On December 1st we celebrated Ziua Nationala here in Romania. On Nov 30th, the students had prepared some activities to celebrate, since we’d have the first off for the national holiday. Vale told me that some of the students were going to have a debate later in the day and that it might be interesting for me to attend. Vale couldn’t go with me because she had class.
Well, soon it was time for the debate to begin. Vale escorted me to the amphitheater, told the history teacher that I was there to observe the event, and apologized that she would be unable to stay. I found a seat in the corner. I was just there to observe and learn from our very brilliant students. At least that’s what I though. Nothing could ever be that simple here.
The history teacher began with short lesson on the history of Ziua Nationala, gave an introduction to the debate, and gave the rules (which essentially boiled down to don’t use foul language). Then some questions were posed to the students and the debate began. It wasn’t so much a debate, as in what I expected when I heard the word “debate”. It was more of a discussion. The majority of the discussion revolved around the current state of patriotism in Romania. I couldn’t follow everything that was said, as the students were speaking very fast. The parts that I could follow I was very impressed with.
After the students spoke, it was time for some music. Two students, George and Catalina, had prepared songs in honor of Ziua Nationala. Their performance was great, as always. After some debate and George and Catalina performed their songs, I though that the event had concluded. Oh, how wrong I was.
The history teacher looked over at me and mentioned that I was present and was representing the United States. He made a comment about how patriotism is displayed on a much larger scale in countries like France and the United States. He then asked the students to ask me questions. Gulp! I was hoping to stay of the spotlight this time. I sheepishly nodded my head in agreement. The history teacher said that the questions would be asked in Romanian or English, but I would be free to answer in English. Bring on the questions.
I certainly wasn’t ready or expecting to answer any questions, especially questions of this caliber. The first student asked me to compare patriotic expression in the United States with that of Romania and to explain why patriotic celebrations in the United States are so much more prolific. I wasn’t entirely sure how to answer this question. I speculated that the reason why the 4th of July is so widely celebrated in the States is because in a country as diverse as ours, it’s one of the few celebrations that all Americans have in common. I said that the major difference between Romania and the States is in the size of the celebrations. In the States, you can find 4th of July parades and fireworks in almost every community no matter the size or location. In Romania, the large celebrations for Ziua Nationala seem to be centered in major locations such as Alba Iluia and Bucuresti.
The next student asked if I considered myself a patriot. I said yes in the sense that I am serving my country by being a part of the Peace Corps. Since being asked that question 10 days ago, I’ve had some time to think about what it really means. In the United States, asking someone if they are a patriot is a loaded question; partially because our country is so divided between Red State/ Blue State, Liberal/ Conservative/ Tea Party Whackadoodle. Patriotism has become a loaded political issue, not pride in one’s country. Politically speaking, I would not be considered a patriot. I’d literally be crucified by our Conservative and Tea Party nutjob brethren. To this subset of the American population, I’m the anti-Christ.
I do consider myself patriotic, but I’m also realistic. My vision is not distorted by red, white, and blue-tinted glasses. We have our problems. The United States isn’t perfect, but what country is? Our flaws make us just as “American” as our triumphs. I guess I could say that I’m patriotic in the sense that I believe in the ideals my country “supposedly” believes in: The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the values that our founding fathers set down at the dawn of our country’s birth that are still as applicable today as they were then. There’s a Peanuts quote that can be reworded to make my point… “I love America, It’s just Americans I hate.”
Ok, back to your regularly scheduled blog: the debate. The next question I received was another one that threw me for a loop and it was asked by none other than my best friend George. He asked if I would ever die for my country. Holy crap! Where do I go with that one! Because it was George who asked, I had to give a sarcastic response. I said, “I honestly don’t know. Put me in the middle of a battlefield and maybe I can answer that.” George laughed at this response. And now for my “I’ve had time to think about it” answer. No, I probably would not die for my country. This is mainly because I will probably never be in a position where that would happen. I am a pacifist. I am opposed to war in all forms, most especially this current nonsense in Iraq and Afghanistan. I would never willingly join any branch of the military. I will never carry a firearm. Even though I have every intention of living a rural lifestyle in the future, I have serious reservations about owning a shotgun. So, that is that. I can see that this blog is giving away my political leanings. I usually refrain from discussing politics or religion online, as no good can come of it.
Anyway, after I answered the questions it was time for another song and the debate was then drawn to a close. Despite the embarrassment of being put on the spot, I really enjoyed myself. I’m really glad that I attended the debate. Our students are very articulate and intelligent and this debate was another chance for them to showcase their talents. The debate gave me a chance to learn something new about the country I now call home and a chance to ponder, yet again, about what it truly means to be an American.
