Catalan pride

Why do I feel so proud? Is it born of arrogance? I have already said this is not so. Is it out of childishness? Is it the result of a tantrum? Is it out of an exaggerated stubbornness owing to the crisis of self-esteem that Catalonia is currently experiencing? No.

Having nothing to do with the aforementioned, it is born of the conviction, the knowledge of what Catalonia was and what it continues to be; of the way in which Catalonia is positioned at present, since there are values that we have learnt to conserve. Because we have defied the predictions of those who forecasted our irreversible decline. Because despite the difficult moment we are going through, if we delve into our history, our identity, our own reality, we see we continue to be and continue to matter. Beyond appearances and calls to bow out (some from within the country itself).

Our history shows us that we have often encountered tough times. It is not the first time we have heard “Finis Cataloniae”. But we have always prevailed. We have always had the spirit of the phoenix, that is to say, the spirit of resurgence. The spirit of the Phoenix Cataloniae.

Although we are not here to review history, it is worth remembering – briefly – the great Catalan renaissance of the last 100-150 years. From culture to economics, from society to art. From the defence of our roots to the explosion of the avant-garde and creativity. Only the 1936-39 Spanish Civil War succeeded in bringing Catalonia to a standstill; a war with more than one motive, with more than one cause but with one underlying purpose: to restrain and subdue Catalonia. Such was Catalonia’s importance.

Later, the same old song struck up again: Finis Cataloniae. For politics, for the persecution of its identity and for economic discrimination, for immigration, for loss of hope… Finis Cataloniae.

But no. Catalonia resisted.

And what has happened since then? There has been a comprehensive recovery. From within. Now – certainly we are enduring a bad moment – one might think that Catalonia may lose its edge. This is a real danger. But we have excellent assets to fall back on. And they are the guarantee, if we want, to our recovery.

We can look at it from two points of view. The more important of the two, our inner strength, we will leave for another time. Mainly because we have recently covered this question (see the editorial “Our assets”, 2 May 2007).  Second, to assess what Catalonia is and what it has been over the last thirty years, from the rest of Spain’s perspective, we can conclude, with neither arrogance nor boastfulness, that this country can claim to have been a decisive factor – decisive meaning that without her nothing that has happened would have happened - in the consolidation of democracy, in the State’s modernising process, in the country’s Europeanisation, in economic development, in territorial balance, in the implementation of the Autonomies. Catalonia has played a role like no other in fostering the stability and continuity of governmental action throughout the entire State, without which Spain would not have achieved what it has.

Further, Catalonia has for two decades been a point of reference for Europe. A model for balance between its root identity and the identity of its project and future. Between an affirmation of identity and a capacity to collaborate in the key political frameworks.

It has also been an example of solidarity – yes, a high degree of solidarity – and of loyalty, of fair play towards external parties.

Some people may conclude after having read this that the Catalans know very well how to blow their own horn, that we need no one to praise us. Let them have their say. The facts are there for all to see. It takes a lot of prejudice to ignore Catalonia’s achievements in all these areas.

Albeit grudging recognition. In all probability, no one will thank us. But our accomplishment cannot be ignored or belittled. As so often it is. And the Catalans must be aware of this. Aware of our importance and our weight. Accordingly, we must be confident that –as the song goes— “We shall not be moved”.

However, there must be some awareness of this. We are currently seeing how more than one sector – on the right and the left – has begun to flatter Catalonia after having vilified and deceived and scorned her –on both sides of the political divide. This can only lead to the conclusion that we have some merits, strengths and substance. Or is the reason perhaps, our few seats in parliament? Maybe, but then they –the two sides- should ask why in spite of so much pressure, so much deceit and so much manoeuvring, they are still concerned, in extreme situations, about what is happening in Catalonia, about how Catalonia will respond.

We believe that this is proof that our pride is legitimate and well-founded, although we are also aware of our limitations. We are not just boasters.

Yet all this only justifies our pride on the rebound. It is not the sole cause. The main cause is Catalonia’s weight, its ability to take the initiative, the values accumulated over more than 100 years of Catalanism that continue to be relevant. I said as much in my editorial of 2 May. “Our assets”. Instead of repeating myself, I prefer you read it for yourself.

I refer so much to it that one might think that there would be no need to address this same question again in the space of one month. But there are things that are so true, things that can have so much weight in the future that nothing can be lost by insisting.

The first is that we are afflicted by a crisis of self-esteem. Understandable given the recent state of affairs. But not justifiable if we assess our economic, cultural and social potential. If we are aware of the strength of our identity. Of our good example of coexistence. Not forgetting our exemplary capacity of integration, which is borne out by our track record. Of our capacity to create and transmit messages whose value transcends us.

In the midst of the prevailing political uncertainty and despite the calls – even from the Government of the Generalitat itself – to renounce, the country remains active and dynamic. For example, recent figures on our exports and investments around the world are positive. Translations of Catalan writers into foreign languages are on the increase. Catalan scientists who have been working abroad are returning. These are all points we have gained from a qualitative standpoint.

We cannot allow ourselves to lose sight of the fact that we live in uncertain times. But we must play – because this we can do – with pride, ambition and self-assurance.