Washington Week: Student Voices (O)

Romanian Identity Crisis
By Paula Millar
Freelance Contributor
May 24, 2009

As a Canadian, I know this quandary well. Canada is a country lacking a strong and defining identity. While Canadians may be proud of their country, the fact that they cannot tell you what defines them as Canadian – other than being “not American” – is problematic. When pressed on the issue Canadians predictably bat about topics of hockey, beer, or multiculturalism. However, such superficialities should not be good enough. National pride reflects the strength of a country’s identity. Furthermore, economic growth, social wellbeing, and a country’s international reputation all hinge on nationalism. Overall, deciphering one’s own identity is far easier said than done and far more crucial than most imagine.

For the time being, I am no closer to discovering the real Romanian identity. What I can tell you, however, is that Romanian identity appears to be much more complex than a Canadian English-French clash of civilizations could ever be. Even with its mass multiculturalism thrown into the mix, Canada is no match for Romania. Regardless, something must be behind this modern identity crisis.

Canada is only 142 years old; Romania has a much more complex history to contend with. In ancient times, it was the rein and secession of empires. After that, the modern ages brought the rise and fall communism. Traumatic experience has the potential to complicate identity. However, while this rocky historical record left the country soul searching, it is not our culprit.

Nevertheless, the 1918 conception of a “Greater Romania” has never appeared more defunct. Today, it is impossible to ignore proof of a nation struggling to find a catch-all identity. Recent spats between Romanian and Moldovan government officials serve as only the most contemporary example.

Diversity is unavoidable in Romania. It lies in the geographical regions, religious symbolism, and peoples. After witnessing such variety I wonder how it could ever be possible to pin what it is to be Romanian down to just one thing.

Regardless, one problematic factor more pertinent than the rest remains – globalization. Unarguably, Western influence has drowned out much of Romanian identity; evidence of this is everywhere.

Today urban Romanians may continue to cook traditionally, wear traditional dress, take their children to traditional dance lessons, and listen to traditional music. However, this cannot continue.

This is because, contemporarily, many of the traditions are overlooked by younger generations. A generation embracing Western life, goals, and values is emerging. These young people are ignoring those traditions which have the potential to unite Romanians. A strong and united Romanian citizenry could demand a better quality of life, encourage foreign investment, bear the recession, and force out irresponsible government.

The apathy of Canadians is concerning; nonetheless, I recognize Romania is in a much different position. In Canada the problem is a country trying desperately to mean everything to everyone, yet only succeeding in meaning nothing to anybody. Contrastingly, in Romania, the issue is a disengaged population.

Young people need to understand that knowing who you are, is just as important as knowing who you stand with. In the end, standing together can mean everything.

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