XHABIR DERALLA
What is a normal society? It is a society defined by its present and future, and not the past and history.
THE PAST REMAINS – IN THE PAST
In a normal society, the past is left where it belongs – in the past. History, no matter how it’s written, how bad the handwriting of the historian is, what the winner with the bloody sword in the covers dictated to him – the past is the past. If the past is invoked, then so are the ghosts, the ugly pictures and actions become the present, while society falls agonizingly and disintegrates.
It doesn’t mean obliviousness (read below, but do not skip lines).
LIFE IN THE PRESENT, VIEW TO THE FUTURE
Normal society lives in the present, with a view turned towards the future. It doesn’t always seem bright, but the present is the one in which the future can be made better than it seems.
And what does the present of a normal society look like? The present of the normal world today is marked by concern for people regardless of their background, affiliation, gender, sexual or other orientation. Respect for human rights and freedoms is normal, completely normal. Just as much, the present is also concerned with the environment. Innovation, technological progress, Internet, communications and mobility – that is the present.
Normal society defines itself through progress, stability, peace and a dignified life, it’s built as a community of ordinary people, no matter how unusual and special, each in their own way.
EQUALITY IS USUAL AND NORMAL
Normal society is one in which it’s usual to seek and to receive equality on all grounds. That’s the real word – it’s usual. Equality is usual and normal. No one puts up an argument when someone demands equal opportunity and equality. The opposite of that is not usual and not normal. Yes, we are still talking about a normal society…
A normal society is one in which marital union is not determined by religious dogmas for a man and a woman, no matter how much this doesn’t suit someone. Hence, a normal society also accepts same-sex marriages, as well those that are ethnically and racially diverse.
In a normal society there is solidarity, understanding and dialogue. No matter how much people don’t agree mutually, no matter how angry opponents they may be on ideological or other grounds – they all want to live together in a normal society.
THE FUTURE – LIKE THE PRESENT, JUST BETTER
The future? In the context of what has been said about the present, the future is everything that is in the present, just more, better, healthier and – even more normal.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PAST, LESSONS FOR THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE
Let’s not get things wrong. In a normal society, the past is (left) put where it belongs – in the past, but that doesn’t mean obliviousness. Responsibility and learning lessons, both good and bad, from the past, that is the task of the institutions of the present in a normal society. Responsibility for the bad decisions and committed atrocities is implied both in the present and in the future of a normal society.
There has to be responsibility for the past, not revenge, but responsibility. They are lessons for the present and the future.
NORMAL INSTITUTIONS … BUT NORMAL!
Institutions in a normal society are not perfect, but they do try to be professional, non-partisan, depoliticized. That’s normal. Just as the expectation is normal to have equitable representation and high responsibility and honour in the institutions. Institutions have the task to keep society normal. And a normal society controls them and criticizes them or praises them. And continuously strengthens them, to be better and independent. Normal.
WHO (DOESN’T) BUILDS THE POLITICAL CULTURE?
In a normal society there are responsible media and educational institutions. They build the political culture and nurture values. Not the political profiteers and ideological or religious bloodsuckers, not the Facebook and Twitter “sages”, but the institutions where reasonable, capable and professional people work.
NOT NORMAL
There, that’s what a normal society looks like. That’s what normality looks like in which all “normal” and “abnormal” people live with respect for each other. Without poison. Without fear. In certainty that the basic needs and public services will be provided timely and in a quality manner, that society and the institutions care for each individual. With misunderstanding and squabbles, with numerous problems, but also listening to those who offer a solution. A normal society without hatred and crimes against those who are different. All of this sounds abnormal, I know. But that too is normal.
Translation: N. Cvetkovska
