What do Spaniards Think of Franco?
Another question. I've been curious about Franco for quite some time now, but searches on the internet prove to be contradictory. I've read in some articles that the Spanish Government 'has been refused to officially recognize Franco's regime', and that it is 'seeking to ban portraits of Franco and his name from public places'. On the other hand, I've also seen articles about how '1 out of 3 Spaniards Still Approve of Franco', and that 'Franco's grave is still visited by many fans every year'.
Is this both true?
Is Franco a controversial topic in current Spanish politics and history? Is it like Fujimori's regime in Peru, where people haven't yet reached a consensus on how to view his dictatorship? Or is it simply not an important matter in modern-day Spain? (In which, I mean, is it a matter where everyone feels strongly one way or another?) Or maybe, it depends on the region? (Like in Peru, for example, I heard that the further you live from Lima, the more Anti-Fujimori you are)
How big of a figure is Franco to Spanish people? I mean, what do Spaniards learn about Franco during history classes in school? Is it still a controversy, or has the controversy been settled? Is there a still strong 'pro-Franco' sentiment in Spain?
2 Answers
This is a very good question and I wish I could have more insight into it, as I am also interested in this topic. I can give a tiny bit of information from my own reading and studies, though. I think the major category that many Spaniards fall into is that of disdain for Franco's regime for many reasons, but two evidences come to mind right now. One is that of el destape, which refers to the Spanish society's taking advantage of the new lack of censorship after living under that which was imposed on them during Franco's regime. Movies, magazines, and other media had been censored until the fall of his regime, and once this was over, the media and citizens took advantage of their new freedom of sexual expression, as seen by the proliferation of imporoperly clad women at beaches and in magazines. Another issue is the fact that the Spanish national anthem no longer has lyrics. I am familiar with one set of lyrics, though I am not sure if they are the original. At any rate, whether these or others were the ones in use during Franco's regime, I have heard that the original lyrics were very franquista and they were quickly discarded after the fall of the regime. This, to me, shows the general societal contempt and shame for Franco's rule over Spain, although it is probably not unheard of at all to find a Spaniard here and there who is "pro-Franco." I'm sorry I can't give a better answer to any of your other questions--I'm just learning myself!
Thanks, Felix, for giving me the opportunity to think through an answer for this question! I forgot to tell you that my sources for this information can be found right here:
