life in this republic
for sale
Across from the forest right by our house is a place that sells Christmas trees during the holiday season. This sign is supposed to say "prodej stromků" which means "Christmas trees for sale". Unfortunately, some local teens (probably students of mine) erased key letters and now the sign reads "prodej romů" which has an altogether different meaning..."Gypsies for sale". The Roma (Gypsies to you and me) are a despised people group here. As we walked by this sign on Christmas Eve on our way to the castle to sing Christmas carols, our Czech friends commented on the sign by saying, "that would be the shortest line in the world", meaning the Roma are so worthless no one would buy them. I know that in part they have earned this reputation, I know that I can never fully comprehend the clash of the Czech and Romany cultures and I also know that it goes back centuries and I am an idealistic newcomer. I still can't help but wonder at how prejudice continues to grow until someone says "Enough!". It doesn't burn out by itself, it has no half-life. It takes a conscious decision to put it to an end. There is as much prejudice against the Czechs on the side of the Roma...I wonder who will be willing to say "enough"?
1 comment:
Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!
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