In a world drowning in media hype and TV SoundBits it is hard to distinguish truth from fiction in search of authenticity and veracity. The vexing problem is accelerated with generous applications of double-talk, metaphors, half truths and distortions found in nature itself. Seemingly simple observations often undergo a metamorphosis of extreme complexity, when examined in greater magnification under an electronic microscope. The practical impossibility of defining "obvious" occurrences is a case in point. Instances of mind boggling questions abound, such as which way is up or down, what is far or distant, where does infinite energy start and end, and the quantum classical query of which came first, the chicken or the egg. The answer to these deceptively neat inquires is that in fact there is no one absolute correct solution.
The epochal equation of balance dealing with yin-yang properties, the feminine passive principle in nature that in Chinese cosmology is combined with dominant male opposites to produce all that comes to be, is manifestly exhibited in any objective debate about the virtues and vices that constitute the makings of a fragmented Malta and its people. Malta is a land of fractious often contradictory contrasts, steeped in ancient Mediterranean history, sheltered within an inland sea basin from whence Western civilization emerged. The island nation lies nestled astride the continents of Europe, Africa and Asia. Strategically positioned to control key maritime trade routes sought by larger nations, Malta has over time been inevitably conquered by foreign powers. Each left behind indelible marks of pillage and culture in relative proportion. Consequently what one observes in Malta at first glance is often not what appears reflected on its surface.
Malta's past is rich with myths, as one would reasonably expect from a society that evolved from many external sources and clashing civilizations. To pronounce the modern Maltese a homogeneous people, as is commonly claimed, is an exercise in wishful thinking and an illusion. In spite of what at first glance appears to be an easy task of profiling, given its small size and population, no one conclusion about Malta national character is likely to fit all sizes and circumstances. Indeed this very same complexity is what makes the island so desirable, as a place of final destination to visit.
In many ways Malta serves as a microcosm, an epitome of the world at large, of a nation undergoing painful cultural transitions. It is neither better nor worse than other nations, in ways which define acceptable standards of morality and social behavior. Though by relative comparison the crime rate in Malta is "mild", its virtues and flaws are universally shared. Consider the many contradictory traits of its people: --- Mostly of European extraction and inclination there exists within its population a marked antagonism and widespread denial of Arab linkage, by reason of blood and culture. This uneasy attitude persists in spite of the fact that the native Maltese language has Semitic roots in Phoenicia & Carthage. It is probable that at one time in its distant past Malta's Muslim population was in the majority.
--- The matter of E.U. accession is actively being contested. While popular with most voters, there is lingering fear that a unified Europe will simply swallow up Malta whole, and in the process strip away its hard won sovereignty and national identification. Depending on whose version one believes, Malta will either reap unimaginable benefits from the deal, or will forever be enslaved as a consequence of fighting a battle of David and Goliath proportions, only this time around the merciless giant wins. Gone mostly unmentioned in this uneven tug of war, is a mortal fear of losing centuries old vested interests enjoyed by an entrenched Roman Catholic ecclesiastic hierarchy, as well preferential treatment for powerful political and business institutions. The fundamental question about surviving within the confines of a global market economy seems as yet not to hold much weight with an apathetic public.
--- Roman Catholicism is established by law as the religion of Malta; however freedom of worship in other faiths is guaranteed. In spite of an overwhelming presence of active churches, the power of the clergy has been greatly curtailed since post W.W.II. The rebellious behavior and mindset of many conflicted young people in Malta, is atypical of loose permissive conduct and freedom of expression found elsewhere within other western countries. Family stability and cohesiveness is increasingly at risk from rapid changes in lifestyles. Regrettably consumption of hard drugs is on the rise. The snug popular claim of enjoying superior values, found mainly within a close knit island community is more fiction than fact, fancied largely by older generations who are unable to differentiate between a forest from its trees. The widening generational gap is indicative of a sharp didactic debate regulating public behavior. Permissible codes of conduct established by older Maltese standards are flouted by newer liberal mores championed by restless youth. The clash in ideology never ends.
--- Maltese hospitality towards strangers is rightful legend. Blessed with a warm Latin disposition, the multi-lingual Maltese are driven by an inborn desire to accommodate visitors from abroad. It is said that once a person visits Malta he/she will always be welcomed back as a life long friend. An offset to this amicable quality is that it is rarely observed by local merchants and service providers, who think it their birthright to scam travelers thru a multi-tiered charge system, based on perceived ability to pay by nationality and country of origin. Victims of first choice are U.S. nationals because of their discerned super affluence. Such dubious tricks of the trade are largely borrowed from London, Paris, Rome and other cities worldwide.
--- While the local Chamber of Commerce extols the virtues of Malta's industrious workers, for the benefit of prospective foreign investors planning to set up shop in Malta, little is said about the islanders' manana disposition shown towards the application of hard work. A constant high incidence of job absenteeism is compounded by stifling summer heat, which bakes the island to a crisp. The Wasp mentality championing an honest day's work rendered in return for an honest day's wage earned, has yet to be observed in Malta. Mid-afternoon siestas in the retail trade are commonplace between July and September, when exasperated shopping tourists are left to fend for themselves. A similar irritation arises due to mandated closures of certain shops during the Sabbath. In Malta service takes second place to non-productive comfort.
--- Government deficit spending is a way of life in an island consumed with socialism. The problem is aggravated by a public mentality which expects birth to grave entitlements, regardless of the party in power, while aggressively involved in widespread individual and business tax evasion. The inability, or lack of official desire to curb gross theft of the national treasury, has impacted the safe maintenance of Malta's crumbling infrastructure, more so with overdue road, maritime, structural and utility repairs, not to mention the construction and modernization of quality tourist sites and facilities. The situation has placed Malta at an increasing disadvantage with other competing Mediterranean basin vacation destinations. If one is to take stock in the government's stretched prognosis, it appears that Malta has never had it so good, as it heads forward into the new millennium.
--- The sizzling hot debate over the long term survival of Maltese as a viable language is one of passion bordering on personal affront and hysteria. One of 3,000 plus languages, not counting dialects, it remains by reason of its miniscule usage in real danger of eventual disintegration. Like other lesser spoken tongues it will most likely share their same cycle of birth, maturity and death, in a natural process of evolution and assimilation. Its survivability is already threatened from within A sizeable segment of the population alternatively converse between themselves in a foreign tongue, principally English, while relegating Maltese to a secondary role as a "kitchen or maid's" language. The demise of Maltese will in all probability be hastened appreciably with Malta's inevitable integration within the larger European community.
Where ultimately Malta will stand in the eyes of locals and foreigners is a matter of conjecture. The conundrum is based on relative values, perceptions, prejudices and biases, no more no less in degree than what apply elsewhere. For all its virtues and blemishes, Malta is worth a visit by those who wish to escape the doldrums of home in exchange for a one of a kind foreign travel experience of discovery and excitement. Come one, come all!!
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Joseph Vella
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