just about feelings around the world - I really enjoyed going through this flash presentation even if it is part of a branding action (for the BBC) snapshots of the world - if I had the budget… this makes you dream
BBC, British Broadcast Corporation, where journalists are more independent than maybe the rest of the crowd (proper network of correspondents)… No advertising, and no (direct at least) influence from political parties (even if its sole source of financing is from the U.K. - I know this freedom of speech sounds strange, maybe it is part of the English culture - even though there are channels I wouldn’t trust for a penny) - slightly left wing to some extent (that’s fine with me).
A bit of free advertising for a good television that worths it… for a world tour, don’t hesitate to read these following online newspapers - I am not sure how independent they are, but at least, you’ll be collecting different point of views… don’t hesitate to add your favorite ones, or to comment…
Belgium would be divided in 2/3 different countries? Fine, let it be that way (won’t be anytime soon though).
1. Brussels becomes part of Flanders ? I would hardly accept this idea - even if I speak Flemish, my mother tongue is French. Language Diversity (a concept I care a lot) might be at risk. On the other hand, if Brussels becomes part of Flanders, and if the UN, EU institutions make their job, Flanders might be coerced to become a bilingual entity (Brussels or the poison pill:-). This might be funny to try (but the joke might be for a short while).
2. Brussels becomes the first European state directly ruled by the European Commission? I would hardly accept this idea (being governed by a Greek, or a Swedish, or any other European citizen except a native). On the other hand, not so far ago (175 years ago), we were used to be ruled by Dutch, French, Austrian, Spanish,… during centuries). It would be a pretty big administration for such a small city though
3. Brussels becomes part of Wallonia ? Walloons speak French, we share common media (TV and newspapers). But do I want Brussels to be managed like Charleroi ? Sorry this was easy, but well, the most populated city of Wallonia is not really an example of transparency.
4. “Wallonia-Brussels” becomes part of France ? French speaks French, we share common media (TV and newspapers). But do I want a Sarkozy-Bruni duet as a royal example ? Ok, frankly, I don’t care, but Language Diversity (a concept I care a lot about) might be at risk in this case (I love speaking other languages).
5. Wallonia becomes part of Luxembourg (or maybe Wallonia takes over Luxemburg) ? In Luxembourg, 3 national languages. They are friendly, a bit rough, but friendly, they know how to manage business, and make money… mmmh why not, I’d like to explore this idea. A future country with 4 national languages, good governance, still some royal family… from a cultural point of view, it might be very powerful…
6. Wallonia, like Brussels becomes part of a “European federation entity”, under commandment of the EC. This might get very funny, but could open huge opportunities (an open-air laboratory on how to boost a whole region, a “EU flagship”, where ideas will be directly put into practice). On the other hand, the country is paralyzed by a very complex decision apparel, economy is not flourishing, entrepreneurship is still considered as a strange concept. Tough challenge,… would be these 16 844 km² be ready to become a Multicultural chaos ?
7. The Netherlands become part of Flanders (I know this is a bit cynic) ? Dutch speak a very close language to Flemish. But do you seriously believe Flemish would like to be called “Dutch” (I mean Hollanders being called Flemish?) ? There is after all a deep cultural gap (Flemish are mainly catholics, and Dutch protestants), and anyway The Netherlands will not accept to be called “Flanders”. This could constitute though one of the most powerful economic bloc… since Flanders would leave out Wallonia because of the money…
In the case some hurdles happen (at the “linguistic border”), if things get serious, I sell everything (I have nothing) and will live somewhere else, abroad (making money and surviving is hard enough) - maybe I’ll be entitled to get a US / Australian nationality ? Cool perspective (but please, not Arkansas)… Little Belgium between little Armenia and Little Italy…
I don’t bloody care about the results of my national football team (ok, maybe except woman tennis), but I don’t mind watching a football match - I actually support the Dutch team (thanks to Overmars, so small, so fast).
I usually play low key when mentioning my origins (”born in Brussels”, that’s it, next?). My nationality is not a big deal when exchanging with “foreigners” (funny concept as well btw…).
I don’t know any Belgian folk songs by heart (and actually any songs), even if I enjoy listening at them (like any other songs from any other country). If it is possible to dance on it, I’ll be the first on the floor.
Even if I’m a French native speaker, I am fluent in two other languages (and basics in 5 others), I like to speak them all, alternatively, during the day. English is the new Lingua Franca, it’s a tool, a commodity. Dutch is a part of myself.
I prefer the taste of Czech beer (”Krusovice cerny” is my favorite), Belgian chocolate is fine, but I wouldn’t kill for it.
they are nice people everywhere (in Belgium and abroad). They are *ssh*les everywhere as well.
Oh, yes, I forgot,… Belgium has a government now where nearly all important political parties who competed during these elections, have gained official responsibilities (15 ministries from left to Flemish secessionist far-right sides - Mexican Army, here we are…)… opposition ? Funny Belgian concept… “concertation”, you mean.
Identity like national I.D. - if your personality were limited to what is written on this piece of plastic, I don’t think I would spend a sincere time with you (I might politely listen at you though).
Believe it or not, but this is my profession of faith as a Belgian. Keeping my eyes opened to other ways of thinking, learning from them, the world is big enough… up to you if you want to be considered as a cattle. In my country, we sell (specific) weapons (and bloody good ones) to (selected) third world countries (it is just for business of course), but we don’t use them at home… not legal for civilians to own one… we can make more money in other ways.
In the case of some hurdles in Belgium (split of the country, demonstrations). I’ll check what’s going on - if things get serious (which would sincerely surprise me), I sell everything (easy, I have nothing) and will live somewhere else, abroad (making money and surviving is hard enough) in a more peace minded country - maybe I’ll be entitled to get an Australian nationality ? Cool perspective… Little Belgium between little Armenia and Little Italy in Sidney… but don’t ask me to shoot on my neighbor because he speaks another language, and because we did not manage to communicate together. It is not because buying a gun is less time consuming, it brings a clever and long-lasting solution… and anyway I can’t really shoot.
