Cyprus-Forum.com

[Piratis]

But is it possible to change the ethnicity and identity of people like that?

Maybe it is, maybe it isn't.

Some examples:

The mostly British Australians did it, but they still kept the British flag in their flag. Same with New Zealanders, but they kept not only the flag but also the English Queen as their own Queen. Both countries have English as the official language.

Then there is the case of Austria. Austrians are mostly ethnic Germans, like Cypriots are mostly ethnic Greek, and they speak a dialect of German, like we speak a dialect of Greek. Just like the Cypriots the Austrians had voted in a referendum to unite with Germany. This was prohibited to them by the great powers (Anschluss prohibition ) because they didn’t want Germany to become too big and powerful (in the same way they didn’t want Greece to became too powerful which is why they didn’t let Cyprus to unite with Greece. I hope none of you actually believes the lame excuses about “the poor TC minority”).

So maybe it is possible to change to a certain degree our identity.

But personally I don’t think it is possible to do it fully. You can't just erase 3500 years of history.

Furthermore, I don’t think such a move will gain for us anything, for the reasons I explained in my previous post. The Cyprus problem is not a problem between communities of Cyprus. It is a problem of Turkey/UK wanting a parts of our island for their own interests. The TCs are just their cheap excuse. If TCs did not exist then they would have found some other excuse to continue to occupy our lands, just like they had done for centuries earlier, even before TCs were invented.

[Paphitis]

Now if you want to make the claim that for political reasons we should change the identity of the Cypriot people, then make an argument for that.

Firstly, that was an excellent post Piratis.

Secondly, if GR! wants to claim that we change our identity to Cypriot and cut all our cultural ties to Hellenism, then we are not true to ourselves. It would be nothing short of betrayal to our ancestors. The worst thing is, that this would also mean that we lose the war. For centuries we have been invaded and occupied by foreign powers, and so far no one has been able to detach us from our roots. If we succumb to Turkey's desire to alienate us from our roots, then this would the be worst betrayal in our history. It is the ultimate cowardice. I am not talking about ENOSIS either, should anyone get the wrong impression. We can stay an independent nation, but this does not mean we should deny our identity.

We need to be patient. The solution to our problem cannot be achieved by denying our identity or alienating Greece. Cypriots have overcome other occupations and tyranny before. If we stay united, we will overcome this one as well. We are a tough people, but history has proven that perhaps we are not as tough as our other Hellenic brothers, for they embarked on their very own liberation struggle in 1821, while we let this opportunity slip through fear and defeatism. Sure, we had EOKA, but what the hell took us so long to make our stand?

[Paphitis]

Some examples:

The mostly British Australians did it, but they still kept the British flag in their flag. Same with New Zealanders, but they kept not only the flag but also the English Queen as their own Queen. Both countries have English as the official language.

You make a very interesting point about Australia.

However, only Aborigines are able to legitimately claim to be real Australians. The majority are of mainly British, Scottish and Irish descent. Then you could include dozens of other ethnicities that make up the Australian nation such as German, Italian, Greek, Maltese, Vietnamese, Chinese, etc etc.

BTW, Queen Elizabeth is still considered the Queen of Australia, and also of Canada. The British links are still maintained, and this is likely to continue for some time. These countries are building their very own national character and may become Republics in the future, but it is unlikely that they will turn their back on their history or roots.

Even to this day Australians differentiate between nationality and ethnicity. You can ask any Australian their heritage, and quite often they will tell you that they are part English, part Scottish or part something else!

Australians still have their very own character which is quite unique and different to your typical Brit. Australians are a very egalitarian and easy going people. The spirit of larrikinism and mateship is still alive and well. Australians are also more outgoing and our society is more liberal or non conservative. We are less likely to categorise people into classes. The British might consider us a bit crude.

[Get Real!]

Some examples:

The mostly British Australians did it, but they still kept the British flag in their flag. Same with New Zealanders, but they kept not only the flag but also the English Queen as their own Queen. Both countries have English as the official language.

To even consider mentioning or comparing the ancient Cypriots with British convicts dropped off in Australia in the 1700s goes to show how foolishly condescending you are to Cyprus.

