I have been seeing several different posters with US historical figures on them the last few days. You may ask yourself, in Belgrade? The answer is yes. In Belgrade.
I heard about them before I actually saw them. I had heard in the office last week that there were billboards posted throughout the city (and surrounding areas) with pictures of famous political and world leaders along with famous quotes from the corresponding leader (There are some with Washington, Lincoln, JFK, Churchill, and De Gaulle). At the bottom of each billboard (under the quote), in big letters (in Cyrillic, of course) it says Kosovo is Serbia! It is as if they are trying to pass it off like these famous leaders also made that statement.
I saw my first one 6 days ago. I have seen four different billboards (all the same ad, just different locations) with President Kennedy's picture and a quote from him. I've seen one of the billboards with George Washington on it.
It just goes to show another way in which history here is all about perspective and myth. History here can be whatever you want it to be. These billboards have taken some of the great Western democratic leaders and have manipulated their words for the Serbian government's own political purposes.
I'm posting a link for an article that discusses this more in depth (and gives some Serbian citizens' opinions on the Kosovo issue). That is all of my posting for now. Two in one day. Whew.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/Kosovo/Story/0,,2224886,00.html
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2 comments:
Quotes can be taken out of context and utilized to say what one wants to say with some sort of misguided thought that the quote adds the authority, power,and wisdom of the person who made the statement the first time. However as we all should know words can not transfer that moment unless the reality is identical. Not to say they can not be encouraging or good advice but only if we have the charater to back them up. Neat to know that some Americans and other foreigners
are recognized and valued for their worth. Learn, live, and love in our God's blessings. Love Dad Y.P.I.
This comment won't be clever or funny because today is a sad day for the world.
Here's to another great leader who will be greatly missed, a patriot, a moderate and conciliatory voice of reason for a troubled land - Benazir Bhutto, who left the safety of her home-in-exile for the chance to work once again for sanity and peace in the Pakistan she loved.
God bless your efforts, KT, to help others who similarly love their countries that they are willing to risk all for the chance at a better way to live.
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