On Brussels’ cosmopolitan escapism and its consequences for Flanders
– Nadia Fadil is a sociologist at the European University in Florence and the KULeuven
I am often envious of Brussels’ Maghribis. Not only because they have the flamboyant rue de Brabant while we have to do with the grey and cheerless Handelsstraat, or because they have Avenida, the only true Moroccan diner at Lemonnier while one can seek in vain for a comparable place in Antwerp that serves an equally tasty Moroccan breakfast. What I envy above all is the ease with which they talk big wherever they are, even as far as the various local councils, and the way they claim their city. Born and bred Brussels people, or ‘Maroxellois’ as some call themselves. I have been struck in many conversations by their closeness to their city. Proud of being from Brussels. Woe betide those who get it into their heads to ask after the real Brussels people, or to call them immigrants. A pride that sometimes takes the form of chauvinism and arrogance towards the Flemish newcomers in the Dansaert neighbourhood who want to make Brussels hip and cosmopolitan. Brussels, where minorities belong.