As Europe looks at our country with a new respect and hopeful anticipation that the new president will be inclusive and not disappoint, I’ve been reworking some of my old notes and thinking about ethnic diversity in Europe.
As Europe united, I feared its ethnic diversity would be threatened. But I find just the opposite is happening. In Europe there are three loyalties: region, nation and Europe. Ask a person from Munich where he’s from and he’ll say, “I’m Bavarian,” or “I’m German,” or “I’m European,” depending on his generation and his outlook. These days city halls all over Europe fly three flags: regional, national, and Europe.
Throughout our lifetimes the headlines have been filled by regions challenging nations. Most of the terrorism — whether Basque, Irish, Catalan, or Corsican — has been separatist movements threatening national capitals.
Modern political borders are rarely clean when it comes to dividing ethnic groups. Brittany, the west of France, is not ethnically French. People there are Celtic, related to the Welsh and the Irish. Just a generation ago, Paris was so threatened by these Celts that if you were a parent in Brittany and you named your child a Celtic name, that child would lose its French citizenship. That would be laughable today.
When I first visited Barcelona, locals were not allowed to speak Catalan, wave the Catalan flag, or dance their beloved Sardana dance. Now, in public schools, children speak Catalan first, and every Sunday in front of the cathedral, locals gather to dance the Sardana — celebrating their Catalan ethnicity.
The small languages across Europe are actually thriving. More people are speaking Irish now than a generation ago. Just recently, Scotland convened a parliament in Edinburgh for the first time since 1707.
What’s going on? Brittany no longer threatens Paris. Barcelona no longer threatens Madrid. Edinburgh not longer threatens London. The national capitals are no longer threatened by their regions because the national capitals realize their power is waning. It’s Brussels. It’s Europe. And Europe is excited not about the political boundaries that divide people often without regard to their ethnicity, but about regions.
I’ve got a friend who is the Indiana Jones of archeology in Austria’s Tirol region. When he wants money to renovate a castle, he goes to Brussels. If he says, “I’m doing something for Austria,” he’ll go home empty-handed. He says he’s doing something for the Tirol (which ignores the modern national boundary and is an ethnic region that includes part of Italy and Austria). He gets money from Brussels because Brussels is promoting ethnic regions over modern political entities.
Europe promotes the smaller ethnic groups and they support each other as well. In Barcelona, a local told me, “Catalan is Spain’s Quebec. We don’t like people calling our corner of Iberia a ‘region’ of Spain…because that’s what Franco called it. We are not a region. We are a nation without a state.” The people of Catalunya live in solidarity with other “stateless nations.” For instance, they find Basque or Galician bars a little more appealing than the run-of-the-mill Spanish ones. Even ATM machines are in solidarity, offering the correct choice of languages. In Barcelona as in Basque Country, you’ll see Catalan and Euskara (the Basque language) with Spanish and Galego (the language of Galicia, in northwest Spain) — and only then German, French, and English.
The fact that these little underdog ethnic groups are all victims to a certain degree of the “tyranny of the majority” contributes to their solidarity. It even factors into the way they travel. On a recent trip to Northern Ireland I was impressed by how many travelers I met from Basque Country and Catalunya. Because the Basques and Catalans feel a kinship with the Catholics of Ireland’s Protestant North, they choose to vacation in Ulster. On the same trip, I saw Israeli flags flying from flag posts in Protestant communities all over Northern Ireland. Understandably, the Protestants planted by a bigger power (England) in Ulster are having a tough time with their indigenous neighbors. Right or wrong, good or bad, it doesn’t matter. They are settlers and they can empathize with Israeli settlers planted in land Palestinians claim and who are having a tough time with their indigenous neighbors.
As we celebrate our first Black president and the long and difficult road America’s ethnic underdogs have traveled, we can pay attention to the modern struggles of Europe’s fascinating ethnic stew, have an empathy for its underdogs, and root for those societies (perhaps inspired by the USA) to come together as we have.
Now we’re talking!
Rick…………..It seems that the USA has embraced change to solve serious problems……….we all hope good things will happen……….nothing is easy but this seems an optimistic beginning..good luck …….
