Posted by Violeta Davoliūtė on Lithuania as a European nation
Writing for the daily Lietuvos Rytas, Violeta Davoliūtė explores Lithuania’s perception of itself as a European nation:
“This year we will celebrate with much pomp the 1000th anniversary of the first mention of the name Lithuania, and Vilnius is presenting itself as European Capital of Culture.
This is intended to announce to the world where we have been standing for a thousand years: in Europe.
… When European heads of state show up at the celebrations Lithuanian politicians seize the opportunity more than ever to demonstrate how European they are.
Yet at the same time all the events and rituals offer the opportunity to forget and indulge in illusions. For behind the polished facades there is plenty that doesn’t quite fit in with the European image: anachronistic construction projects and an increase in xenophobia, homophobia and other worrying things.
Will we manage to dispel the old myths and unite our society? Perhaps – but the European image that is currently being promoted is superficial and has little to do with reality.”
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When we that live in Lithuania see the rest of europe throwing away their traditions, their responsibilities to their natural citizens, their rule of law, and the rights of citizens to accommodate foreigners, such as muslims,
we not only have the right, but theresponsibility to not act pragmatically, and give up our home, but act reactionarily, and DEMAND cultural assimilation. We’re not a “new” country, by any means, and won’t tolerate invaders!