Despite violence in Norway, a better Europe
I’m just home from a three-week trip through Europe, my first extended visit to that part of the world — where I used to live and work and study — in a quarter century.
My return coincided with the savage murder in Norway of dozens of people by Anders Breivik, a white supremacist who hoped to spark an anti-Muslim, anti-immigrant crusade.
This kind of racism and cultural phobia is nothing new. Most European countries host influential right-wing parties that build their popularity in large measure around the idea that the continent’s vital Christian identity is being eroded.
Switzerland has gone so far as to ban minarets on mosques, and in France the Islamic veil or hijab worn by some women has been banned in schools and other public places.
And it’s fair to say that in many European countries, large groups of immigrants — from Algeria, Morocco, Pakistan, Turkey and other nations — have integrated into mainstream society far less successfully than here in America.
But during my travels, I couldn’t help feeling that these conflicts, terrible and complicated as they often are, actually reflect a hopeful kind of demographic earthquake.
Largely homogenous Europe is evolving fast into something that looks far more like multicultural America.
When I lived in Europe in the 1980s, the continent was truly white, and truly Christian (mostly lapsed Christian, actually). In Germany, where I was a student, people were shocked when I joined a wrestling team made up largely of Turks.
Turks were “auslander” and “fremder” (“foreigners” and “strangers”) despite the fact that many of the kids on my team had been born in German and were second or third generation residents.
In London, where I worked as an intern for UPI radio in the mid ’80s, “Paki bashing” was something of a national preoccupation.
These days, all that has changed radically, which is part of the reason — I suspect — that radicals like Breivik are so militant, and so frightened.
In Zurich, in the heart of Switzerland, people of all colors, nationalities and ethnic groups can be seen walking along the Zurichersee. Interracial couples are common.
In Barcelona, it’s very much the same: The “native” Spanish population is now textured and shaped by a growing population of residents of North African descent.
In Paris, that most European of all cities, Metro trains look like the subway trains in New York City. That is to say, they are filled with people of every possible background, most of them busily reading Le Monde and chattering away in French.
Indeed, the beautiful thing is that this expansion of Europe is happening without causing any of the erosions or losses that reactionaries proclaim. Venice doesn’t feel any less like Venice because many of the shopkeepers are Asian.
The truth is that Europe, like America, is a powerful enough concept to absorb this kind of change, without being “swamped” or “diluted.”
And the other truth is that Europe, like America, needs a constant infusion of new energy, new peoples and new ideas in order to remain vibrant.
(One of the reasons, I suspect, that modern Greece is so economically stagnant and myopic is that that in the 1920s the nation expelled most of its Turkish population, creating a society far less cosmopolitan, far less dynamic.)
This is, of course, nothing new. At its best, Europe has never been a static museum piece sort of place. It has always been shaped by great migrations and arrivals, many of them Islamic.
It would be trite, and insensitive, to suggest that acts of brutality such as the one carried out in Norway are merely the growing pains of a Europe that is embracing a far more diverse and interesting future.
Just as it would be trite and insensitive to suggest that acts of terrorism by Muslims are nothing more than the growing pains of a frightened and dim minority within Islamic society, confronted with the complexity of our modern world.
But it is important to remember that behind the savagery in Norway something very good and powerful is happening.
Cultures are opening, nations are evolving. And bit by bit were are proving that murderers such as Breivik and bin Laden are nothing more than sad little crackpots frightened by change.
As always, your thoughts welcome.
Although I’ve never traveled to Europe, I suspect all your comments, Brian, are on the mark.
I especially agree that Europe has always been a mishmash, going back as far as during the last Ice Age.
Much of the problems faced here and abroad are people who are having a hard time with adjusting to the 20th Century, let alone the 21st Century.
Like here, you have people there who want “their country back.”
Thank you, Brian, for these comments. At a time when I’m almost overwhelmed with negative news your upbeat observations are most welcome.
In the flood of bad news it is sometimes difficult to remember that there are good things happening too. It is also easy to look back to an earlier time when, either because of fortunate individual circumstances or selective memory, “things were better”. It doesn’t help when politicians use fear to stamp on hope for their own political advantage.
I can see people resisting the loss of their national/cultural identity. Madmen like the murderer in Norway will always exist, but actions like his just add to the divisive feelings and cause the credibility of those who want to resist losing their culture to be questioned. The same thing happened here with McVeigh. Anyone that takes a stance even remotely related to some of the things McVeigh is viewed to have believed is branded a right wing fascist.
It’s a tough thing to find the balance. We (our modern American society) endorse the idea of celebrating minority cultures and traditions and races. Black History month, Hispanic Pride Parades, etc. We certainly would never consider having White History month or White Pride Parades. Why? “It’s divisive, scary, must be white supremacist fascists and bigots!” Not true. To me it’s as wrong to limit one group as it is another.
