Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/776046
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 22 JANUARY 2017 16 I have been mulling over this topic for a while. It all started when I shared one of those articles which tend to rub people the wrong way entitled "Living in a Develop- ing Country", penned by a Canadian travel writer who lived here for six years. Yes, I know, that word "developing" – Ouch. But when I read through it, I found myself nodding at each of his points and I had to admit, grudgingly, that he was right. Oth- ers were not as forgiving and came out guns blazing (even though I had posted a clear warning that those who are too sensitive should step away from the article – but do people listen? Nope). This got me thinking, not for the first time, whether we have a particularly thin skin and are just way too touchy and defensive when Malta is criticised. Why can't we just take it on the chin, laugh it off, accept it with a grain of salt? Do other nationalities get so deeply offended about criticism towards their patria? There was only one way to find out. So here it is, a straw poll, by no means scientific, but which provides much food for thought. Maltese, resident of Switzerland (German-speaking part) for 5 years The well-travelled Swiss tend to be quite open and verbal about the country's short- comings. They will let you know within the first few minutes that they have lived else- where as an indicator that "I'm different and I'm open. You can speak" to show how tol- erant they will be to some of your opinions about the country. They will most probably agree with your criticism and even engage further. Then you have the ones that believe in Swiss greatness and wealth. Although well- travelled, they're more the luxury type of tourist rather than explorers. I wouldn't call them touchy per se but they tend to disagree with any criticism about the country and are equipped with hard facts and statistics to support their arguments. They would nor- mally blame you as an immigrant for not adapting to this great nation. Then you have the ones who are not really exposed to foreigners and are more Swiss than Switzerland. They can get quite touchy about foreigners (if they know any) criticis- ing their country. Personally, for me, it all depends on wheth- er I feel the criticism towards Switzerland is warranted. I tend to snap at comments that have little factual basis. "Eħe, I know you get better salaries in Swit- zerland ħi pero it's sooo expensive" (that's where I normally snap and I automatically shift into the whole disposable income ex- planation). "But the Swiss system is rich and we're not. Not everyone is lucky hux!" – luck! My ass! They built a robust system that is governed by discipline not by a bunch of corrupt idi- ots. When it comes to bashing Malta, I nor- mally join in to be honest. Malta produces more comic material than any jester could ever dream of! I think getting offended is very personal and tends to come from an irrational place which has little room for facts. That does not lead to good debate – only drama. Hav- ing lived and worked in the North for sever- al years now, I have learnt how to take more of an analytical stance when I speak…I'm more inquisitive. People tend to be touchy about things they're insecure of or subconsciously ac- cept as an "issue" (that might include lack of knowledge). If you know your facts and are not a victim of mindless rhetoric, you can have a good discussion without the Hol- lywood exit at the end. The way I see it, as long as I have my citizenship and a right to vote in my home country, I have the right to criticise. As long as I continue to contribute to my country of residence's tax system, I have the right to criticise. And as long as I have a stake in a coun- try, I have the right to criticise. Maltese-American (raised in Malta), resident of California for 23 years I have to admit I do get offended if some- one criticises Los Angeles. I think many of us are proud of where we live, whether it's just your town or city or the state. Keep in mind many states are jealous of California so some people even visit here with attitude. The comment that bothers me the most would have to be about our traffic, yes it's bad, yes we deal with it every day and yes if you don't like it leave or keep your opinions to yourself, if you leave it's one less car on the roads and you have become a part of the solution. I look at Malta as once my home and even though I'm far away, when I visit I love to see the progress, no doubt the island is get- ting busier and more populated, it has lost some of its old 1977 charm that I remember but development brings that. When I visit I try not to compare as that's not fair. If I hear someone bashing Malta, I would say if you have never been, just say nothing until you visit. Personally, I think the world is becoming full of Snowflakes where no matter what you say you are bound to offend somebody, I personally take offence but at the end of the day you have a right to your opinion. I don't have to agree with your opinions about my country or state but you are free to voice them, when you choose to live in News Is everyone so touchy about their country, or is it just us? Josanne Cassar Viva Malta: Are the Maltese more touchy than others?