Blog 26: Integrating a quote

The quote, “Union gives strength to the humble” was written by Pubilius Syrus and is sourced from the Maxims. It represents brilliance in the strategy that led to the success of the Roman Empire in its youth. The unity and its result, Pax Romana , the peace of Rome was a golden age for Europe. This was in most part due to the ability of the Romans to create a union by appeasement.

 The nutshell of Syrus’s quote is that to be united, you must always compromise. However this compromise should not cost the greater good. Too much compromise caused the very Empire of Rome, to collapse.

After more than two millennia, the same quote applies more than ever to the new empire of Europe, the European Union. Encompassing around sixteen countries with endless variations in languages cultures and religions, compromise becomes inevitable. So far the EU has been able to discuss most of the issues by promising a brighter future for all its constituents.  Come depression and the quote will be tested to its utmost. Compromise and dialogue will frustrate as parties will want more for themselves and less eager to give in. If Publius and his Europe can overcome they will reap the benefit of a stronger union and prosperity. There are however, always chances that they won’t. 

Essentially, what should be expected of the Union would be to ensure that leaders use calm judgments to proceed with decision making. Laws such as the banning of Burqas in France are classic examples of internal conflicts of the EU. How European in member of the Union. That is the question.

Blog 24:Integrating a quote

In continuation with me integrating quotes in the “Day of the Dove” I will integrate this quote to expound on how unity is sometimes seen as an expression of weakness. Unity is often based on making sacrifices and this can be seen as a sign of weakness by others. The understanding of how unity can be both a sign of weakness or strength has always been a question for major nations and empires to resolve. Wars have been fought over its definition. In the episode in question, unity is initially seen as giving in to weakness but is later seen to be the only way to solve the problem.

In this movie for example, the Klingons continue to persist in their distrust for the peace offered by the Federation. The reason for this is obvious but what the Klingons fail to comprehend is the complexity of the peace involved. Essentially the quote used by Don Williams reflects the dual nature of unity and peace. What we come to realize out of the episode is that it pits both these extremes of outlook of unity. The European Union which will be core argument on the survival of unity displays this very essence of unity. The diversity on the union proves to be a challenge right now, but with time it can become the most invaluable asset to its people.

“Why is it that an extended olive branch often turns to a clinched fist of hatred?”

 Don Williams, Jr quotes (American , b.1968)

Blog 23: Integrating a quote

My primary argument for the episode “Day of the Dove” will be that more can be achieved if people unite instead of remaining fragmented. The primary example I will cite is the integration of the different European nations into a union, the European Union. This union will occur despite differences of faith, language and culture existing within each European nation. All of Europe is a melting pot, with each country supporting substantial cultural variety. How on Earth will they be able to unite themselves? 

People who come together to must search for common ground. This is true especially if they have differences to overcome. Balthasar’s quote hints at this ground. Faith and language are matters of personal nature and their defense is subject to passion. On the other hand, if someone is provided with another matter of pride and interest; that can replace faith and language. In other words, if a person can love the greater good, he can forsake the possessive passion on certain beliefs and embrace a greater good.

Essentially the European Union can only be a reality if Europeans look beyond their national identity and recollect their combined and shared heritage as citizens of Europe. This can be possible because of the conjoined nature of the European culture, shared values and history. European dynasties were linked by marriage and the entire continent at different times was united under empires (Roman). Hopefully this weight of history will pull the union through hard times.

Even if a unity of faith is not possible, a unity of love is.
:-Hans Urs von Balthasar

Blog 22: research on integrity of EU

This article focuses on how the European Union can withstand the pressures of diversity to remain a single entity. The article focuses on how the sense of history between two different people can separate them and yet bring them together later. The history of Europe reflects this amply when the later industrial wars bitterly divided the major powers of France and Germany. Yet by the 1950’s the two nations were ever more conciliatory under the ideal of a united nation as under Charlemagne.  

The dangers it faced as a process of this evolution included hypocrisy of state and undermining the hierarchy of society. This has occurred in certain countries where it has led to a breakdown of social order. The ideal example per the paper would be Zimbabwe. Immediately after independence as the country attempted to keep peace between the blacks and whites, ethnic hatred tore across the country fuelling stereotypes. The paper also focuses on how stereotypes positively reinforce each other and how it sets a personality for all people of the country to emulate. 

The power to discern negative stereotypes from the positive ones remains at the hands of the viewer. This article concludes by alluding that history might often make the right choice for us.                                                                      

Bibliography:

Monnet, Jean. "How much diversity can the EU withstand?." miami.edu. University of Miami, 05 08 2005. Web. 26 Jan 2011. .

Blog 20: Research Paper

The work I read today was probably the most interesting and related directly to the episode “The Day of the Dove”. The article focused on the development of the European Union despite the significant cultural and religious scions that exist within the fabric of Europe. This has been largely successful ironically by the promotion of what is a European stereotype of itself. The notion of belonging to Europe as a single political entity is due to this stronger stereotype.

The article goes on to explain what the definition of a stereotype is. A stereotype according to it is the generalized belief or attribute towards a group of people based on a layman’s understanding of the subject. Essentially a stereotype is a double edged sword. As seen in the episode the negative connotation of the stereotype brings about a polarized divide. Once the difference is bridged the two species collaborate to defeat the external threat.

The conclusion that can be drawn is that people if given the option, be willing to look at the positive stereotype which would reaffirm the bonding of the community. However as in Europe, in times of crisis and danger these bonds will be tested. A country or people who shape ideals that resonate positive stereotypes will reinforce the understanding between the people. Stereotypes are after all great teasers, pushing people to get to know the other side better.

Bibliography:

Tavares Ribeiro, Maria Manuela. "Europe of Cultural Unity and Diversity." Eurolimes 9.(2010): 21-27. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 25 Jan. 2011.