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Present European culture is based on ancient greek and roman culture, christianity and even on cultures of Celts, Germans and Slavs. (And on other ideas like enlightment, democracy...) So when somebody says that he is proud of being European (or westerner) he says that he is proud of heritage of all these cultures (perhaps westerner does not have so much with Slavs but let it be).
Off topic:
If you don't mind my asking, what exactly does "Marzbân-î Jundîshâpûr" mean?
On topic:
First of all, despite my admiration for, and agreement with, many institutions and ideas that originated and existed in Graeco-Roman culture I don't think they alone constitute "Western Culture". "Western" is a modern term anyway, as in "The Western Powers" meaning Europe and (sometimes) the US. Nor would I go so far in my praise of Graeco-Romanism as to say that it excelled all other cultures in...well, everything. (Although I am something of an anti-cultural comparatist anyway.)
If a few EB fans or team members are bothering you with their cruel glee at the birthdays of Roman defeats, just remember this: the only reason they celebrate is because the Romans had a nasty habit of winning, and kept it up for a long time. Take it in the spirit it's intended. We all know the Romans were tough enough to subjagate and control much of the ancient world, so don't feel like a few jokes or uncomplimentary remarks are a sign of widespread anti-Romanism or Hellenism.
And if there is some problem with how anyone is portrayed, feel free to speak up, but I think the EB team has done the best job of any at maintaining a fair, scholarly attitude towards all factions.
Really, I don't understand what part of EB you object to. If you're happy debating the merits and nature of Graeco-Romanism, just say so (clearly there are many here who are happy to oblige).
It means "Frontier marshal of Jundîshâpûr". It is a title I have assumed based on my ethnic origins, as well as Jundîshâpûr was the greatest academy-city of Êrânshahr, dignified by Chosroës I "The Immortal Soul". With this title, I have sworn to defend my heritage against enemies who seek to destroy it; Whether they be defenders of Islam who claim the heritage to be an age of ignorance, decadence and cultural squalor, or Eurocentric Classicists who dismiss the Iranian East as a den of ignorance, cruelty and barbarity. Forgive me for putting this bluntly, but my background is not a public matter. Only then could one truly understand the implications of the title, a different matter than some random kid putting something impressive for pretentious ends.Quote:
Originally Posted by Imperator
Oh I get it! It's like if I put "Ranger of the Indian Frontier" on my title.(You'd only get it if your from Texas) :idea2: Very cool PC!Quote:
Originally Posted by The Persian Cataphract
As for western ignorance. Yes, its always been something that gets under my skin. What really gets me, is when all these dumb kids say they're into "Asian" things, when really all they did was watch some Jackie Chan and Japanese Anime! It's really annoying when these kids show up at my Karate school.(Apparently because their "interested" in these "Ancient" martial Arts)And then they just stand around looking bored doing all the moves and forms sloppy and not paying attention to what the Black-Belts are saying! But after class they're all like "OMG Inuyasha Rocks! Final Fantasy 7 is teh awesome!" And then, if I mention something about Western or Central Asians(Take, for example, Persia/Iran.)and they reply thusly "oh yeah, those are the terrorists right? Bombed the towers? Speak Arabic ride camels?". And I of course just smile and nod.:no:
Sorry for the topic hijack(PC started it!) Maybe we can split this thread?:smash:
I'm sad to say I have a brother like that (except the karate and Final Fantasy part).He claims he loves "Japan",but all he really likes is Japanese Anime and such.Seeing that he loved it so much I asked him who the Tokugawa were.He just stood there clueless. I then went and explained to him that the Tokugawa clan was the clan that,during the feudal era Japan, eventually won out and became the shoguns (who were rulers in all but name I believe) of Japan.That was just a very broad and general explanation of it,but someone who clamied he loved Japan should have known that.Quote:
Originally Posted by The Celt
As for the views of Central and Western Asia,even though I am in no way as knowledgeable about as most of you,I know they aren't all ruthless barbarians and terrorists (only a small few were/are).They had some of the most cultured civilizations I know of (like the Persians,Arabians,India,and even the Mongols).And with such a cultured and quite noble background (I do know they weren't perfect,but no civilization is),people will have the nerve to just make broad statements such as "Islam is violent" or think all Asians are like the ninjas or martial artists in the movies.
Ignorance is poison to the mind and society.
Note:If any information is wrong in that post,please tell me.
Yeah thats exactly what happened to me with my ex-girlfriend. We were talking about Haiku since she was, like your brother, loving Japan! So I started mentioning how Persian poetry has it's similarities to Haiku and how some cultural exchanges had been made between both cultures over time.(Not quite as detailed as that but you know.)Then of course I explained the Arab conquest and how Persia would be devastated for centuries. Her response? "Well....what does that have to do with Haiku?"........Ermmmm we stopped talking about Haiku....:inquisitive: I'll bet she doesn't know who Oda Nobunaga or the Imjin(sp?)wars are either...:shame: (Ofcourse, this is the same chick who states that most Asian people are short...)Quote:
Originally Posted by EasternScourge
PS:Again, anything wrong with this posts statements should be noted to the author.