William Penn Life, 2012 (47. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

2012-02-01 / 2. szám

Why does the Hungarian government not support with additional funding the American-Hungarian Foundation in New Brunswick, N.J., with its extensive archives and its museum that regularly features artists, writers, performers and cultural events?

Or, why doesn't the Hungarian government offer more financial support to the Hungarian American Coalition that has a superb track record of bringing to America young Hungarian interns to participate in our nation's government and be exposed to all our country's offerings that could improve life back in Hungary?

Why, I asked myself, do Hungarians not support other Hungarian institutions and entities in a concerted effort to strengthen its presence on the world stage, improve its relations with the U.S. and other nations, and enhance its place in history?

In an attempt to find some answers, I turned to noted Hungarians themselves and combed recent writings to find a reason. First, I turned to The Xenophobe's Guide to Hungarians (1999) by Miklós Vámos (writer, Fulbright scholar and Yale drama major) and Mátyás Sárközi (London correspondent, journalist and grandson of the famous playwright Ferenc Molnár). In there, they state that: "Hungary is one of the few places in the world where bad news about others make people happy and good luck upsets them. Those who accomplish any kind of outstanding achievement are generally envied instead of being admired. Success is regarded with suspicion. Hungarians know they should stop feeling envious but do not know how."

The second plausible explanation is offered by Hungarian author Zsuzsanna Ardó in her book Culture Shock! Hungary (2000). There, she notes that: "Any self-respecting Hungarian takes pride in thinking of himself as rebellious by nature." Perhaps Hungarians don't want to be part of a larger Hungarian group because, as in the case of HRFA's recent merger, it was expected to join WPA, and rebelliousness must have been more palatable to the Board of Directors and convention's delegates.

Still another reason Ardó posits is that of conforming to the expected norm. She writes: "Hungarians are seriously committed individualists and not the best team players. Historically, conformity and bowing to public pressure are not perceived as positive attributes. Therefore, neither management by paternalistic or peer pressure nor leadership by sheer evocation of team spirit readily offers available keys to success. They tend to be thoroughly impatient with authority and conformity as well as to team members at large. Falling in line is often construed as following the crowd, revealing weakness and the 'sheep' instinct."

These three theories—savoring others' failures, rebelliousness or being nonconformist—are debatable but still plausible when trying to understand why Hungarians won't support one another. What is important here is that I have just witnessed the failure of a Hungarian institution in Washington, D.C. The HRFA fell, folded and closed its doors forever.

We can't ever let that happen to WPA, so I applaud the leadership and staff of WPA for their commitment to keeping their Association vital and strong.

Barbara House, WPA's Chair of the Board, in her recent convention address, made clear her mission statement. She wants the branches to increase their membership. She's committed to WPA's fraternal programs so they continually grow and thrive. She desires the best insurance and annuity products that will serve WPA's members. Plus, she's actively involved in making sure the Hungarian language and cultural programs are strengthened to ensure that tomorrow's members retain their Hungarian pride and heritage.

The schedule of WPA's fraternal events—national bowling and golf tournaments, Join Hands Day, the Hungarian Heritage Experience, the WPA Picnic-A Great Fraternal Fest, and various balls, festivals and heritage nights—offer an array of opportunities to support other Hungarians.

Tibor Check Jr., in his monthly William Penn Life column, repeatedly asks for volunteers at American- Hungarian churches, clubs and fraternal organizations and has proposed that involvement become a prerequisite for the awarding of scholarship funds.

The extensive branch news in WPA's magazine attests to the many Hungarian linkages that already exist but they consistently need an infusion of new members and financial support.

So, the point of my essay is this: if you or a family member claims Hungarian heritage and wants to maintain your cultural ties, it is imperative that you stay active in William Penn Association, buy a WPA policy, attend its events, participate actively in your local branch, contribute to the magazine, help fund the scholarship foundation, bring another Hungarian to Scenic View or at least consider taking your next vacation to Hungary with WPA.

I've just witnessed the death of one Hungarian institution in Washington, D.C., and I don't ever want to see another. Now, WPA is the only Hungarian fraternal insurance society in America. Its value has increased ten-fold for that reason, but only you can ensure that it mightily and proudly continues.

Kathy Megyeri is a writer who lives in Washington, DC and can be reached at Megyeri@juno.com

William Penn Life 0 February 2012 0 13