The Basque
Country is located in northern Spain, and the views of the Basque people held
by those who live in Spain can vary greatly.
Some Spaniards tend to view the Basque people as “’hot-headed…extremists
[who] turn to bullets, bombs, and grenades.[1]’” This belief is understandable, considering
the violence experienced by some Spaniards as a result of Basque
nationalism. Many see no benefit in
keeping the Basque country as a part of Spain, while others wish to keep the
country as it is. A Spanish nationalist,
for example, might believe that Spain is “’better off’ without the Basques.[2]” In this case, however dreaded the word
“nationalist” may be, they are considered to be anyone who supports unity in
Spain. There is no doubt that the
country of Spain would be changed if the Basque Country were to become
independent. Some nationalists believe
that no matter what happens, even the defeat of the ETA, that there is no way
that the Basque nationalists will ever stop fighting for autonomy. The views of the Basque people by the Spanish
vary, especially considering how the situation should be dealt with. Will it be better off for everyone if the
Basque are allowed to become independent, or will that make the already fragile
Spanish economy even more shaky? Is the
conflict between the two groups as a result of cultural differences or
political?
[1] Watson, Cameron. Basque Nationalism and
Political Violence: The Ideological and Intellectual Origins of ETA. Reno,
NV: Center for Basque Studies, University of Nevada, Reno, 2007. Print. Page
16.
[2] Aretxaga, Begoña. Empire & Terror:
Nationalism/postnationalism in the New Millennium. Reno: Center for Basque
Studies, University of Nevada, 2004. Print. Page 138.
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