In Switzerland, we are in the midst of yet another election campaign. The SVP party has unveiled its latest offensive poster [see above: note that even the minaretslook like missiles.]
The poster reflects the general mood of the country. Although there are very few minarets in Switzerland (research indicates 4), there is a concern that somehow new and different people will dilute and overwhelm Swiss culture established over the many centuries. Swiss-ness is at risk!
The poster reflects the general mood of the country. Although there are very few minarets in Switzerland (research indicates 4), there is a concern that somehow new and different people will dilute and overwhelm Swiss culture established over the many centuries. Swiss-ness is at risk!
“It’s ridiculous, Nazy.” I explained. “Do they really think that a bunch of..”
“… Serbians…”
“Serbians? Are these Serbians going to fill up all the holes in Swiss cheese?”
“Dan..”
“Will Moslems will paint Arabic numbers on Swiss watch dials?”
“Aren’t Arabic numerals, eh, “normal numbers? 1, 2, 3, 4..”
“Precisely, my dear. New-fangled symbols are replacing the traditional Swiss Roman Numerals like I, V and X.”
“Why are Roman numerals more Swiss than Arabic numbers?”
“Nazy,” I replied. “You are getting bogged down in detail. The concept is clear: these newcomers are threatening Swiss-ness. They will make the Swiss Guards at the Vatican swap their colourful garb for khaki; all Swiss Army knives will need an indicator that points to Mecca, cuckoo clocks will issue calls to daily prayers. Raw ingredients for chocolate will be imported from countries in South America or (gasp!) Africa. A foreign carrier will take ownership of the national airline.”
Oops, Lufthansa owns Swiss International Airlines and I don't think any cocoa beans are grown in Switzerland.
1 comment:
At least some things haven't changed in Switzerland. But I'm already missing the spousal interrupts. They reminded me of that time in Vancouver when we forgot that the eggs were on the stove and water boiled away. The bottom of the kettle's been black ever since. Someday, I will inherit that kettle! Anyway, the Freetards are going to lose again, right?
Post a Comment