American Geographic Ignorance

Map showing the Czech Republic and Chechnya.

Hi Everyone,

On April 15^th, a month ago today, the Boston Marathon was struck by bombers. The bombers, the Tsarnaev brothers, were from Chechnya. Once the news about the Boston Marathon bombing burst across the U.S., Americans and American news outlets rushed to find out where Chechnya was.  Some Americans, using social media, soon came up with the wrong home country of the brothers—the Czech Republic or Czechoslovakia.

“Chechnya” and “Czech Republic” sound very similar; as a result, some Americans mistook one country for another. Many Americans cannot tell you where either country is in relation to the other. Twitter and other social media platforms almost immediately burst out with comments against the Czech Republic after the bombing. In response to the angry, hateful and profane Twitter tweets, the Czech ambassador to the U.S. was quick to put out a statement letting Americans know the Czech Republic and Chechnya are completely unrelated countries. How sad and embarrassing for me that the Czech ambassador had to give many of my fellow Americans a lesson on world geography.  

Europeans Are “World-Aware”

When I first moved to the Czech Republic, it was soon apparent that Czechs and most Europeans are highly “world aware.” Czechs and Europeans in general are also well versed in geography. Czechs are interested and concerned about what’s going on in the rest of the world, including in the States. Many of our friends (both Czech and European expats) enjoy discussing American politics and policies. We have had many lively discussions about the U.S. at our dinner table. Not living in the States, Czechs (and Europeans) do not have a complete understanding of what happens in the U.S. However, Europeans have a better knowledge of what’s happening in our country, while Americans generally are not as aware of what’s happening in Europe or the rest of the world.

Possible Reasons for American Geographic Ignorance

The past 100 years has seen my country much involved with the outside world (WWII, the Korean and Vietnam wars, etc.). In addition, our country has become engaged in the “war on terror” and become an immense player in global trade. It would be logical to infer that Americans would be “world aware,” but the opposite is true. Why?

History & U.S. Geography. The first 100 years of American history dealt with surviving and subsisting in a completely new country. Who pays much attention to the rest of the world when you’re just trying to survive? Throughout American history, mountains, forests prairie and two oceans have come in between the U.S. and the rest of the world. When you're almost the only kid on the block, why pay attention to those who are so far away?

We have also experienced periods of isolationism, such as after the world wars and the Great Depression. Americans wanted to turn their attention inward to escape the realities of war and to create a safe place to live.  At that time, Americans were the consumers of products created in their own country. We weren't as involved in the global economy in those days. It’s easy enough to feel safe when your country is separated from most of the world (aside from Canada and Mexico) and what country has not had periods of isolationism?

Superpower Status. The United States became the recognized “big kid on the block” after WWII—in other words the superpower  country of the world. The U.S. has become one of the most prosperous and technologically advanced countries in the world, with a strong military. Strength, prosperity and technology have made the U.S. a world power, even in the 21^st century.

"Disneyland Lifestyle." Czechs would tell you that Americans live a “Disneyland” lifestyle. In other words, Americans generally tend to “bury their heads in the sand,” enjoy their safe lives and don’t care about what’s going on in the rest of the world.  I believe this is partly true, as with prosperity and power comes the tendency to create a “bubble” of safety and comfort. This is human nature. 

My Feeling on the Matter

The Boston Marathon bombing was a tragedy—one that affected people from around the world, as runners came from all over the world to take part in this event. With the advent of smart gadgets and instantaneous news, people are able to quickly express their fear and anger after such an event. Before speaking out, however, people should get their facts straight. Condemning the Czech Republic—a country that happens to be an ally to the U.S.—is ignorant, as is any form of gossip or misinformation.

We Americans need to study geography and pay more attention and care to what’s going on in our neighborhood. Our neighborhood now includes the rest of the world.

That’s all for today! Have a great day!

God bless,

Sherry

P.S. You can find some examples of the hateful tweets against the Czech Republic on a blog called Public Shaming. One word of warning--many of the tweets use obscenity. Read at your own risk!

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The Rivalry Between Czechs and Slovaks

Hi Everyone,

Today I’d like to tell you about the rivalry between Czechs and Slovaks. Czechs and Slovaks have a relationship that goes back thousands of years, and both are Slavonic. I can’t delve into the deep intricacies involved in this relationship—it would take a book to explore the interesting relations between Slovaks and Czechs. However, I’d like to share some of what I’ve learned and experienced in this close relationship between Czechs and Slovaks since I moved to the Czech Republic. Please look at this post as an overview—it’s not meant to be a comprehensive treatise on Czech and Slovak relations.

My Slovak Relatives

When I was growing up, my Slovak relatives were a bit bitter at the separation of Czechoslovakia. They said the Czechs got everything after the Velvet Divorce, which took place on January 1^st, 1993. By this, my Slovak relatives meant that the Czechs had “stolen” much valuable property when the two countries separated. They saw the Czechs as arrogant, cold fish who had stolen much from the Slovaks. This is what I grew up hearing when our Slovak relatives got together. 

These folks are probably turning over in their graves since I’ve married a Bohemian Czech, of all people! It’s best to keep in mind that these Slovak relatives were from the old generation (the age of my grandparents and great grandparents). They were completely Slovak, however, my Grandpa was part Slovak and part Czech. He never spoke about Czechs as our Slovak relatives did. So though I grew up hearing from our Slovak relatives about how bad the Czechs were, I really grew up with a more balanced view of Czechs due to my Grandpa’s views. 

