jeremy Paxman found himself in tears at the fate of his workhouse-bound female ancestor, and Stephen Fry was moved to witness the still desolate site where his East European Jewish family had once lived and worked.
I have no doubt that the producers seek out this sort of exotic relationship – why not? they’re interesting – but that doesn’t make them any less valid than the more everyday ones. One finishes most programmes full of empathy, even with feelings of solidarity. In fact, it presents one of the best arguments for altruism based on universal brotherhood that I can recall. Showing is so much more effective than telling, especially when it’s edited into such compelling personal drama. I imagine it’s one of Nick Griffin’s least favourite bits of telly. Perhaps this makes it one of the most politically worthwhile programmes on today?
Yes, the surprising truth about family trees – that ancestry is largely a matter of personal choice – is that you’re not special. Or possibly, that everyone is. It’s a terrifically powerful argument against the coherence of racial discrimination. This should work against the Family Tree industry, but it’s also a consolation to know your place in the scheme of things.
what Brit said!! Srtrangely I have very little desire to know much about my own ancestors, but I do find the programme very interesting
It’s a performance. If someone’ll pass around the hat, I’ll go fetch the violin…
the most interesting story I heard was the one about Michael Parkinson. Apparently they cancelled his appearance because they couldn’t find anything interesting about his ancestors. He seemed quite miffed about this. What a bastard! He wished his ancestors had suffered in life just to give his celebrity more appeal. I suspect for many they’re weeping tears of gratitude.
Anyway, after Alex Haley’s Roots this is all just a bit too soapy.
Ian, it is indeed TV with all that involves. And Alex Haley’s Roots was soapier than an Imperial Leather factory.
Love “Who do you think you are”
An excellent subject would be Adam Schoon who occasionally appears on “The Antiques Roadshow”
What little he told me concerned his grandmother, father & uncle fleeing west across Germany with the Russians in hot pursuit. They were caught & his mother was raped & became pregnant. They finally reached Berlin where his father was handed over to the British sector & his uncle to the American. I don’t know what happened to the mother nor the unborn child.
I’m sure his story would make compulsive viewing.
That does sound a gripping subject and it concerns events that aren’t that known about in this country. The Russians (still) wouldn’t like it though…
Jonathan, if it does happen I hope you receive an agent’s fee!