So how do we find a balance point?
Well I am visiting South Texas right now. Over half the population is Hispanic a mix of Americans who have been here for 300 years and have recently arrived from Mexico, regardless the day to day is pretty smooth, things work pretty well. There is housing going up everywhere, unemployment is relatively low and this whole language issue is a non-issue. A good portion of the population is bi-lingual. You do hear a lot of Spanish, but it is no different than in Quebec, you speak English and the bi-lingual people simply switch over, it is no big deal.
I think it is great that Europe has finally gotten a small amount of diversity I wonder how they will do when they are truly diverse with non-native European populations reaching the 25-65% mark as we have in many states in the US? For example this nut in Norway was freaked out by a Muslim population of around 3%. The rest of Europe has Muslim populations in the 5-8% range of the population.
Bret – Some good points, but you are factually wrong on one point. We celebrate a large number of “white” cultural groups in the US.
In fact, those events dominate our shared civic life.
Oktoberfests (Germany), St. Patricks (Irish) and Columbus Day (Italy) are essential parts of the cultural calendar, all celebrating America’s European heritage.
Christmas, Easter and even Valentine’s Day, Halloween and Mardi Gras are all linked to the Christian feast and saints-day cycle.
This idea, fairly popular on the right, that white Christian people in the US lack an opportunity to celebrate their heritage and its role in American society is baseless.
–Brian, NCPR
Could you point me to a White Pride Parade that receives public support Brian? When is White History Month celebrated? Is the a white version of Jet or Ebony on your local news stand? If I have a sticker of a raised white fist on my car, like the raised black fist of the Panthers or the raised red fist of the Warriors Society/AIM, which one is more acceptable? Why should either be? Maybe I’m just not getting the point across. Being accepting of “multi-culturalism” is a farce unless you accept ALL cultures. For instance, I think it’s a complete travesty that people generally only view anything Confederate as a slavery related issue. That’s a pretty simplistic view of a very complex,tragic and important part of our history. See the “Stars and Bars” and it’s “Ooo! A RACIST!”. And if you point out the complexity of the issue, that the people who died were brave Americans fighting for what they believed in (whether you agree with them or not), that you disrespect the dead, you’re scoffed at or the issue is ignored. You don’t have to be a Nazi anti-Semite to pay homage to the bravery of their soldiers or, as you said, to go get trashed at Oktoberfest. Take the good from each culture and celebrate it is what I’m saying. That’s what we’re basically told regarding Islam or in celebrating any cultures history. We don’t ever mention black and Arab slave trading for instance, out of the question! So can’t we do the same for the majority culture here?
And if Christmas and Easter are to be included in your list, then shouldn’t they be allowed to be celebrated and supported in public areas with public funds? Is it religious or cultural? Weird, eh?
BTW- Columbus was sent here by Spain, not Italy.
Let me bother everyone.
I see myself as a culture of one. I don’t like to be defined by race, creed, culture, or any other darn thing.
Yes, I am technically white although I have never seen a White person. Then again I have never seen a BLACK, RED or YELLOW person. Yes, I am an American because I was born here. Yes I am of German decent and yes I was born and raised a Catholic. But to all of those labels, so what?
If you think you know me because of any label, you are fooling yourself.
If you need a label to know who you are, you don’t.
If it looks like a human being, walks like one and sounds like one, it is one. It is one, unique unto itself.
To me the point is what makes us American is an idea and a belief, not a cultural or racial identity. Europe does not have that advantage. There is a reason that the LaPen slogan; France for the French is understood. He can say French and everyone in France; even though they disagree with his racism, know exactly who the French are and who they are not. They allow the non-French to live in France keeping to their own culture, but are they really French or are they Arabs or Muslims or Africans who are allowed to live in France? I mean no one would really understand if someone said America for the Americans. It makes no sense as a slogan that has meaning.
Bret –
I really do think this kind of white victimization theme you’re pushing is both factually silly and politically very powerful.
That’s why I’m pushing back.
First, the notion that whites lack the ability to celebrate and command respect for their contributions to American society is absurd.
In fact, it is only in the last half century or so that anyone else’s contributions have been recognized at all.
You suggest that it’s rare to see the white equivalent of a raised black fist on a bumper sticker.
In fact, Confederate flags — the symbol of a what was, in fact, a racially vicious, white-only and treasonous faction that nearly destroyed the US — are ubiquitous and largely accepted.
The state of Georgia, meanwhile, has adopted as its flag a banner modeled after the Confederate national flag.
Finally, it requires a willful disregard of history not to understand why a minority group — African Americans, say — might feel the need to organize for the specific betterment of their race.
African Americans have been subjected to constant violence, pogroms, purges, enslavement, and disenfranchisement — almost always at the hands of whites.
