An article published in Medium on 14 May entitled '6 Things
not to say to Circassians on 21 May' provokes a comeback answer to
each of the 6 taboos. The author might as well have invited readers to dissect
and critique each nationalism-drenched word included in the 6 bullet points. On
the occasion of commemorating the Circassian genocide and exodus -
Circassian Day of Mourning - on 21 May, a polite yet naïve request came
in by a Circassian-history-revival activist in the form of do nots. The
author argued that the following statements not only infuriate fellow
Circassians, but are also void of precision, morality, and empathy.
I beg to differ.
First, the 6 commandment-nots…the 6
not-to-say-phrases.
- I think it’s time to get over it.
- 1763–1864? Isn’t that ages ago?
- There are other issues in the world.
- You should just be proud of your current citizenship/country of residence.
- Isn’t this too much nationalism?
- How is what you are doing going to make any difference?
According to the writer, it would be a mistake to forget the genocide,
whereby the perils of such an act are equated with the consequences of
forgetting the Palestinian Nakba. The deportation is not that far past in
history, and no, nationalism is not being accentuated by the continuous
glorification of heritage.
It is hard for any observer to sympathise with the
romantically-saturated rhetoric that serves little purpose, especially amidst
current events in the very region where most Circassians live. To equate the
injustice, infliction of suffering, and substantial ordeal of Palestinians with
that of present Circassian diaspora is simply insulting. Circassian communities
are well respected and integrated in each hosting nation – nations that must have become the homes of the Caucasian immigrants by now. Not letting go
of the past is exactly what has caused such injustice in Palestine, where the
atrocities borne by Jews on the hands of European regimes in the 20th century
continues to justify barbarities in the 21st. Insisting on belonging
to a genetic family tree instead of integrating into a community forest will
not right the wrongs and will not change history. Rights will not be restored
by a continuous reminder of a tragedy that must be forgotten in order to move
on.
Yes, it is time to get over it. Yes, it is past history and no
sentimental value could be rationally attached to a non-existing cause. And yes,
there are more important issues in the world, notably one in the immediate
vicinity. Belonging and allegiance to fellow citizens indeed carries more value
than centuries-old ancestral ties, and yes too much nationalism is dangerous
and has proven to be so. And no added-value is attached to lamenting the past
and passing on memories, instead of purpose.
Keeping tradition alive is commendable and contributes to cultural
richness. However, when historic preservation carries subtle racist tendencies
that aim at guaranteeing membership to a club privée of the ousted
and wronged, self-inflicted alienation is almost ensured. Loving
one´s nation – may it be confined to national boundaries or extended to a
common past – should not be unconditional. When loving thy people comes at a high cost of
prioritising race over humanity, romance over reason, tradition over virtue,
and pride over empathy, it stops being love, and turns into obsession.
Too much love can kill you indeed. In fact, and in an analogy that was
used perfectly by one of the most fatally attractive minds, love can
become an obsession that slits wrists.
Circassian readers, no offence meant at all.
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