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When I was fifteen, I had to decide whether I wanted to have Czech or Slovak citizenship. At that moment I thought it important to make the right choice, so as not to have any problems with the authorities. Since I knew that I would live in the Czech Republic, I didn't hesitate long.
Being part of a community, especially of people with whom I am somehow in contact, even if indirectly, is more important to me than being part of a country. I do not identify myself with the State, I leave it to politicians to represent me. I am aware that a State is based on its history and social values, but I don't really associate these qualities with it.
What does it mean to be a good citizen? For me, it's a very strange concept. Perhaps it's someone who behaves in compliance with the laws of the country he lives in. I believe that such person should also participate in everything that helps to develop the society itself. To put it simply, a good citizen should be socially active: if they are annoyed with something, they should say it aloud. With regard to citizens' rights and obligations, I have the right to live freely in this country, study and work, and offer the same things to my children in the future. That's what I find important. Generally speaking, that's just life in a democratic State. On the other hand, I feel bound to be economically active to support the State, or to engage in activities aimed at strengthening its economic stability.
For 15 years I have been a citizen of the Czech Republic and I find no reason to change it. To me, it's nothing very important. Although I was born here, I have not developed any special relationship to this country. I believe that in this sense, my ethnicity may be limiting. As a result, I perceive the Czech society as foreign to me.
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