(My grandfather was in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1921 when whites simply destroyed the thriving black community of Greenwood, known in its day as the “Black Wall Street”.)
So…in the story of our nation, whites haven’t been the victims, nor are they now.
In my opinion, the effort to make that into the widely accepted narrative is unacceptable.
Brian, NCPR
“White” culture is both pervasive and varied. It is celebrated by the holidays Brian mentioned but also in other less universal events such as the Highland Games that Scottish descendents hold up and down the East Coast or in organizations like the Italian-American clubs. In Richville there is a building by Rt.11 with the sign “Welsh Society”. There is an Italian festival in Watertown every year. Go to any area where the ancestry is predominantly from one country and you are likely to find organizations and/or festivals based on that ancestry.
“White culture” is a conglomerate of all these. The difference for Blacks, Hispanics and Asians is that they have had (and continue to have) more difficulty being accepted as part of the conglomerate culture. Yes, some of the people celebrating their culture in any group are setting themselves apart but most are reminding themselves of their history.
When you look at Black History Month, JET magazine, Hispanic Pride Parades, etc. and see “other”, ask yourself why you see that as divisive yet when St. Patrick’s Day rolls around you drink green beer and declare yourself “Irish for a day” even though you are neither Irish nor Catholic. Or why you are comfortable attending Oktoberfest when you have no German ancestors. Ask yourself why you feel that the Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, etc. being proud of their heritage is divisive.
The cultural story of the 21st Century for the US will be Hispanic growth both from long time families and from new immigrants. I think from what I can tell it is going to be a success story.
I thoroughly appreciate Pete’s comments (11:52AM), but I still consider myself to be Dutch American.
Brian:
How about spending three weeks in a muslim run country? It may give you a better perspective of what we don’t want to happen to the US or European cultures that we concern our norm.
By all means, if someone thinks the muslim culture suits them, have at it. There are plenty of places in the world where you could go.
JDM, I could agree with you about Muslim run countries but I also get the same feeling when it comes to those who want this country to be run by Christians.
Every single time people allow a religion to run a country, there are problems and people are oppressed.
I just returned from 11 days in Eastern Europe: Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. Two points:
1. In my entire time on vacation in those countries, I saw three black people and no asians.
2. The “citizens only” passport check line in Boston was filled with people of color speaking many languages. The non-citizen line was about as white bread as it could be
Robust societies and cultures encourage immigration and assimilation.
Our culture needs families today, we need more families with more children or we will end up like Japan speaking of a xenophobic culture that is race based. Our culture our society is not based on race. Even though we have had and do have much racism.
This will be our strength going forward. I mean when the 7th largest city in this great land is happily and successfully 68% Hispanic and it is no big deal I think we have a lot to be proud of.
European style multiculturalism always seemed to me to be a way to keep non-Germans or non-French or whatever segregated into one of their “multi” cultures. It has not been viewed as a success. You must welcome people as equals and as citizens, not as some other culture we put up with who is living among us.
Why does everyone always pick on white people and our single unified white-culture that was developed over centuries spent in bondage under other races that attempted to crush our spirit? No, we fought against the oppression, escaped from the reservations, townships and ghetto’s we were forced to endure.
We carried our heads high, even as our limbs were bound in chains, our heart and spirit remained unbroken.
Even today as the multi-cultural elites attempt to imprison our minds with their propaganda we will not be moved! We reject your devotion to soporific science, climate change, gay marriage, tax and spend liberal ideology. We will break these chains that bind! Next year in Idaho, Brothers!
Apparently I’m not getting my point across Brian. I’m not speaking of “white victimization”. I don’t know why anytime there is a question posed about race/culture or right/left politics the banner of “…quit crying about being a victim…” comes up. That must be a talking point or something because that’s not what I’m saying. I’m saying we should be more inclusive, not just politically correct. Look at your post regarding the Confederacy, you did just what I said people do- slavery, treason, hate. How about some respect for a lot of Americans that, wrong as they were (my family was staunch Unionist), were still our brothers, cousins, uncles and countrymen. Virgina produced how many great Presidents and how many of the Founders? Should all that be disregarded because they were wrong in another area?
And a Confederate flag is not that same as a raised white fist. I think the difference is clear. White supremacy vs American history. So I’ll ask again in a different way- do you find the raised black or red fist as objectionable as a white one? If you do, then why don’t you find the others objectionable? Isn’t racial militant-ism unwanted from all corners?
I would ask you to consider the difference between the pathetic drunkfests of St Patricks Day and Oktoberfest with any of the nationally recognized cultural events like Hispanic History Month or Black History month, or even Womens history month. Are you really trying to claim that White History month would ever fly? Would Mens History Month be accepted? I’m not saying we should return to the days of “Little Black Sambo” at all, I’m saying why are we making a distinction among Americans? Are we first Americans, or White Americans, Black/African Americans, Native (I hate that term) Americans, Asian Americans? Why not embrace it all instead of putting one group or another above the rest for a month or whatever. I’m not saying I want “White History Month”. I’m saying we put too much emphasis on our differences and not enough on our similarities, concerns and needs. We don’t need white history month, we need AMERICAN history month.