Rick, I have been threatening to move to Europe for the last 12 months for a few reasons: a better starting point for world travel, a better quality of life, and because I was becoming less and less proud of my country. But now that we have a new president that offers change and hope I’m proud to be an American again and I’m as excited about beginning the next 4 years here in America, as I would be about beginning a 4 month journey through Europe. I think the next 4 years in America will prove to be quite a journey for everyone.
Rick, Very nicely put!
Amen!
During a visit to my military son and daughter-in-law in Wurzburg, Germany, they advised me that the people of the Wurzburg vacinity were “Franconian”, not “Bavarian”, and would be offended if I referred to the area as “Bavarian”. They are exceedingly proud (with justification) of their “Franconian” wine, some of the best in Germany. A lovely young lady spent nearly an hour helping me find a “real Franconian” cookbook in English in downtown Wurzburg. This is typical of people throughout Europe. Europe is a mosaic, not the melting pot we are used to in the United States, and we found that a key to understanding the regions (as opposed to countries) that we visited. Can’t wait for Rick’s new book on “Travel as a Political Experience”!
I know what your saying about Barcelona; I was there for the last four days of my 2 week trip through Spain last month. The Catalonian flag is everywhere, and to see the word “Gracies” on the door flap of trash receptacles at McDonald’s (I know, bad Road Scholar, stick a fork in me already) let me know how thick it was in Catalonia. Andalusia was no different, “la bandera blanca y verde” is prominent (especially in Granada). But this regional pride is why I love Spain so much. Similar to the States, this diversity is the source for much of the national character. I got to catch up with a pen pal who lives near Sevilla–fiercely Andalusian. She was a bit bemused when she visited Chicago last year and someone referred to her as Hispanic. After explaining that she was from Spain, it still didn’t register to the Midwesterner that she was European, not Hispanic or Chicana. The peculiar thing, she told me, was that she rarely calls herself a Spaniard first, much less European. But it highlights how important cultural identity can be for people in any corner of the world. Great blog Mr. Steves. You’re due in Houston this Friday the 14th to speak at U of H. Can’t wait to see you speak!
This is one of your first blogs in awhile that hasn’t p*ssed me off. I like the cultural uniqueness in pockets of Europe (my mom is Franconian, Diane- she does not like being called Bavarian. LOL.) Justin, for the first time ever, I am looking into emigrating to Europe, because I don’t think I like the changes coming to America.
Why…..do some……people………post………..like this?………Are you posting…………….through a…………….tracheotomy tube?…………
Rick, Recently, I had a conversation with a very bright and respected, Ukranian student. I asked him about the election, and he responded by saying that many Eastern European nations believe that by electing a black President, that some of the nations will frown on this due to high racism in some European nations. Any thoughts? – Taylor
I went to the Navajo art show and sale at Deer Valley, Utah this weekend. I had never been able to “connect” with that culture before, but had made a personal committment to be “open” and be sincerely interested in the people I met and they life they live. It was one of the most wonderful days of my life being able to simply accept another culture without judgement. They shared their culture and religion in personal stories and explanations in a sharing way rather than the typical “missonary on your doorstep” way we are used to from some religions. I had no need to resist. Why had I made a committment to be open? Because I want my country back and I must be open to do my part to help our new President help all of us. I have felt really good since.
Rick, I always enjoy reading your Blogs and your comments on European culture. These have both helped me to see Europe in a different way, and also provided education on the unique parts of the European cultural and lingusistic mosaic. In addition to the Europeans (both east and west), your North American neighbors will also be watching the changes in the U.S. following this most interesting election.
Taylor you raise a very interesting question because there have been no black prime mininsters or presidents in Europe and when I was in London 2 years ago visiting the House of Commons no black members of the house of commons and I doubt any in the House of Lords. So that is a great question, why are they so interested in our racial divide when they have not made the leap themselves. Except for the recent rulership in Germany being under a woman, I don’t think anyone other than Margaret Thatcher has had a promient position (Golden Mier but that is not Europe) and not counting the queens that inherit by royalty…just the ones voted in. Good research material Taylor.
