Unveiling the Fragility of Democracy in Romania: A Call to Action
The exhibition “The Country We Come From: The First 35 Years,” curated throughout the year by ARCEN at La Mița Biciclista Stabiliment Creativ, sheds light on the events leading up to the recent election night turmoil. We believe that all sectors of society – political parties, media, NGOs, and entrepreneurs – must come together to defend democracy in Romania!
Celebrating Openness in a Time of Crisis
This exhibition celebrates a world that is becoming increasingly open but is now at risk of catastrophic closure. We are ready to turn this exhibition into a movement of resistance for democratic discourse and values, for an open and deeply pro-Western society.
The Fragility of Freedom and Democracy
Events like these once again demonstrate how fragile freedom and democracy can be, especially in countries that have only recently begun to experience them. Ultra-nationalism, sovereigntism, political extremism, anti-European and pro-Russian sentiments are appealing because they offer simple and radical solutions, touching on sensitive issues for the average Romanian who feels abandoned by the political class. However, only authoritarian regimes offer such miraculous solutions, only to then cast a deathly silence over society. They promise milk and honey but deliver the opposite once they have a monopoly on power.
The Threat of Social Media Manipulation
New social networks like TikTok make us vulnerable to all kinds of manipulation. In the era of fake news, only critical, educated, and informed thinking can protect us from the invasion of lies, from surprise candidates with uncertain or malicious intentions. Understanding the past is crucial now, as we are bombarded with nostalgia for Nicolae Ceaușescu’s regime or with “positive” examples from current illiberal regimes.
Building Solidarity and Debate
Solidarity and debate are also crucial now, to understand what needs to be done. That’s why we want to transform the exhibition “The Country We Come From: The First 35 Years” into a manifesto and a space for discussing our present and future, starting from the journey we have taken so far.
Event Details
- Date: Friday, November 29th
- Time: 6:00 PM
- Location: La Mița Biciclista Stabiliment Creativ, 9 Biserica Amzei Street, Bucharest
Article supported by ARCEN
Conclusion
As Romania faces challenges to its democratic values, the exhibition “The Country We Come From: The First 35 Years” stands as a beacon of resistance and a call to action for all members of society to defend democracy and openness. By understanding the fragility of freedom and democracy, confronting social media manipulation, and fostering solidarity and debate, we can pave the way for a brighter future.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the exhibition “The Country We Come From: The First 35 Years”?
The exhibition aims to shed light on the events leading up to recent political turmoil in Romania and to mobilize society to defend democracy and openness.
How can individuals contribute to the cause?
Individuals can contribute by staying informed, engaging in critical thinking, and participating in debates about the present and future of Romanian society.