So, here we are again in the (much belayed) next instalment of how I would shape my Europe.

In this chapter I’ll discuss Culture. As I see it, culture has a decisive role to play in any nation. Without it, there is no factor to unite a people. Culture provides the central themes around which a nation can bond and through which it can create a feeling of togetherness. It is one of the things which makes proud nations successful. This is clearly seen in many larger nations. Also, nations which fail to install such a central culture are bound to fail at some point if the differences are stronger than the common ground found in the things which do bind the different peoples within the same nation. These themes involve customs, religion and shared icons.

Anyway, here’s a little overview of the things I want to discuss:

• The need for Identity
  • How to build an European identity
  • The role of Regional identities
  • Balancing regional Identity with National Identity
• Tools for building culture
• The role of religion in New Europe

The need for Identity

As alluded to in the introduction, a nation cannot continue to exist past tomorrow without some form of central identity. This is one of the primary reasons why multiculturalism is such a flawed policy. There’s no binding factors around which the people can unite and share a common identity and therefore nothing to unite people within the same society.

How to build an European Identity

So, what could a central theme for all of Europe to unite around be then?

Well, I’d like to lend a page from the USA. To be honest, I’m not the biggest fan of the USA in its current form, but I have to admit that we could lend a page from their play book when it comes to a central identity. In the USA, there’s a strong emphasis on ‘being an American’, and it’s actually working quite well for them. Throughout the history of the USA, there have been lots of people who felt attracted to the ideals of freedom and enterprise. Although we know the American dream is mostly that, a dream, it does provide a strongly appealing narrative for people to identify with. It also provides a source of national pride, which I think should be one of the core components of a national identity.

I think we could have a similar narrative in New Europe. One which focusses on liberty and on community.

The role of regional identities

I think that within Europe there should be room to have regional identities, such as the Frisian culture in the north of what is now The Netherlands, The Catalan culture in the region of Aragon and Catalunia, the Basques in the north of Spain and south-west of France and so on. The relative independence in this regard can actually strengthen Europe as a whole, as long as it is clear that Europe as a whole matters.

I think we can find common ground in our shared history. throughout Europe many cultures share themes which I think have common ancestry, and which can be united in a pan European shared cultural theme.

Tools for building a European identity

Well, I think that any new nation would probably want to build a strong image though the use of media and through education. Good propaganda, if you will. Not one focussing on spreading misinformation, but one which shares a strong picture of what the European identity should look like and what its core components are. Music and storytelling have always been the primary ways of delivering culture throughout the ages, and I think it’s a good way to do it. The educational system can help fortify this image grounding it in the minds of the future citizens of New Europe.

Combating the influence of foreign cultures

Since the end of WW II, there has been a strong cultural influence from the USA on European cultures. I’d hazard to say it has made too big of an impact on our own European culture. The more I think of this, the more revolting it is to me. This invasion of a foreign culture is tearing down our own identity and if we allow it to persist, we will not be able to succeed in building a cohesive nation. I think we should ward off this influence for at least a couple of decades, allowing our own culture to thrive and take a foothold. In order for this to happen we should put an emphasis on what is truly European.

The role of religion in European culture

Religion is a tricky bit when it comes to culture. It can provide common themes, but it also draws attention and influence away from the government in affairs which should ultimately be decided democratically. As an atheist, I’m abhorred by religious beliefs and the practices surrounding them. However, I have to acknowledge that there are many people whom identify with one religion or another, and that’s not going to change any time soon. I think that in this regard, the French policy of laicité is a good example of what must be done in order to separate the heart from the mind when it comes to religion. It provides a good example on what can and cannot be tolerated in public space and discourse.

This post is part 5 of the new Europe series.
Click here for part 1
Click here for the previous chapter