Something more. To assign a general mentality to a nation can easily lead to prejudices and racism. Not all Austrians fit the characteristics imposed on them. Not all Germans are punctual and industrious, not all Hungarians are romantic and dreamy, not all Italians are open-minded and fiery. So, here are the austrian traits (in my opinion):
According to a study, the usual reaction after a suicide in L.A. is: „It`s a shame about this person, he could have done a lot for him/herself and for us" – but in Vienna:" He's so lucky, he has left everything behind."
The Austrian toys with the idea of death and is intrigued by it because it is unavoidable and always present. It is not the belief in a great, better kingdom,as thaught by the Church that is fascinating for us. Death is a permanent part of the Austrian soul. I want to stress that there`s no direct connection to pain. It`s rather a romantic, melancholy leaning, which should not be equated with being depressive. But Austria is after Hungary the country with the highest suicide rate and this shows that this romantic longing for the end is often carried out. It´s no accident that Sigmund Freud found his "wish for death" in Vienna.
Erwin Ringel, a famous Austrian psychoanalyst describes Austria as a land of neuroses. In his important book "Die oesterreichische Seele" (The Austrian Soul) Ringel says that the reason for this tendency towards neurosis is due to the more than usual emphasis on obedience, politeness and thrift in our upbringing. As a consequence of this, we are forced to always appear relaxed , but also to conceal our negative aspects. Using a metapher of two rooms could be helpful. One is a visitor-room, where it`s comfortable, clean and everything is ok. In the second room there are our negative attitudes, but this "bad" side is also a part of ourselves.
Of course, Austrians are not a population of Dr. Jekyls and Mr. Hydes. Nevertheless neuroses and there main symptom, ambivalence, are a fixed part of the austrian identity. Something important: A tendency to a characteristic, need not mean a pathological manifestation of it.
Now to the most difficult part for me: the racism. Is it wise to determine a whole country as racist furthermore, to determine a whole country as Haider-country. Why is not France lePen-country and Germany Schönhuber-country (both are racist politicians). It`s horrible and I blame the political situation, but 70 % of our population have not elected the FPOE.
The picture the media presents to the world is wrong, exaggerated, and alienating. Yes, there`s a reason to worry. 30 % of the austrians have elected a party that has hostile political intentions towards foreigners. It`s hard but is it possible that this 30 % also represent an Austrian trait? And is Haider a product of this? To criticize my country as an Austrian women is hard, but on the basis of the political situation I have to do it.
Maybe my thoughts are right and Jörg Haider is a result of the Austrian mentality. I can`t answer this question, but I think that all the people, who did not vote for the FPOE are a reason not to point out Austria as a Boo-country.
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