Happy Europe Day! A defense of European symbols
A message for everyone, especially for conservatives, do not lose the European identity. Be proud of the anthem and the flag.
From Argentina, the EU is seen as an example to follow. Yes, it has its problems (very serious ones), but it is a space where democracy reigns, economic stability prevails, and the hope for progress still predominates.
The EU contrasts with the United States by offering an idea of countries that have to offer something more than just a strong economy; for example, a better quality of life, appreciation for the environment, importance to historical heritage, and other factors that perhaps in the "wild capitalism" of the US would not have priority.
But I have found a problem. The EU lacks marketing like the US. It is still not popular to be pro-European. Or even, in the rest of the world, there is a feeling that being pro-European is a sign of being progressive, whether socialist or neoliberal economically. That's why I write this, thinking about conservatives and congratulating the left for understanding the importance of this community.
Conservatives in Europe are reluctant; they only defend their country, the EU is a bureaucratic monster that harms. Some say they defend Europe, that they love it, they say "Europe yes, European Union no".
One thing is Europe and another is the European Union. So, what form does Europe take? How do we represent it? Under what symbols do we all Europeans identify?
I have seen conferences from different right-wing parties in the European Parliament; they do not give prominence to this flag, some hide it as a symbol of evil. I understand the fear of feeling that it replaces your national flag to which they are accustomed (France, Italy… etc.), but it does not replace it, on the contrary, it adds more value; the flag of your country belongs to a larger community with similar values and interests.
Everyone who attends those conferences must see the flag of their country and the flag of the EU and feel proud… They are French and Europeans, Italians and Europeans… Europeans. Just like in the United States, Texans and Californians raise their state flags proudly, but none overshadow the national one. They wave them together.
This movement is not an invention of the extreme left; it's just that the modern right did not participate, they abandoned the European idea… But the EU and its symbols must represent everyone.
There is even the story that the designer of the flag, the French artist, Arsène Heitz; was Catholic and was inspired by the crowned Virgin Mary (the Immaculate Conception of Rue du Bac). The color blue also represents Mary, her purity, her role as protector of Jesus and humanity. How many paintings have we seen of Mary wearing blue clothes? Countless.
In addition, I'm also going to extend this idea to the anthem. "Ode to Joy", a masterpiece, an excellent decision to make it the anthem of the EU, the fourth movement of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.
How can one love Europe and reject these symbols? What do they gain by rejecting them?
To conclude, let's love this flag and this anthem, let them be our symbols, let them unite us. It will strengthen us internationally. In Ukraine, in Georgia, they raise the EU flag in their struggle for democracy and freedom. To conservatives, I say, do you prefer them to raise the US flag? or tell them to bring each member country's flag to protests so as not to offend anyone?
None of these symbols has a properly left-wing political meaning; it's just that they were smarter and understood where the world is going. We are stronger together, competing between China and the United States; we have to forge a common identity.
Happy Europe Day. Let's be proud of this community, of our family… Let's listen to the Ode to Joy and take to the streets with our flag.
P.S. I leave you with my favorite version of the Ode to Joy. I also want to tell you that this is my first article in English, any constructive criticism is welcome.