In a message dated 3/2/01 9:40:53 AM Eastern Standard Time, alison_page@becta.org.uk writes:

<< It's a distinction between form and content isn't it? If we pretend that the series 'Blakes 7' was a representation of a real world: is that world in any way distinctively 'British' ? That's a different question from saying, is the way that society is represented on TV distinctively British (video format, RADA accent, no natural ad breaks etc.).>>>

Exactly. And I think that Leah's original point when this all started up was that, as far as some of us can see, as fans, the society in Blakes 7 does not seem to be based on a British society. If it is there, we, as Americans aren't seeing it and, so far, the only examples we've been given of why it should be regarded as "British" have been related to external influences and nothing within the universe itself. All of this began because of the contention that fan writers must adhere to some sort of "Britishness" when writing the characters.

<<< I'd say the british features of B7 or the B7 universe are

- not very polished - full of sarcastic bastards - successfully or disastrously amateurish - cynicism and pessimism - camaraderie combined with isolation>>>

I think that you could say these are definitely features of B7, but I would disagree that they are distinctly "British" features. There are many shows from other parts of the world that could claim the same features. Highlander has "sarcastic bastards." What else is Methos? Highlander sure fits the idea of "camaraderie combined with isolation." I wouldn't call Highlander amateurish, but maybe some would, and again that's an external influence.

<<< My experiences on the HP Lovecraft list lead me to strongly question the belief (which I myself held until quite recently) that America has a more open class system than Britain. I think the system is different, but not more open. >>

I think there is definitely a class system in America without a doubt.

Annie