Are the Guignols anti American?

 

Les Guignols, the daily satirical program on the French TV channel Canal+ is often mentioned as evidence of anti-Americanism of the French media by many Americans and sometimes by the French themselves. 

Particularly recognizable is Mr. Sylvestre, a character who is supposed to embody the greedy, warmonger, cynical, coarse, rude and uneducated American. It is of course not by accident that Mr. Sylvestre bears all the features of American actor Sylvester Stallone*. As well, it comes as no surprise that Mr. Sylvestre favors the war in Iraq, describes the French as “les fromages qui puent” (the stinking cheeses) and is the CEO of the “World Company”, the very symbol of the world economy which he runs with the help of a few dozens of his clones. 

He so much represents the immorality and brutal force of the ruling class that the character is also used to portray the cardinals who surround the Pope and are, in the eyes of the program, responsible for all the lies that are told the world over to cover his misdeeds. 

And yet, for all the animosity he is supposed to arouse, Mr. Sylvestre is unexpectedly very popular with the program’s followers who seem to know perfectly how to decipher the parody. They also know they’re watching the one French channel that is the most pro-American French TV station. 

And while Les Guignols might be a tad hard to swallow for American watchers, one can’t help notice there’s no hint of any hatred towards America, or towards Americans for that matter. 

No hatred, but certainly a bit of contempt. But is that enough to consider Les Guignols as evidence of French anti Americanism?

And for what it’s worth, how about an American version of the Guignols? Wouldn’t that be badly needed in these times of extreme division in America?

*It is interesting to note that Sylvester Stallone was awarded an official decoration by the then Minister of culture Jack Lang back in 1992. At that time, Mr. Stallone said that he chose his “Rambo” nickname as a tribute to the French poet Arthur Rimbaud. Hummmmm…..?

Note : If that can be any proof that the show is an equal opportunity offender,  Jacques Chirac was  surnamed Super Menteur (Super Liar), a superhero with no shame about making the most outrageous lies and the most untenable promises.