KathyM, Canada once upon a time (and not that long ago) had a female prime minister, Kim Campbell. Despite showing promise as a to-be successful leader, sadly, her tenure was very short lived. Her bio’s in Wikipedia, if anyone’s at all interested.
KathyM, It is probably precisely because they haven’t yet made the leap themselves that they are so interested in our experiment. FYI, In England there is a black cabinet minister, there are Turkish and Muslim government leaders in Sweden and the Netherlands. As for women prime ministers of Europe in the recent past: Portugal, Norway, Yugoslavia, Lithuania (2), France, Poland, Bulgaria, Finland, Macedonia, Ukraine, Moldova. I think the world is beginning to do quite nicely and now that we have provided an example, I bet we will all be doing better. It just takes people a little bit of time to let go of their fears and negative conditionings and trust.
Thanks Gunther for that information now I have a jumping off point to research..much appreciated
Oh guys, I hope I don’t get flamed on more than 2 posts and being completely off topic. But on Clark Howard today I heard that Ryan Air is going to be flying to the US from England for now get this $15.00 on way and 30 round trip. You don’t get food, the cheap seats are hard to tolerate and the attendants are not paid by the airline they work for the commission on how much they sell on the plane so there is a push to make you buy but isn’t that amazing. Here is the link …..http://clarkhoward.com/liveweb/shownotes/category/10/104/ … apparently it will not be until mid 2009 as the owner is waiting to buy the planes that have gone the way of bankruptcy and get them for a song. here is the article “= Ryanair is widely acknowledged as the world’s cheapest airline. Clark has flown them in Europe for as little as $3.50 roundtrip. Their chief executive is a wild man with a foul mouth named Michael O’Leary. They mostly hire flight attendants from formerly communist Eastern European countries and pay them on commissions from in-flight sales of goods. This is an airline that will cram 200 seats on a 737. So expect to be uncomfortable if you weigh more than 100 pounds or are taller than 4 feet, 8 inches! Now The Daily Telegraph announces that Ryanair is planning to fly from Europe to America at fares starting at $15 one-way. That was not a typo. That’s $15 one-way. However, the actual launch date is yet to be determined. It’s based on when O’Leary can find enough transatlantic planes available at deep discount rates for sale or lease. It could easily be the second half of 2009 or later. When you fly Ryanair, your suitcase must be less than 22 pounds — or you’ll pay a $15 fee to check it in. Clark’s favorite Ryanair story involves the time he wore multiple layers of clothing in Dublin to make sure he avoided that fee!”
Afew years ago you could fly all over on Ryanair for 25 cents, 75 cents, etc. They have specials all te time. I didn’t do it, but sure was tempted. http://www.ryanair.com
KathyM, I suspect that the “cheap seats” on RyanAir will only be an introductory offer for a limited time. The bottom line is that they’ll have to make money to make the venture succeed, or they’ll follow Zoom into obscurity. It’s also possible that only a few seats on each flight will be priced that way, and they’ll use a “sliding scale” for pricing the remaining seats. I guess we’ll see?
Steve I think you and some of your bloggers are putting too much on race on this election. The Obama campaign did not at all use race to promote Mr.Obama, the president -elect.(Go to CBS 60 minutes on 11/09, an interview with the campaign team ) Race should not be the issue or the topic for that matter. For MLK said, you judge the content of the person’s character, not by the color of his/her skin. Mr. Obama won the election by a landslide because of his ability to lead, his character and his intelligence, most of all, his empathetic skill as a decent human being.
SK — You wrote about the Obama campaign and race. I think it might be helpful to think about race in two phases: BEFORE the election, race was not made an issue by the candidate. Barack Obama made it all about issues. After the election, however, we can all acknowledge that this is an incredible point in history. Think about it: As Martin Luther King Jr. said, we finally judged a man, not by the color of his skin, but by the content of his character. You might want to go take a look at a blog post at Wallstats.com (http://www.wallstats.com/blog/389-years-ago/) called “389 years ago” to see just how far we’ve come. Surely you cannot look at that and then downplay Obama’s race.
