Hello, Spain?

Not the English nor the French, not even the Americans have done so when the microphone fails and you have to speak to a large crowd in the central pitch of Wimbledon, specially if you lost the Great Final. Nadal did it this evening after losing the match against Djokovic... "Hello, hello, Spain?"

I loved it.

You can spot a Spaniard a thousand yards away anywhere in the world, and not because we disturb the public order, are hairy or obscure, or because we speak loud -not any more: the English and a great deal of Northern Europeans have now that recognition, mainly because they spend more time drunk, men and women alike-. The Spaniards' land is varied, and so is their customs, their food, their styles; the languages and dialects and accents are many, even the racial traits and, still, we are all alike. We and you can recognize a Spaniard anywhere, anytime.

And, however, an identity crisis strikes the country for years, being the situation aggravated in the last few. The problem is serious now. Why? The identity crisis comes from a clear disapproval of public displays of national affection (PDNA), rejection of national history (mainly the 20th century history, the Imperial past and the Church's history) and denial of national symbolism and patriotism. And why? Where is all this coming from? Why?

Therefore, when someone as Nadal takes pride in wrapping himself up in a National banner when he wins or come up with a "hello, Spain?", when he loses, it is a most refreshing display of something that, against all appearances, I hope is not entirely lost: the sense of an old and honorable nation.

(PLEASE, LEAVE YOUR COMMENT).