Acceptance of Others

"Yesterday, I mentioned Maria Todorova's book 'Imagining The Balkans', which continues the ideas of Said’s Orientalism, framing the Balkans as 'the Other' of Europe, a place perceived as barbaric and turbulent. But within the Balkans, we also see each other as 'the Other', leading to internal polarities based on different values shaped by history, community development, and communication both within the region and with the outside world.

In this context, it's crucial not only to consider how we communicate with external others but also how we engage with 'the Others' within our region. This involves understanding power dynamics and how power is distributed. For example, in Macedonia, where 60% of the population is Macedonian and 40% is Albanian, the majority must recognize their power and find ways to distribute it effectively.

Overcoming these internal and external borders is essential, and cultural work must focus on opening channels for communication and production that go beyond top-down solutions, which often fail to address the real needs of our societies.

The differences in values within the Balkans are vast, extending across religious, cultural, and social dimensions. The region, once primarily Christian, now includes Muslims, and once had Jewish communities before they were expelled during World War II. The presence of various religious and cultural identities further complicates the landscape, requiring thoughtful approaches to navigate and bridge these divides.

These challenges are present across different levels—be it with the LGBTIQ* community, religious groups, or ethnic backgrounds. These issues vary by generation; the experiences of my grandparents differ from those of my parents, and our perspectives are changing. 

In all these countries, the independent cultural sector has made a significant effort to redistribute power and explore models for better communication among communities. This approach is not just about raising questions but also about provoking critical thinking that fosters reflection and dialogue.

We strive not to label things explicitly but to remind people that, according to our constitutions, the arts allow for freedom of expression without censorship. We use this as an opportunity to continue reflecting and raising questions that may not be addressed in other political arenas. 

I want to emphasize how we managed to change the right-wing regime in North Macedonia, a process that began with cultural actions. The most crucial aspect was how we connected across different sectors, engaging in dialogue with civil society, students, and the next generation. This collective effort culminated in what we called the "Colorful Revolution," which ultimately led to the fall of the right-wing government.

This experience gives me hope that power can indeed be redistributed, but we must constantly think about how to achieve this—not only within the civil sector but also by considering how to build or reshape institutions. These institutions need to embrace and address the diversities we live with and within."