KathyM – Reports of RyanAir transatlantic flights were greatly exaggerated. They’re not happening. (http://current.newsweek.com/budgettravel/2008/11/transatlantic_flights_for_13_e.html)
Jihadi Leader Says Radicals Share Obama Victory ,,,,,http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/08/world/middleeast/08jihadi.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin…The leader of a jihadi group in Iraq argued Friday that the election of Barack Obama as president represented a victory for radical Islamic groups that had battled American forces since the invasion of Iraq.
I think we, the world citizens have become quite global, President elect Obama who represents the global DNA, only he who carries no animosity with any nations can represent us to carry and lead us to the 21st century, look, the majority of the voters from last Tuesday were progressive college grads and post graduates , non-church goers, and yes, majority of African-Americans. The whole world was watching that night at Grant Park, yes, it was a historic moment, we Americans have finally earned our respect back. Lani, you are right, we have come a long way. Namaste!
48 million Americans did not vote for Obama…not because he was black, that wasn’t the issue. There is certainly something to celebrate in his election, no question. But those like Rick and the press who forget that 48 million were not on their team are forgetting a very large part of the population that is not going away. Best they not forget. For the record, Obama is left of left..and that is pricely why there is the love affair with the media and liberal minded thinkers like Rick! Happy travels!
After reading all the blog entries before this, i ask myself, “What were we just talking about?” anyway,yeah, power. power, and those who struggle against it. Man kinds disease. everyone wants to be part of something different then that of the dominant culture. I , personally, would like to get my own flag. This flag will be black and white. the background black, and in the middle there will be a large, burgundy, fist with a an over-extended middle finger. Anybody onboard?
Rick I don’t know if you have read the politically correct manual lately but you are not supposed to call people black, they want to be known as African American. An in Obama’s case absolutely this fits.
You know there is a flip side to this,,,,if the country goes down in flames on the economy there will be the sector that will say that the country failed because he IS black. And you know pyschologically we always have to have someone to blame. The masses turn ugly very fast when you don’t or can’t live up to your promises.
Seems to me Dave and others are playing a different tune now than they did when Bush-Cheney won in 2000. So many of the Bushiveks were telling those who did not vote for Bush-Cheney to get over it. The Bushiveks won and now were in control. And, now they want the Dems to play nice? Should the Dems play nice like DeLay and his cronies did? Remember in 2000 Bush-Cheney did not have more of the popular vote than Gore-Lieberman. Dave writes Obama is left of left; does he also think Bush is right of right? He can not rationally think Bush is a moderate, can he? We know the Bushiveks are not going away; we do have hope you will not be obstructionists.
Who cares if Al Qaeda celebrates Obama? The whole world is. I think it is because they believe an adult is finally in charge and ALL ALL ALL issues will be dealt with in a mature adult manner. Dave: “left of left”? Come on, man! Stop listening to Fox and do a little research on your own.
Bravo Paula, it is TIME to think as Americans first and that left of left or right of right have got to go. Seems to me that the right of right always want to have it BOTH ways and eat all the pies they can get!! The Obama administration is going to work across all and come up with the best solutions for any major issues esp the economy.
I think there can be no doubt that Obama will be a far better president the present inhabitant of the White House. He obviously has an excellent mind, he’s a fine speaker. He will not be an embarrasment to all Americans. However we must remember that his ability to really change anything is very limited. The powerful forces behind his election are little different from those behind the dismally failed Bush regieme. Regardless of that we really can hope that the blunders and useless acts of aggression will be reduced.
Ivan….. true conservatives would never spend like Bush did! He was a disgrace in that regard. Paula….. get over the Fox thing. It’s pathetic how liberals want to ‘silence’ opposing points of view!
Obama is going to take care of everything for everybody. You are right Paula, we now have an adult in charge and ALL ALL ALL issues will be dealt with in a mature adult manner for the good of everybody. It’s going to be the best.
John…….. I’m not sure what you mean by ALL, ALL, ALL issues, but if you think this guy can solve all of America’s problems, you’re quite the idealist….. and quite naive!
