Friday, August 8, 2008

Belgium: The Most "Successful 'Failed-State' of All Time"

It is a bit difficult for a foreigner to understand just how much the Flemish and Wallonians dislike each other here in Belgium, but this article from Monday's New York Times does a pretty good job of shedding light on the struggle over language, identity and culture taking place here.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/04/arts/04abro.html?ex=1218513600&en=87dd9c6ad139530b&ei=5070&emc=eta1

Can't they all just get along?

1 comment:

Amanda said...

This is the part in the movies when the plucky ingenue (you) runs out into the street and begins to sing a catchy tune that makes everyone fall in love with you, each other, and the country. Maybe something about love and frites, sung in a Spanglish-like blend of French and Flemish. Frenish? Flemch? The song will be titled "You can't spell Fabulous with out the F in French and Flemish" or something along those lines. I'm still working out the details. Anyway - get yourself a brightly colored scarf and tap shoes and get ready to SING my dear!