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Letter to The New York Times
by a Macedonian from Prilep
Dear Editor:
I am writing to strongly object to your continued use of the terms
"Macedonian Slavs" and "Slav Macedonians" in
reference to ethnic Macedonians. This practice has to stop. It is
disturbing that a media organization of your stature continues to
use such terms in spite of continued complaints from Macedonians.
I would like to give you a brief explanation as to why Macedonians
regard such terminology as inappropriate at best and downright offensive
and insensitive at worst and suggest you use the preferred norm
for referring to Macedonians.
Historically, the neighboring countries of Greece, Bulgaria and
Serbia have had competing claims to the people and territory of
Macedonia. In one way or another their position has been to assimilate
parts and deny in part or in its entirety the existence of Macedonians
and the Macedonian nation with all its qualities: language, history,
culture and religious heritage.
Use of the term "Slavs" serves to separate ethnic Macedonians
from their Macedonian character and undermines the independence
of the Macedonian nation, thereby directly supporting any one of
the competing antagonistic claims by neighboring countries.
For example, the position of Serbia has moderated substantially
over the years and now recognizes ethnic Macedonians. Unfortunately,
the Serbian Orthodox Church continues to deny the autocephaly of
the Macedonian Orthodox Church.
While Bulgaria has recognized the Republic of Macedonia under its
constitutional name, without the Former Yugoslav prefix, official
Bulgarian policy is to treat Macedonians as Bulgarians with a confused
identity. Bulgarian academics routinely promote theories for the
eventual merging of the two countries and official Bulgaria refuses
to accept documents written in Macedonian.
Greek government policy is perhaps the most misguided. It remains
that of a strictly enforced denial of any distinct Macedonian nation
preferring instead to misrepresent us as mortal enemies who are
misappropriating their ancient history.
In light of the historical circumstances and the recent crisis
in Macedonia the use of such terms is very offensive to Macedonians
and only serves to promote distrust in Western media and Western
intentions.
When moderates and the government of Macedonia are trying hard
to restore peace and prevent further radicalization continued use
of the term "Slav" by the some, a term which foreign officials
and diplomats do not use, only serves to undermine these efforts.
I understand your concern for distinguishing between Macedonians
by ethnicity and Macedonians by citizenship but in your articles
you simply do not refer to other Slavic nationalities similarly,
e.g., to Serbians as Serb Slavs, Bulgarians as Bulgar Slavs and
Croatians as Croat Slavs, etc.
Thus, I'd suggest that instead of the term Slav you refer to Macedonians
by ethnicity as ethnic Macedonians or simply as Macedonians. Such
terminology will dispel concerns that you deliberately intend to
deny the existence of a distinct Macedonian nation. It would also
acknowledge your sensitivity towards a country and a people in crisis.
Finally, I would ask that you please adhere to the Western values
of tolerance and respect for the way people self-identify and advise
your reporters and editors of our concerns.
Sincerely,
A Macedonian from Prilep
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