" The powers of the world are shifting. Culture is becoming more relevant than politics. Cities more relevant than nations. Continents more relevant than nations. But continents less relevant than cities. Languages more relevant than nations. Languages are alive. Nations are dead. I should not be concerned about what is alive or dead. Yes, I should. I want what is alive - not what is dead - following what is dead delays my path. "

― Giannina Braschi , United States of Banana