European Culture

Submitted by Edward Halper (United States), Mar 2, 2007 at 13:24

Ironically, part of what fuels multi-culturalism is the history of European colonialism and imperialism. There is a sense that European culture is what led Europe to oppress others and ultimately to the gas chambers. There is also a sense that moral and political problems are not solvable and that the development of science and technology will only exacerbate them (witness the intense concern with global warming). Hence, many intellectuals on both sides of the Atlantic want not only to repudiate European culture, but to look to other cultures for solutions to our problems. There is no current political program that offers much hope. This is why the Islamic rise in Europe is often welcomed.

All this is in favor of the first option. Sadly, the segment of the Europe that is willing to preserve Europe is also alienated from or ignorant of European culture. So, even if option two would come about, Europe might well be no better off than with option one.

What is really needed is a rededication to European culture. Europe is the birthplace of human rights and science. We see to decide to go forward on the path of knowledge and culture. But that requires leaders that I do not yet see,

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