…you may know the legend of the Flying Dutchman: doomed to sail the seas forever … unable to land anywhere … (he shot an albatross or something, so probably deserves his plight)
I still grapple (not so hard these days, I admit) with thoughts about who I am and where do I belong. I have been a citizen of 5 countries. The country where I was born, the country of my citizenship at birth and the country where at least 7 generations of my direct ancestors, (including my parents) were born, ALL refused to give me citizenship! I have never shot an albatross, am not insane (noticeably) nor have I criminal convictions or ever been insolvent. I have a university degree, my own house & only 1 family.
There are floods of refugees from the north into South Africa and from there to other countries in & out of Africa. There are also floods of people to other countries, like North Africans to France, Turks to Germany, Indians & Chinese to anywhere. (This is beginning to take a race tinged rant – it was not meant to be! )
What my point is: politics define & label citizenship, the heart defines belonging – I guess I belong to the world ….. or the world belongs to me! (Certainly the Springboks don’t stir me much anymore ..nor do the All Blacks or the Irish).
My planned visit to my birth country should shake up some thoughts… do I have to belong?
I am distressed at the horrors that have been perpertrated in the name of Patriotism & God
I think politicians need to be saints & matyrs to avoid Hell! If not they should be sent to join the Flying Dutchman!
sillysocksonfriday 