Tag: Catalonia

Remembering Catalonia, Part II: The Business of Betrayal

Catalan separatism emerged when the region’s bourgeoisie began facing the end of a long period of economic privilege during which the Spanish state’s policies had benefited Catalonia over most other regions. The threat of secession would now function as an invaluable bargaining chip to retain privileges.

Intimidation of Students on Barcelona Campus

Following a familiar pattern of violence and relative impunity, a group of students was assaulted recently during the Associations Fair at Barcelona’s Pompeu Fabra University. The students belonged to the S’ha Acabat! (“It’s Finished!”) society, a political youth group that describes itself as constitutionalist and opposes separatism. The group has since denounced the lack of reaction […]

Remembering Catalonia, Part I

Catalans have historically understood themselves to be Spaniards, and it is within this conception that Catalan culture flourished and her people accomplished feats of genuine heroism. But separatism requires that we sacrifice our memory—for only then are we fully receptive to a new, invented past.