Maybe I just don’t explain it well. I just see so much hate among different groups. We shouldn’t be in groups based on race or ethnic origin in the first place. All it does it create hate and discontent and worries that that group gets a little more than this group or that group dissed this group. Can’t we be Americans first and foremost? Isn’t that what ML King was talking about when he spoke of judging character rather the color of his skin? It just seems to me we’re going about this the wrong way.
Knuck, some of my ancestors were held in bondage, their homes burned and they were driven off their lands in Scotland. My Irish ancestors didn’t fare much better. I get your point, but this idea that slavery or oppression is a black/indian only issue is incorrect.
I think the way to do that Bret is to live with each other. To the extent that we continue to practice large scale segregation in this country this will be extent that we have this sort of balkanization of our population.
The US South for all its past problems has taken the lead in integration today as far as where people live. Our Northern cities in the East are a disgrace with our segregated schools and segregated neighborhoods.
But anyway on this topic it is good that Europe is getting its act together a little I hope they can move to a non-identity based idea of what it means to be a British or German or Italian citizen.
Bret, I’m sorry. It’s just really, really hard not to find the idea that white culture is under sustained attack incredibly ridiculous. We have a Black History Month because white history is already taught. Quick, think of five important historical figures in American history before WW2.
Okay, how many were black? Hispanic? Indian? Women?
Name 5 historical figures before WW2 who were black, hispanic, Indian or female.
I bet you can’t. I bet I can’t without some hard thought.
Now, quick– same rules, name 5 white males. Or 50, or 500. Not as hard.
By the way, Bret. Many in my family, living today, have spent large portions of their lives as refugees having fled their homes with nothing more than the clothes on their back and some cash sewn into their clothes. They live now as exiles all around the world. I have never heard any of them whine about their circumstance like I often hear whine about how they are persecuted or they have to pay their taxes.
Buck up, Americans! Stop being such whiners. Your forbearers would be ashamed of you.
Frederick Douglas, Cripis Attics (sp), Harriet Tubman, George Washington Carver, Geronimo, Sitting Bull, Pontiac, Pocahontas, Sacawajewa (sp), Susan B Anthony, Besty Ross, Molly Pritchard….give me some time and I can do a mess more without leaving this site and using Google.
Maybe the trouble we don’t study all of our history but just the parts that seem important at the moment. What was the War of 1812 actually about? Who were the Barabary Pirates and what was their effect on the US? What was Shays Rebellion and who was he?
Something is missing in your 8:07 post. Makes no sense.
It is kind of interesting as we get more inter-marriage how this sort of thing plays out. My dad is Native, the rest of my family is all white, I identify as culturally white as that is how in general I was raised particularly in South Dakota where the culture is still pretty distinct between the two. So am I a victim? Hardly I am proud of my German Protestant Christian side just as much as I am of my Lakota Catholic side I got all the benefits of being white growing up in the 1960’s and 70’s in a state where being Indian wasn’t cool and I got the benefits of being Catholic. So there are just too many cross currents to worry about this stuff.
It will be harder to have these sorts of tribal debates the more we inter breed, they will become more and more meaningless, or at least less filled with emotion.
I think we should be proud of who we are and there is nothing wrong with being proud of being white. I would have no problem with a white pride parade as long as the point was pride in white culture however you define that and not some sort of in your face ra ra thing.
The most obvious thing in all these posts is how we are a mish mash of everything.
What people often fail to see is that it has always been so. It’s like we take a photo of one point in time and stare at it, forgetting life is a movie, not a snap shot.
For most of the history of the land we now call Germany, there wasn’t a Germany. Same for every country that dots the maps today. Forever, people have moved from one place to another in search of jobs, food or fleeing oppression.
I firmly believe the mixing will continue and will probably continue until we all reach a point where there is only one race, one culture, one that combines them all. Until then, there will be resistance until there is nothing left to resist.
“Is the a white version of Jet or Ebony on your local news stand?”
For years, it was Time Magazine. These days, it’s National Review.
On the confederate flag, some people in my town fly that traitorous loser flag, and it is a right in the US to celebrate treasonous losers. And they just so happen to live next to a black family. I’m sure it has nothing to do with race.
Finally, Mervel, I disagree with you on Eastern cities and segregation being so much worse than in the South. NYC is really one of the most mixed places in the world, with neighborhoods changing and mixing constantly. Boston and Philly have also improved in the last 20 years. If you’d have said the Northern Midwestern cities, like Chicago, Cleveland and Detroit, lag the South in terms of integration, I think you’d have been closer to the mark.