Moving to the Czech Republic

I never thought too much about rivalry between Czechs and Slovaks until I moved to Prague back in 2006. You’ll find many Slovaks living and working in Prague, though the Slovak culture definitely takes a back seat to the Czech/Bohemian culture found in Prague. Jiri and I have a mix of Czech and Slovak friends, and all of them get along very nicely, especially when drinking beer. 

 High Tatras in Slovakia

Photo by natalka09101979

Balanced and Positive View of Czech and Slovak Relations

From my own experience, Bohemians do tend to think of their Slovak cousins as “little brothers,” and some may have a slight condescending air in the way they treat Slovaks. However, most Czechs seem to be accepting of their Slovak cousins. On the other hand, I’ve met Slovaks who have been almost as bitter toward Czechs, Bohemians in particular, as my own Slovak relatives were. On a couple of our visits to Moravia, I listened to talks, by Slovaks (in English) who were quite angry at the Czechs. 

One guy, a prominent scientist (who will remain unnamed) actually said that the Czechs had stolen many valuable factories, scientific centers, and more when the two countries split during the Velvet Divorce. It was a shock to hear this prominent guy speak like this—in front of an international group! Extreme views tend to exist on both sides, but most Czechs and Slovaks have a more positive and balanced view of their relationship with one another. 

My Own Experience 

After my own research and talking with Jiri and our Slovak and Czech friends, I have come to find that there are some differences between the two countries and their peoples. However, they have more in common, than not. There is also not such a pronounced rivalry between Slovaks and Czechs, except when it comes to friendly (for the most part) sports contests, such as hockey and futbol (soccer).

 Slovak Flag

 Czech Flag

Slovaks Open and Expressive

Slovaks let their emotions show more than Bohemians. Moravians (southern Czech Republic, bordering with Slovakia) are actually more like Slovaks, at least to me. Moravians and Slovaks are friendlier and more open than the Bohemians, especially Praguers (Bohemian Czechs who live in Prague). 

Slovaks view Bohemians as cold, arrogant fish. When you walk the streets in places like Brno and Olomouc, you will see more people willing to look you in the eye and smile. They are very friendly if you stop to ask directions (though Bohemians are also friendly and helpful in the same way). 

One of the reasons for this difference in levels of friendliness and openness is due to the fact that Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic, and is a major international city. People in big cities tend to not be so friendly, and are more guarded than people in smaller cities, towns and villages. Well, in my own experience, once you get to know Praguers and Bohemians, in general, they are very warm and caring people. They are just a bit stand-offish when first meeting a stranger. Once the pivo and vino start flowing—everyone’s a friend.

Czech and Slovak Economic Bases Before the Split

The Czech part of Czechoslovakia was wealthier before the Velvet Divorce. This was due to the fact that the Czech lands were more industrialized than Slovakia at that time. Slovakia had a more agrarian economy for centuries, right up to when the two countries split. 

When the two countries split, Czechs inherited these industrialized areas, rather than “stealing” them. Slovakia had to begin building up the industry in their own country, which was quite expensive. Czechs did try to help Slovaks become more industrialized in between the two world wars, however, Slovaks felt that Czechs were trying to “lord it over them” and that Czechs were more dominant politically and economically. Czechs were also working to elevate the educational system of the Slovaks in that time. There was a nationalist Slovak movement that began to develop, with ideas of an independent state growing over the years.

Czech and Slovak Languages 

Czech and Slovak languages are similar. Many older Czechs can easily understand Slovak, though younger Czechs (since the split in 1993) have a more difficult time understanding Slovak. On the other hand, most Slovaks have no trouble understanding Czech. Czech is taught in Slovak schools, and Czech entertainment media (movies, music, and TV programs) is imported to Slovakia. Slovak is not generally taught in the Czech education system. There are some words that are the same in Slovak and Czech; however Czech has some letters that Slovaks don’t use, such as the “ř.”

Capital of Slovakia:  Bratislava

Photo by:  Mandryvink

 

Nationalistic Movements

Slovaks tend to be more nationalistic than Czechs. The Slovak national movement began in the 1800s and has resurfaced over and over from that time to now. Czechs, on the other hand, tend to not be as nationalistic or proud of their own country. There have been nationalistic movements in Czech history—one notable time was just before the end of the Hapsburg rule in Czech lands. Czechs began to find a new interest in their own roots and language. However, this has waned over time, compared to the nationalistic movement in Slovakia. 

Historical Influences

Historically, Czechs have been highly influenced by Germany, while Slovaks have been more influenced by Hungary. Even so, both nations are part of the EU (European Union) and Slovakia has already adopted the Euro, while the Czechs are still working on compliance with EU rules before adopting the Euro. I think in this respect Slovaks may tend to see themselves a little bit ahead of the Czechs. 

Czechs and Slovaks Get Along Quite Well

These are just some of my own observations, experiences and opinions after living in the Czech Republic and seeing the “rivalry” between Czechs and Slovaks. Some people (Czechs and Slovaks) tend to emphasize this rivalry between these small nations for their own purposes. 

There is some (mostly) friendly rivalry between Czechs and Slovaks in the area of sports. Aside from this, Slovaks and Czechs seem to get along pretty well, and do really like one another. There are always exceptions and extremes, but I must say that the relationship between Slovaks and Czechs is closer than that of Czechs and Germans or Slovaks and Hungarians. 

My Slovak relatives had a specific view of Czechs, but I grew up with a more balanced view of Czechs and Slovaks due to my Grandpa. I have both Czech and Slovak heritage, and have married a Bohemian Czech. In spite of my Slovak blood, Jiri and I get along pretty well in our Czech/Slovak/American union.

What do you think? Do you feel there is a more serious rivalry between Slovaks and Czechs? Are my impressions accurate?

Have a great day!

God bless,

Sher :0)

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