A project not finished yet.
Personal thoughts regarding European identity.
What does jumping the borders and boundaries mean to me?
There is the dimension of moving in a specific space. It starts from your family house to school for the first time, then travelling to a beach 100 km away from the place you grew up and it gets further and further, according to your will. Every time you make a step in the space, you are taking the risk of being surprised. It seems that people benefit from this movement into space. It starts from the pleasure you give to your eyes. Beautiful different landscapes, architecture, the looks of the people, their clothes, their markets and streets. Then the other senses follow…feeling cold, wet or sweaty! Tasting unknown food and listen to different sounds. It is said that horizons are getting broader, a feeling of self-fulfilment is being boosted in a physical and mental level, and a tolerant point of view is getting developed.
By moving in space you move yourself also from the familiar to the unknown. It is frightening but also challenging. The last years I am moving in the space of Europe, crossing the borders of my country. The reason every time is different and emotionally every trip can include everything! I have felt uncomfortable, shocked, alone, sad, homesick or happy, curious, interested, connected. Either we want it or not, boundaries and frontiers shape also us differently, the perception of “us”. It is normal and logical to happen. I have felt difficulty both to accept and to be accepted.
But what will be the reaction after this first “diversity shock” is a much more interesting issue. Because we are all Europeans. Or we are “supposed “to be? How this European identity is built? There are 2 ways of creating an identity. It is possible to develop the feeling of “us” by focusing on common experiences and goals. There is this other way though too… The idea of “us” created by rejecting the “others”! Which way are we following?
Taking into consideration that Europe is consisted of countries with so different cultures, languages and tradition, I see no other way of building an identity, but only one, based on the acknowledgement that we are different. The recognition that these differences exist, could be the glue to stick us together. But unfortunately, I am afraid that this is not the way it works. I am wondering if we have defined ourselves as Europeans just by excluding some others from this term. I am wondering how dangerous can this perception be. Have Europeans developed a feeling of superiority towards other countries out of the Union? Do we feel proud? For the western civilization, the arts, the education, the democracy, the peace, the economic development…. And maybe also for particular European behaviours and habits? Being polite, quiet, clean, eco-friendly, principled, and trustworthy. Are we enjoying all these goods, because some others scandalous, uneducated, loud people don’t?
Apart from this, it seems that this phenomenon is also observed even in the Europe’s geographical territory. The economic crisis is bringing strong disputes among this old family’s members. It is given space to blame, to discriminate, to judge. Suddenly, the years of happiness are forgotten and it seems that it’s time to decide, which perspective to choose.
I am optimistic. And I don’t believe in such a thing as “a bad experience”! The experience –pleasant or not- is only didactic. I don’t perceive “Europe” as a project that wasn't successful. The idea of united Europe is so deep, original and bright. It needs time and effort to make it work. It is a project not finished yet.