Are you half Greek by any chance like Oracle because it would explain a lot…

[Get Real!]

You make a very interesting point about Australia.

Are you not a Pahitis?

[Paphitis]

You make a very interesting point about Australia.

Are you not a Pahitis?

What is a Pahitis?

[Paphitis]

Some examples:

The mostly British Australians did it, but they still kept the British flag in their flag. Same with New Zealanders, but they kept not only the flag but also the English Queen as their own Queen. Both countries have English as the official language.

To even consider mentioning or comparing the ancient Cypriots with British convicts dropped off in Australia in the 1700s goes to show how foolishly condescending you are to Cyprus.

Are you half Greek by any chance like Oracle because it would explain a lot…

Quite frankly I think you are full of it.

Australians and Cypriots are similar in many ways.

What you do not realise is that in 200 years, Australia is 1 of the most wealthiest, Vibrant, Developed nations in the world.

Cypriots should be perhaps a bit more like Australians, because many people HAVE described Cypriots as extremely rude, upnoxious, racist, and arrogant.

I think the modern day Cypriots have a long way to go before they can claim to have cultural attributes as compared to the self interested and materialistic nobodies that some of you have become.

I will tell you one thing. If another country actually managed to occupy 37% of Australia, there would be absolutely no chance that Canberra will enter into negotiations with the enemy. There would be a bloodbath until liberation, that is a fact!

[Get Real!]

Some examples:

The mostly British Australians did it, but they still kept the British flag in their flag. Same with New Zealanders, but they kept not only the flag but also the English Queen as their own Queen. Both countries have English as the official language.

To even consider mentioning or comparing the ancient Cypriots with British convicts dropped off in Australia in the 1700s goes to show how foolishly condescending you are to Cyprus.

Are you half Greek by any chance like Oracle because it would explain a lot…

Quite frankly I think you are full of it.

Australians and Cypriots are similar in many ways.

What you do not realise is that in 200 years, Australia is 1 of the most wealthiest, Vibrant, Developed nations in the world.

Cypriots should be perhaps a bit more like Australians, because many people HAVE described Cypriots as extremely rude, upnoxious, racist, and arrogant.

I think the modern day Cypriots have a long way to go before they can claim to have cultural attributes as compared to the self interested and materialistic nobodies that some of you have become.

I will tell you one thing. If another country actually managed to occupy 37% of Australia, there would be absolutely no chance that Canberra will enter into negotiations with the enemy. There would be a bloodbath until liberation, that is a fact!

Look, don’t you start now about Australia this and Australia that, because I couldn’t care less. Been there, done that… back home now where I belong thank you.

[Paphitis]

That is good, because before you get on your high horse and condemn Australians, you should perhaps take a real good look at yourself in the mirror. You must have an enormous chip on your shoulder about Australia and Greece, and I can sense that perhaps Australia was not so kind to you. And with your attitude, I am not surprised. Let me tell you this, there is an abundance of opportunity in Australia for people with a brain. Anyone can become a millionaire in this country, but I guess people such as yourself who just can not take a risk and have a punt just have no chance. So you retreat to work in The Cypriot Public service , earning a pittance. You are just a Technocrat, and deserving of no respect.

Some things just have to be said.

[Get Real!]

That is good, because before you get on your high horse and condemn Australians, you should perhaps take a real good look at yourself in the mirror. You must have an enormous chip on your shoulder about Australia and Greece, and I can sense that perhaps Australia was not so kind to you. And with your attitude, I am not surprised. Let me tell you this, there is an abundance of opportunity in Australia for people with a brain. Anyone can become a millionaire in this country, but I guess people such as yourself who just can not take a risk and have a punt just have no chance. So you retreat to work in The Cypriot Public service , earning a pittance. You are just a Technocrat, and deserving of no respect.

Some things just have to be said.

Yeah, but it helps if you know what you’re talking about otherwise you look like a fool.

You know nothing about me and my fifteen years in Australia (back when you were probably sucking your toe nails while watching the Flintstones) so how can you produce this little fantasy paragraph and keep a straight face?