While debating a European (British), my point was that the US is losing its Euro-centric identity. America is becoming more multi-ethnic. A lot of people immigrating to the United States becoming citizens and voters have no reason to love Europe. Should Europe find itself in a hole again it should not automatically count on America to come to its aid. I was basically told to go F myself as Europe will never ask nor need America's help. Ok, debate over.
Watching the events of the last two weeks I would say that Europe would be wise to re-access its relationships. They are falling apart with every passing day. Unemployment, lack of national pride, socialism, are the least of their problems. They are an explosion waiting to happen. As a history major (European Medieval, Renaissance, Reformation), my heart hurts when I think of what is happening there. Each day, though, as the insults, invective, and abuse flows from Europe toward my country, my President and my fellow citizens, I find myself caring less and less.
It is an odd situation. Europe seems obsessed with alienating America's Rightwing. Don't they understand that if anyone were to aid Europe, the Right would be the impetus of that help. The Left would diddle while Europe burns as evidenced by the behavior in Paris.
Do I care? Yes, I care about the great architecture, great art works, and religious history that will be destroyed by the soon to be muslim masters. As for Europeans, I am sure there are still people of good will in Europe, but far too few to make any difference.
I agree. I shed a tear for old Europe today. I suppose that viewing the subsequent non-reaction by Europeans to the beginning Islamic takeover of france has settled something in my mind and heart.
Old Europe will soon be no more and we Christians in the US will be all that is left of it. I would have never dreamed it to be so in my heart but my head has been pointing me in that direction for years.
Funny how the heart is the last to know.
"I was basically told to go F myself as Europe will never ask nor need America's help. Ok, debate over."
I have been to Europe a few times, and likeyou, enjoyed the architecture, countryside, etc.
However, the prevailing attitude among Europeans is that Americans lack culture and sophistication. Speaking for myself, that may be so, but they will soon find out that what they hold dear is not important to the Muslim masses.
I see a lot of my own thoughts in your post. Art history student here.
I read of the destruction in cities like Lyon, Saint-Denis, Noyon, and Toulouse, and my heart hurts a little. Just to have seen the works of the faith that built those churches and cathedrals and to know that the bond that ultimately allowed Europe to be is now meaningless to such a large percentage of the population. And how could Europe not but come unwound? The church, all but abandoned after having arguably given life to the possibility of nation states, is now left lifeless, and without it, I don't see Europe rising again as a collective entity.
Really, is there any source of unity in these nations outside of anti-Americanism? As you said, there is little nationalism left outside of the hollow cheers for a soccer team. Precious little to bring the French together outside of negatives (anti-American sentiment, racism, etc...)
It does sadden me. I do feel a bond with Europe, having traced my ancestry well back into medieval England, but I honestly can't hold on to my past when the heirs to that past reject me and reject that past.
So I sit the fence, hopeful that France turns around and doubting it ever can.