A well-preserved French identity

The French have always been gung-ho about preserving their unique history and identity. They are now, perhaps, taking it just a little bit too far. The country’s governing party, UMP, is proposing that wine classes should be introduced into French schools, which would teach the “history and qualities of various types of French wine.” The ...

The French have always been gung-ho about preserving their unique history and identity. They are now, perhaps, taking it just a little bit too far. The country's governing party, UMP, is proposing that wine classes should be introduced into French schools, which would teach the "history and qualities of various types of French wine." The French wine industry has been hit hard by competition overseas and decrease in domestic consumption. The government argues, therefore, that in order "to hold a forceful position in the world, French wine must first assume a strong position at home." What's next? Cheese classes?

The French have always been gung-ho about preserving their unique history and identity. They are now, perhaps, taking it just a little bit too far. The country’s governing party, UMP, is proposing that wine classes should be introduced into French schools, which would teach the “history and qualities of various types of French wine.” The French wine industry has been hit hard by competition overseas and decrease in domestic consumption. The government argues, therefore, that in order “to hold a forceful position in the world, French wine must first assume a strong position at home.” What’s next? Cheese classes?

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