Hello again! I wanted to preface that I don't wish to argue about this topic; I simply found the (presumably) colloquial-linguistic differences interesting.
"But I've also heard/known those with Czech ancestry call themselves 'Eastern European' instead of 'Central European' (to be honest: I rarely hear the term 'Central European'. That in no way makes it less valid; but it's less common in my personal experience.). Hence the 'technically' being used. It's not denouncing your above stated fact; it's showing how the character views it."
As a European who's living in Europe, this seems very strange to me! Obviously I can not speak for every Czech person, but I've never heard a Czech describe themselves as Eastern European over here. I think that's why reading the character description confused me so much, "Eastern European" just isn't a label naturally associated with Czechia over here. My grandparents fled Czechoslovakia during the Cold War and have always considered themselves Central European, as well. I suspect this to be a US-centric classification that indeed dates back to the Cold War era; however, if one were to apply that old East-West distinction, parts of Germany should also be considered "Eastern European" then, which I don't think is the case anywhere? I also wonder if some of it may come from people in the US historically grouping Slavic countries/languages together as "Eastern," even though Czech is a West Slavic language?
Either way, from what you've described, it does sound like it may simply be one of those differences in terminology that's persisted in the US. Thank you for answering and have a good day! 😊
It's not an argument - it's a discussion! And one you've been completely respectful, throughout; I have no issue with this at all. <3
'As a European who's living in Europe, this seems very strange to me!' <- I think this is the crux of it, honestly! And I say this as an American who's lived in Europe. lol I found that, while in America, we focus far more on race/color, in Europe it's actually where you're from(which sounds crazy, but - welcome to 'Murica XD). This was very strange to me, at first, as well(not in a bad way)! Even something as simple as speaking your native language - is far more prevalent in Europe, than many parts of America. In the former: It's accepted and expected to a degree; in the latter: There's this... ongoing 'pressure' (that's - me being nice lol) to be *American*; as American as you can(which means - just speaking Perfect American English). So, it's more spoken in private or hidden so not to be a reason to be ostracized. (Not always; but definitely more so in America, than I've seen in Europe.)
Writing all that: People of European descent in America usually don't call it out unless there's some kind of - pride/holiday, etc., attached to it. They're usually just a - 'color', and that color is, generally, 'white'. (i.e. Page wouldn't write or introduce herself as 'Eastern European' or 'Central European' -- unless, very, very specifically asked.) That's not me attempting to generalize, speak on behalf of ALL Americans, or say that's the ONLY way of thinking; it's just the one *I've* seen/dealt with the most as a Black woman in America. I think you'll find quite a few illuminating things in this story (esp concerning American racism).
Reading what you've written, however, I wouldn't be surprised if members of Page's family (who were very proud), would identify as 'Central European'! (And that would make Page all the more petty/wanting to stick with her own classification. 🤣)
Have a lovely day yourself! Appreciate the clarification~ *EDIT* Apparently, the UN also defines the Czech Republic as 'eastern' 😯 So, it's not just 'American'/seems pretty controversial!
