Of mixed race

We use the word mestizaje to name the mixture of different cultures that give rise to a new one. But if you look at your own moods, you also find crossover dynamics. For example, between joy and sadness, trust and worry. With a mixture of feelings I have experienced the inauguration of the Prime Minister and the street altercations on the right. I am a mestizo citizen, a calm soul, but full of concerns. Since what I am closest to is Spanish life, I am very reassured by the solidity of our democratic system, capable of institutionally resisting the angry airs of an oligarchy offended by the electoral results.

I am reassured that our democracy is strong. It took us a lot to get it, but here we have it, more solid than any fanaticism. The different ideologies, shared or not, must adapt to political debates and the Constitution, and that reassures me as a Spaniard. What happens is that I am also European, even a citizen of the world, and I am filled with concern by the international strengthening of dictatorships of different kinds, now accompanied by authoritarian outbreaks that have emerged within Europe and the United States. The neoliberalism unleashed by Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan in the 1980s is leading to currents of authoritarian populism that damage the prestige of democratic values.

Years ago, I looked to Europe to think about the future of Spain. Now I trust in Spain to imagine the European future with faith. A mestizo citizen, I take advantage of good Spanish health to remain vigilant against international dangers. Prominent French far-rightists have participated in the nationalist right-wing protests on Ferraz Street. The streets of Barcelona were also filled with fanatical foreigners in the independence altercations. The mestizaje of my vigilant tranquility would like to export Rioja wine, Catalan cava, Galician cider, Andalusian gazpacho, poetry, feminism and Spanish democracy.

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