Sectarism
Belgium is a funny little country – for as much as it is a country, rather than two regions and an overgrown provincial town with global pretences… but that isn’t here to discuss. There are a lot of sayings about us (two), and as far as generalizations can be accurate, one that makes a good try is that every Belgian is a member of at least two associations. Socialization is seen by the E.Q. specialists as positive, so I’m not in a position to criticize. The more as counting ranges me well above the number of two memberships…
Yet, this rosy picture hides a Hydra of truth, with many ugly heads. For every ten associations that appear, eight or nine will experience a split, and often in scant few years of existence. Often one (or two) of the split parts will disappear again, but that is not the point. The point is that, as another saying goes, there are as many opinions as there are people. The saying is rather overweening, as it goes against the opposite tendency: that of people wanting to belong to a group (or association…). One might disagree with me here – lots of people will do so, no doubt – but I think this is one of humanity’s worst traits: the one that has led to religions (and Holy Wars), to ideologies (and persecution), to sports teams (and hooliganism) – you get the drift. Associations can go far. But, of course, an association can be something very noble indeed – certainly at its point of origin. Such as the preservation of traditions, culture, or (aha!) good beer.
In the mean time, we have established that the need to associate isn’t strictly Belgian at all, albeit it very intense in this country. In Europe, not less than 12 countries count an association – associated (!) to EBCU, the European Beer Consumers’ Organization – and there have been more in the past. In time, France and Germany had to abdicate. In both those countries, rival associations have been quarreling about the right to be the only and true one! Something similar is going on in Italy at the moment. In my own country, the current organization, Zythos, is actually not the original one – OBP, one of the founding members of EBCU, floundered on disagreements between the people running the organization and people in the field, as well as because of regional differences. True, Zythos has been firmly established on the fundaments that OBP lay, but all the same – it would seem that EBCU makes a perfect example of what I started to relate.
In itself, the splitting, and even the quarrelling would be no such big deal, if it weren’t for the lasting rivalry, even wrath and hate that can result from such confrontations. People, at the beginning imbued by the same ideals, will be at each other’s throats for the rest of their existence, often because of some dispute that might seem pretty trivial for a third party, acting as objective observer. Beer is supposed to be a smoothener of relationships, of social interaction. That defenders of that noble vessel would turn into bitter rivals is a sobering thought indeed.
I have used EBCU as an example, but I could have stayed closer at home, too. I reckon that many of the people reading this will have heard about a certain animosity between two internet groups – RB and BA, for not naming them – haven’t you? Another internet group I participate in rather actively, had to forego its original openness, turning into registered members only, just because of one or two people warring a feud on others in the group, spoiling all the fun for the innocent bystanders. And I could go on, presenting examples. Still, in all those cases, if people from all sides would be asked, they all would have vouched to strive for the good of – what they deem to be – good beer. Funny, isn’t it?
Funny – and tragic. A little more understanding or even simply more patience might have solved a lot, before things went out of hand. It’s not always easy – and certainly not when money is involved. Loss of face, another ugly head, can be an impossible hurdle too. If you’re in for the greater good, then try to see other views as well, I’d say. Now, it’s easy for me to preach the gospel. But I’ve been in the eye of the storm as well. Usually, when I see it turning bad, I tend to shake the dust off my shoes, and walk away. It prevents bad words, but sociologists will certainly maintain that isn’t a good solution either – in fact, it’s no solution, seen that the conflict remains.
To make a point, I’ll repeat what some “adversary” threw to my feet recently: “It’s only beer!” And right he was, too… after making quite some fuss. OK, there I go again. Let’s try something: next turn, we’ll have a glass of (good) beer before we answer. Deal?
Joris Pattyn
April 2011
2 Comments to “Sectarism”
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I’ve become disjointed by some of the public quarrels of BA poosted @RB but surely there is only one key element worthwhile with and that is not arguments but promoting and prospering good beer. Let’s have a lambic. To bicar is to squander.
Joris, I totally agree. I often follow the “discussions” you mentioned (on RB, BA, BBB, Zythos, etc.) but always stay out of it. Actually it’s good fun and entertaining to see how bold some people can be and how furious (and rude) other people react. Much better than watching The bold and the beautiful. Is there any chance I can offend you and set up a new episode ….?
Nah, let’s have a beer together soon.