Balkan pessimism & democracy:
How do cultural values enable change?

We are just beginning to get insight into the difficulties of creating democratic society in a place/culture that has never known one.  Clearly, generations-even centuries-of oppression of the individual and their rights, has taken its toll here. To speak one's opinion has been dangerous stuff.

What people have learned is: speak up and you will be knocked down, shamed, or even worse tortured or killed. One can begin to see the kind of interpersonal strength necessary to simply participate in democratic ways or to openly speak one's mind.

This plays itself out in families and even with friends and co-workers.  With some people we have met, mostly older though not all, there is a resistance to open and thoughtful disagreement with those "in authority", although people are learning.  We have experienced more disagreement in the form of gossip or after-the-meeting talk, than actual debate and dialogue in an open and "transparent" forum.  Expressing your perception on something or asking questions which could be uncomfortable (but, might not be uncomfortable) is not the Balkan way.

People don't get into other people's business.  This could be due to the fact that they had to develop a parallel society in the 90's to provide for themselves as the Yugoslavian government excommunicated them from civic life. Much of it was illegal given who was in power and people learned that you don't tell anyone anything. It reminds me a Sergeant Shultz in Hogan's Heroes "I know nothing!" 

We experience this a great deal in our daily workplace and are continuously learning and trying new ways to communicate; in ways that engage dialogue, assessment, reflection, brainstorming, visioning or (creative) thinking about possibilities.  Feedback?  Can't touch that one yet.  People do not "process" very much.  This might not be a bad thing, as sometimes we westerners process things to death.  However, the method of assuming intentions and acting doesn't necessarily yield positive results either.  And when things go astray, people get put down or ridiculed (sometimes not even knowing it).  So, in this environment, why would you stick your neck out and say or do anything?   Granted, interpersonal skills, maturity and confidence, are often factors or skills that can improve the situation (at least in our western way of thinking).  But how do you begin when you have a whole society that doesn't put their issues on the table?  That are afraid or unwilling to discuss issues?  How can a democracy take root? 

There is a description loosely applied called "Balkan pessimism or Balkan depression" that is very prominent.  It is hard not to stereotype and rationalize people's behavior as Balkan pessimism.  From the Turks to the Austrian-Hungarian empire to the annexation and Tito to Milosevic and ethic cleansing  if you want to be happy, keep your head down and close to your family and friends, enjoying life around conversation, smoke and coffee.  Civic life will get you killed.  Speak too openly and no one will patronize your shop.

Today, there is a hope for a new way.  While there is the looming Balkan depression, people want a better life.  But how do you get there?  Cultural values conflict with democratic ones.  There are definitely some people who are learning the art and craft of tactful discussion and advocacy skills.  These people are the future here.  They are courageous, champions of change!  It will take a generation or more of folks like this to change the social and cultural norms that tug against them when they speak out.  I pray there is not another war or their gains will be lost again.  The pessimistic view will prevail: see, look where it got you-dead.

I realize this writing might seem harsh.  But I want to describe how difficult it is for the leaders and advocates to make change and create a democratic society.  Having free elections is the simple part.  Their struggle for democracy, openness and "transparency" is far from easy, as it goes against the grain of all they have known and all that generations before them have known.