Archives for March 15th, 2004

Europe, get ready for some serious invigoration, courtesy of Slovenia.

In the past, Slovenia’s official slogans have included things like “The Green Piece of Europe” and the slightly problematic “The Sunny Side of the Alps.” (If Slovenia is on the sunny side, though, neighboring Austria must be on the “Dark Side” of the Alps, like some kind of teutonic Darth Vader. They probably don’t appreciate that implication.)

Recently, in anticipation of EU membership, the slogan has been changed to: “Slovenia invigorates.” (Slovenija pozivlja)

The cartoon you see above shows the new slogan in action. A small Slovenia approaches Europe (that’s Ljubljana in the background) wearing a toga and a pot on her head. I don’t know why she’s wearing a pot and toga, but the shield she’s carrying is the official emblem of the country.

I have to say that it comes across as slightly menacing, the way the little Slovenia girl says “I will invigorate you!” to Europe. It doesn’t help that Europe isn’t smiling, but looking down at the approaching Pippi Longstocking lookalike with an anxious expression. It’s as if Europe doesn’t want to be invigorated.

I would have drawn her with open arms, shouting something like: “All right, Slovenia, let’s do this!” or something equally optimistic. But that would probably be a hundred times odder.

So, in conclusion, it’s good that I’m not responsible for the country’s slogans.