Publicist Ben Latkovskis has approached new heights of societal integration. What’s next — separate public transport for Latvians and Russians? Or perhaps those who speak Latvian with an accent should be banned from theaters and restaurants? That is, from decent society? What’s all the fuss? — It seems that German barons are spinning in their crypts like piglets on a spit.
The publicist noted the following observation on his Twitter:
“Russian in Latvia is the language of the lower classes (manual laborers). An intelligent person who has achieved a decent social status has no need to speak Russian anywhere and under any circumstances in Latvia,” writes Ben Latkovskis, concluding: Any Latvian who speaks Russian anywhere demonstrates their lowered social status.”
There are many comments under the post, and, unsurprisingly, many disagree with Ben. Here are just a couple; anyone can follow the link and read for themselves.
Sandris: The newspaper manual laborer Ben is openly inciting national hatred, which is prohibited by law. But he will face no consequences for this — and that is the main question: why do state institutions not react to the incitement of national hatred? It is obvious to everyone how much of an idiot Ben is, but why is he allowed to freely break the law?
Ringolds: “The historical experience of each nation shapes its national character. Latvians are no exception here — rather, they are a vivid example. Let’s be honest: we are a small nation that, unfortunately, is beginning to understand its decline, looking at the increasingly worsening demographic curve. Any living organism — and a nation is one — panics when its existence is threatened. Our national character only amplifies this panic.
And in conclusion. Latkovskis is not an idiot. Unfortunately.
