I'm Afraid of Americans (I'm Afraid of the World)

Unknown to me, and I believe most Americans, the month of May begins with the presence of Hate all throughout Europe. On May 1st, Neo-Nazis and other groups march through the streets of many major cities. This year was no different, with one exception - in Brno, it was the first time the citizens tried to stop it.

"Brno Blokuje!"

Maybe it's part of being an American post-the-60s-and-70s, but the Czech Republic esspecially has not been without its recent struggles and rebellions - which is why I was and remain not only suprised but disgusted by the reactions of my peers.

Five minutes after receiving a warning e-mail about the event, I posted an event on Facebook. My instinct was to protest - was to be a presence of good. Here's the e-mail:

"Dear students,

This is an important WARNING from the NEONAZI MARCH that those people decided to organise in Brno, on SUNDAY 1 MAY. Their official gathering is planned from 11 a. m. in the park behind the national theatre and the march is going to start at 3:30 p. m., along the STREETS: Koliště, Cejl, Merhautova and Milady Horákové, and back to Koliště.

Please rather DO NOT MOVE AROUND THE TOWN on that day, and if you need to go somewhere, be VERY CAREFUL.
The time AFTER the march is expected to be even more dangerous. It might not be safe in the city in the evening before (Saturday) and the morning after (Monday) as well.

Hopefully nothing happens, there will be many POLICEMEN everywhere, so I do not want to scary you, but it is better to be careful than to get in trouble. It is a DANGER, not an adventure!

If some of you still want to TAKE PART in the blocade, in that case, please be very careful and READ PROPERLY ALL the recommendations on this website: http://brnoblokuje.cz/?page_id=54

Please INFORM ANYONE who might not read this e-mail or anyone you know is going to be or travel in Brno on that day.

There are other things you can celebrate on that day, but safely at home (= in the halls of residence):

1st of May is the Labour Day, a world-wide celebration of work(ers) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labour_Day
and it is also the day of the traditional Czech “Love Day” :) http://www.myczechrepublic.com/czech_culture/czech_holidays/may.html

Best wishes,
M

********************************
MD
Erasmus Incoming Students Coordinator


Office for International Studies , Masaryk University"


In a post-holocaust world, how is it possible that people could be so unafraid of their own potential for needless-mass-destruction? Nevertheless, the responses to my event were just totally unexpected - negative. One girl even asked me, "What do you expect to change?"

I went and it was not only safe, but one of the greatest experiences of my life. At least a thousand people showed up to stand against the neo-nazis. We cheered in Czech and listened to speakers - my friend translated for me. It was an excellent experience.