It’s an increasingly trendy view this will be the century of Identity Politics, with the world having to wrestle with the problem of more and more shared-interest groups using violence to get recognition/independence. Some evidence comes from the news this week that it’s not only in Cornwall that the road signs are to be written in two languages [English and Cornish]; over in León they’re now doing this in Spanish and Bable. This is comforting to me since I asked, many months ago, why the Cornish and Leonese were lagging behind in the pursuit of a national identity. Good to see they’ve both now made a start on the long road to freedom from the yoke of tyranny and colonial oppression. Even if they have to re-invent a language along the way.

Here’s the list of the most intriguing searches which ended up on this blog in February:-
crucifix slut evil gallery
what is the percentage of teenagers today that shave their pubic regions
First man to bring a tractor in Spain
ideas to get own back on neighbours who take my parking space

The last of these, naturally, appeals to me most. Which reminds me - My most contributive reader – Carlos – has criticised [inter alia] my take on the individualism of the Spanish. In so far as I may, at times, have concentrated on the negative aspect of this [i. e. lack of consideration for others], this is fair enough. So I reproduce here a few of the third party comments I’ve found in a quick search. The first two come from guides for people doing business here. The third is from the page of some complete nutters:-

In terms of personal attributes, individualism is highly valued in Spain, along with an emphasis on character and social status. Spanish culture highlights the importance of self and one’s family. However, influenced by its collectivist past, family values, a sense of identity and belonging to a group are also integral parts of society in Spain. Consequently personal qualities - appearance, image and personal relationships - are extremely significant components in contemporary Spanish culture. In a business context, personal attributes and character are frequently valued as much as technical ability, experience or professional competence. When doing business in Spain, you will find that individualism is particularly predominant in management, where Spanish managers are less inclined to favour group decision making and team orientation.

Throughout Spanish business, individualism is predominant in management and team orientation is less important. Personal pride and individualism are highly valued, as are character and breeding. Modesty is valued over assertiveness. Flaunting superiority, intelligence and ability is not appreciated. People strive to project affluence and social position. Personal appearance, image and human relationships are very important.

Spain has a sixth ray ego and a seventh ray personality. Spain acts as a link in world adjustment but this time the link is between Europe and Africa. It will be apparent why the battleground of two great ideologies - the Fascist and the Communistic - has been found inevitably in Spain. The triumph of the Fascist part has been equally inevitable from the start because of the egoic relation existing between Spain and Italy and also to the proximity of the two countries which has enabled the telepathic impress of Fascist idealism to be easily impressed upon the prepared and sensitive Spanish consciousness. As to the fanaticism, the natural cruelty, the fervent idealism, the arrogant pride and the religious and mystical quality of the Spanish character, they are obviously of sixth ray origin and are highly crystallized. The intense individualism of the people can be noted also as a definite part of their seventh ray personality equipment.