Conclusion

Conclusion

Macedonians have no problem with Greeks calling themselves “Greeks” or “Hellenes”, with their fabricated ethnicity or with the idea that they see themselves as the “direct descendants” of the so-called “ancient Greeks”. The problems Macedonians have with Greece and some Greeks, is that while Greeks see themselves as a “real identity” they deny the Macedonians, they’re claiming Macedonians doesn’t exist. Even though it is well known that Greece is an artificial 19th century creation, Greece itself dares to imply that the Macedonian Nation is artificial. Why? Greece can only claim legitimacy by denying what is real and imposing its own will and artificiality. The Greek lies documented in this book were created a long time ago as part of a violent nation building process designed to destroy what was old and replace it with something even older, “Hellenism”. Unfortunately the massive Greek effort to assimilate Macedonians and other indigenous cultures into the “Hellenic” fold has not worked. After nearly a century of trying to eradicate everything that is Macedonian, Macedonians still exist and are now in the process of reasserting their identity not only in Greece but worldwide. With the passing of time and the lack of objection from the world community, Greek lies generated long ago are well ingrained in the modern psyche and are still peddled as truth to this day. The world does not know the truth about Greece. With the publishing of “The Little Book of BIG Greek Lies” we hope to give you an insight on what it is to be a Macedonian. You will experience the conditions Macedonians have to endure even outside of Greece where the Greek government and Greek institutions have no control. We will show you how Greece was made. Imagine you are a Macedonian and what life would be like for you living inside Greece. Imagine yourself living in Greece three or four generations ago and what you would have to endure under the repressive Metaxa era when your Macedonian language is banned and made illegal. Now imagine yourself living in Greece and speaking no other language other than the one that was made illegal.

To my Greeks opponents: “What would you have me say?” Should I keep silent and hope that (after how many centuries?) Greece is going to willingly do something for the Macedonians? Would you find comfort in my silence while Macedonians are denied their existence, not to mention their rights? I have said it before and I will say it again, “When Greece comes clean with the Macedonians and gives them their rights to exist as people, we will stop airing your dirty Greek laundry in public.” A Macedonian

What will you say to a stranger when they ask, “What is a Macedonian?” We are often confronted with this question but have we ever given it a second thought? There are people in this world that genuinely don’t know who the Macedonians are especially since their neighbours have been busy trying to erase them, to make them extinct like the Dodo bird. But in spite of all odds they are still here and thriving. It has not been easy or fun being Macedonian, far from it; it has been darn hard. They don’t know why fate has dealt them such a lousy card but they know they can’t argue with fate. Some say they are the “cursed” children of Alexander the Great, cursed for the violence and destruction he befell upon the world. Others say they are too passive and meek and let others bully them and push them around. But deep down in their hearts Macedonians know that their kindness, no matter how misconstrued, will not go unrewarded. Isn’t it the bible that says “the meek shall inherit the earth”? The bible also says “violence begets violence” heed for those who wish them ill. Today’s Macedonian reminds me of Ancient Macedonia before she became mighty and glorious. They had their neighbours who raided their homes every fall after the harvest, took their crops and burned their villages to the ground without giving it a second thought as to the hardships and pain they caused them leaving them hungry and cold to endure the winter. But they were agile and industrious determined to survive and rebuild their livelihood to again have it destroyed the next fall. Such was life in the distant past until they became passive and offered their enemies to “take what they wanted” and leave them be and not burn their villages down. Macedonians never raised a hand in anger then and they have not raised one today. It has been the Macedonian way. But there is only so much even Macedonians could take! It’s a different world today but they still have their enemies who wish them ill. Their enemies may not raid their crops and burn their villages down but their deeds are just as hurtful. Today their enemies have taken Macedonian lands, denied the Macedonians their language, changed their names and denied their existence. They stole their history robbed them of their heritage and made them feel like strangers in their own homes. Such is life today as Macedonians remain passive and offer themselves to their enemies. Again, there is only so much Macedonians can take! As it was then in the distant past it shall be again in the future, a Macedonian will be born who will declare “this is no way for my people to live” and will rise and make Macedonia glorious and her people proud again. As it was then when there was no greater honour than being a Soldier of Macedon it shall be again when there will be no greater pride than being Macedonian.

So, what do you say to a stranger when they ask, “What is a Macedonian?”

A Macedonian is a human being who has suffered and is still suffering for what she or he is. To be Macedonian is to have been robbed of your dignity, land and identity. To be Macedonian is to have witnessed your enemy burn your home and kill and torture your relatives. To be Macedonian is to have endured and lived through other peoples wars who fought on your native soil. To be Macedonian is to have survived attempts at integration, assimilation and denationalization. To be Macedonian is to have endured pain, humiliation, denigration and persecution. To be Macedonian is to have felt isolation, forced expulsion and the pain of having to leave your beloved home, Macedonia without wanting. To be Macedonian is having to never speak your mother tongue in public on your native soil. To be Macedonian is to have been told you don’t exist. To be Macedonian is to have to endure being called derogatory names like Slav, Skopjan, Fyromian, Gypsy, Bulgarian, Old Bulgarian and many more, but never Macedonian! To be Macedonian is to have to endure listening to your enemies telling you who you are and who you are not. To be a Macedonian is to have absolutely none, not even the basic of human rights on your own native soil. To be a Macedonian is to have more freedom and rights in foreign lands than in your own native Macedonia. To be Macedonian is to have your enemies tell you who you are and force it upon you if you don’t agree.

So, why would anyone want to be Macedonian?

As it was said before and it will be said again and again, “Macedonians want to be Macedonian because that is what they are, Macedonian”. There are no choices to being Macedonian just as there are no choices to being born human. Macedonians accept who they are just as they accept who others are, even if they are their enemies. There is a deep, almost spiritual feeling to being Macedonian. To be Macedonian is to have willingly accepted the burden of being Macedonian. Why do Macedonians put up with this suffering?

This is the same as asking, “Why did Christians put up with their suffering?” Why did the Christians put up with abuse and torture for so many years before they became strong? Did their enemies fear them? Were they jealous of them? Did they loathe them for their strong spiritually? Did they detest them for their strong faith in their God? Macedonians put up with suffering because, above all, they are true to themselves. Macedonians can be no other, just as a goat cannot be a sheep no matter how hard it tries. Suffering after all makes them stronger and more appreciative of who they are. Macedonians are an enduring people that see their troubles like a passing storm. Experience has taught them that patience is a virtue and like a violent storm comes and goes their suffering too will pass. They have learned to hope that the future will bring a better day. So the next time you meet a Macedonian know that he or she exists. She or he comes from a rich culture that has a long standing unique tradition, a rich history like no other, an unshakable faith and pride in being Macedonian and has long suffered for being Macedonian.