I continue a photoreportage about how migrants from former Yugoslavia try to occupy public space in Vienna. I encounter a Serb nationalist hornets’ nest. Shortly after this, a Serb nationalist threatens me that I was playing with my life.
„Across the Street“ weiterlesen
Religious holidays predictably give rise to theological theories. Amongst Balkan communities there are two rather specific ones: Was Jesus Croat? Or was he a Serb. Balkan Stories has looked into these theories and gives you the truth about Jesus.
„The Truth about Jesus. Reblog.“ weiterlesen
Self proclaimed Četniks, Serb ultranationalists, attacked me in Banja Luka. I got away. I had intervened on behalf of a bystander they had attacked. Read more about this incident here.
„The Banja Luka Incident“ weiterlesen
On Youtube I just stumbled upon a video that debunks common Western and Balkan myths about ethnic tensions in the region. Sadly, it also peddles a few tropes commonly found in some strands of Serb nationalism. That merits a closer look at it.
„A Glass Half Full“ weiterlesen
Religious holidays predictably give rise to theological theories. Amongst Balkan communities there are two rather specific ones: Was Jesus Croat? Or was he a Serb. Balkan Stories has looked into these theories and gives you the truth about Jesus.
„The Truth about Jesus“ weiterlesen
The upcoming general elections in Serbia on April 3 do not seem to pose a threat for the regime of President Aleksandar Vučić. Even with a green-liberal opposition alliance born out of ecological protests, there is no credible challenge to the liberal-conservative business friendly politics that have dominated Serbia for decades. As Nationalism reaches ever uglier heights in the election campaign, the absence of a credible Left in Serbia becomes ever more transparent. Balkan Stories has asked the political sociologist Jovo Bakić why that is the case.
„„No Room for the Left in Serbia““ weiterlesen
As those who caused the war in Bosnia are celebrating the „Day of Republika Srpska“ or Dan Republike Srpske on January 9th, this seems an appropriate occasion to take a look at what they are doing to the country again today. A short essay on Dodik-Land that hopefully helps explain the situation in Bosnia and Hercegovina.
„Thoughts on Dodik-Land“ weiterlesen
Many members of Croatia’s Serb minority feel they are put under pressure to deny what they see as their ethnic and religious identity in the country’s current census. A hitherto unkown group appeals for people to declare themselves to be members of a „Croatian-Orthodox Church“. This brings back memories of WW II, when Croatian Fascists slaughtered hundreds of thousands of Serbs in Europe’s probably cruellest genocide to date.
„Identity Politics A Genocide Later“ weiterlesen
John Lennon has roots in Ex-Yugoslavia. His secret father was a famous and controversial person of history. So claims a new video that is obviously a parody of conspiracy theories so popular in the region. The problem with the video: Somebody will believe its claims.
„Imagine… John Lennon’s Family“ weiterlesen
As far as music goes, there is no genre that is as big a business in former Yugoslavia as Turbofolk. Yet, even if you ignore commercialisation, it is a genre that has more than just one dark side to it. One just has to look beyond the glamor – as I attempt to do in my very first vlog.
„The Dark Side of Turbofolk“ weiterlesen
The protest movements Pravda za Davida and Pravda za Dženana may help change Bosnia’s dysfunctional system of governance. While they probably will not make the country’s system of corruption disappear anytime soon, they are likely to become a long-term threat to the country’s political establishment.
This Japanese tourist loves the Croatian Football Team very much. So much that he wears it in a place most people don’t dare. At least not until Wednesday. „The Japanese Who Knows No Fear“ weiterlesen