Mike, Paula said ALL issues will be “dealt” with. She didn’t say “solved”. I also didn’t hear her trying to silence anyone. I heard her trying to get someone to quit “reacting” and start reasoning. IMO, Fox (cable)doesn’t have a point of view. What it has is unprincipled showmanship. All they do is use the oldest tricks in the book to create and incite unthinking mobs. I suggest reading things twice from now on.
Fox “news” is just an entertainment channel, on par with The Daily Show on Comedy Central. I’m shocked every time I’m reminded that some individuals actually take it seriously. It will be a great day for this society when the next administration restores the FCC’s regulatory powers!
Solved, dealt with, whatever….he’ll be lucky to truly ‘deal’ with a handful at best over four years. Who knows how successful he’ll be. I’ll disagree with you on Fox. Your opinion is just that… yours.
My previous post of these thoughts was deleted. Have I said something offensive?….I did not vote for President Obama, which according to many who post here would make me a closed-minded, racist, Fox-News-loving, neocon. I do, however, wish my best to our incoming President, and I hope he has a very successful term of office. It would appear that he may have to hold off on many of his policy proposals, due to the current financial crisis. This would be ok with me, as I do not think we really need the “changes” of socialized medicine and income redistribution. America needs a strong leader who can continue to keep us safe, but without the irritating smug certainty of the previous administration. I am hopeful that Obama will turn out to be more of a Clinton type centrist, and will be able and willing to temper the more radical desires of Reid and Pelosi. If that turns out to be the case, it will be most entertaining to listen to the complaints of his more hard left supporters. Who would they blame for this “betrayal”? That’s an easy one. They would blame Bush and Cheney. That’s who they always blame. God bless you, President Obama. May the Good Lord be at your side on your upcoming journey.
I am very pleased we have a new, adult president. As for the comments here about socialized medicine and income redistribution, I think people are not aware that we already do have socialized medicine and income redistribution. I certainly thank our past leaders of both parties, for it. I certainly prefer to have infants, the young, the old, the disabled, the infirm of mind to have the help they need to try to survive and live a less tortured life. I certainly am pleased we have a way for citizens of all income and social levels to get an education and improve their lot and that of their families. I am pleased to pay the taxes I pay for a humane society. I think people need to stop using these hate buzz words and think what they are saying. Don’t like socialist principles? Then guess you better not donate to your church which happens to do a lot of social service. And don’t you like the nice big, fat tax deduction you get when you donate to your church? The rest of society subsidizes your religion by letting you pay less taxes. I’m not even religious, so I guess I should be complaining that I’m not getting anything for my money. Except that I am, aren’t I? A better society.
A new era has begun, not that it has not but because we soon will have a new smart thoughtful president to lead this country. I want a country not just for me, I want a country for everybody. Having said that, I want us to be responsible with our own actions. We can start small, we can use tote bags for groceries instead of plastic bags for example, we can drive smaller cars use carpool lanes, we can turn off the lights when we are not in the rooms, we can save many things by consciously doing it, we can set GOOD examples for our children. We could even use some of our free times to volunteer in the church,homeless shelters,donating stuff or cash if we have it…….it is the little things that counts! If we start to look into our neighbors eyes or our friends eyes or our coworkers eyes and say I CARE. We are better off here than there in the less fortunate nations…
deficient character? Care to be specific and factual?
To Reba: It was Jesse Jackson who first popularized (if not outright coined) the term “African American”. Charlize Theron was naturalized as a U.S. citizen last year, and she was born and raised in South Africa. So she’s an African American, right(?), as well as Caucasian. American descendants of the African Diaspora are not monolithic. Some prefer the term African American, some don’t. Count me in the latter. Neither Jesse Jackson nor Reba, nor anyone else, speaks for Alfran. Alfran is Black. And proud. And always will be.
I am so happy we finally have a smart adult for a President. Now we can all get a piece of the pie. Before only the right got the whole pie. Now we will all get a piece of the pie equally and we can eat together as one. I agree with SK. It is the little things we do that count.
These people who say Obama is “left of left”…I wonder if they know what left really even means? We haven’t had someone really left and radical since…um…err…help me here. The Founding Fathers? Jesus?