Nationalism is not an excuse!

Nationalism is a great thing as it gives members of a country the ability to identify with something - whether it is a glorious past, a shared hero, or simply a flag - it can do wonders. But like every good thing, there is a limit; you know, cake is good but sometimes you need to share it or you get a little sick of eating the same thing over, and over again. From an outsider perspective, this seems to be the case with Egypt. They are not the only ones however, as we discussed in class, Greece seems to be embracing their classical heritage without a thought to the 1000s of years between then and now.

I bring this up because it really bothers me that Egyptian officials are using artefacts as political pawns. First it was the panels at the Louvre, now it is the Nefertiti in Berlin. Where does it end? According to the NY times article, The Nefertiti bust was acquired in 1912 - with permission of the Egyptian government. The Egyptians claim they want it back because of nationalism... they lived without it for almost 100 years now... I think they'll be fine. And who is to say that this Nefertiti bust is now not a part of the nationalism of Berlin and Germany as a whole? As discussed, Germany also embarked on the imperialist ideals and imported many great works to their country. I don't have a problem with the fact that they want it back, I have a problem with the fact that they are making up lame excuses as to why they should have it back. Nationalism? Give me a break. Humanity cannot stake a claim on a past that belongs to everybody. We are all Egyptian, we are all Greek, we are all English. You can't say that a Turk living in Berlin does not appreciate the alter of Pergamon because he is not viewing it in Turkey.

Say it like it is. They want it back because it's pretty and it gets alot of attention. I'd respect them a little bit more if they'd just flat out say it.

Source:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/24/arts/design/24abroad.html?ref=design