Are you a "good" Romanian ?


Just before a long awaited summer break, I would like to address the topic of the “Good” Romanian. Who are they ? Do they exist or are they a myth ? What does it take to consider oneself a “good” Romanian? Can one still be a “Good” Romanian without a Romanian identity card ?

I imagine that if I wanted to write about it is that these are all questions that I was asking myself at a certain point. So let’s dive in…

What's being a "good" Romanian?

Depending who answers this question. I would say there are 3 valid definitions currently in circulation:
  • A good Romanian, for some people, would be the one who doesn't leave his country. Those who leave are traitors or cowards, or can't make it on their own in Romania – even though they are an important source of revenue
  • For others, it is someone who respects traditions, who goes to church and does what is being told, by whatever authority in place (father, church, or any chef or rich person available..). Someone who belongs, and who shows they do by respecting certain rules in exchange of popular respect (or “world’ mouth”)
  • Finally, a good Romanian is someone who has high morale, who fights corruption – even though seemingly with no resultas - somehow like a modern Don Quixote. That person receives a weird combination of love and hate, love because he/she does not weaken under aggression, but also hate because he/she resists. Might be coming from the communist years, when, for the majority, one was a fool to go to prison for a principle but secretly admired for doing so.

So – do you consider yourself a good Romanian ? :)

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