Asterix Posted July 19, 2004 #1 Share Posted July 19, 2004 How about starting a new topic about world politics in general, because that's the direction most threads seem to be going to? Patriotic feelings are on surface in most of the countries. Is it slipping to right-wing nationalism? Is it because of world becoming smaller, connections and distances being shortened? We're more tight together than ever before, and still seperation lines are drawn clearer and clearer between different ethnic and national groups. Or is this just an illusion, a short set-back on our way to become a big happy family? Mrs. Asterix Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Talon Posted July 19, 2004 #2 Share Posted July 19, 2004 Patriotic feelings are on surface in most of the countries. Is it slipping to right-wing nationalism? Is it because of world becoming smaller, connections and distances being shortened? We're more tight together than ever before, and still seperation lines are drawn clearer and clearer between different ethnic and national groups. Or is this just an illusion, a short set-back on our way to become a big happy family? It depends on what nationalism your talking about. Most people are actually nationalists at heart, they want what’s best for their people and country, there is nothing right-wing or dangerous about that. Similarly being proud of our country is not that threatening either, such moderate nationalism is often seen during sport but does not lead to racism or xenophobia. Nationalism can also have devistating affects on right-wing ideologies and can elevate liberalism. Nationalism caused many to resist against the Nazis, it caused colonial countries to rise up against the inhumane way the Imperial nations treated them. Modern Nationalism grew up hand-in-hand with the French Revolution that overthrew the monarchy who were seen as non-French. The fact that the country didn't really achieve a Democracy and Napoleon took over and went on a Rampage does however does prove the one worrying issue of nationalism which I believe you are hinting at. As soon as one starts talking about nation and people, one has to start wondering who belongs to nation or people. Now while most nationalists aren’t really effected by this and their sole nationalist ambition is that their ruler be born to that country (most democracies tend to demand their President, PM etc have citizenship, and in some such as the US they even demand they be born in it). However, for others such as fascists the issue has instead raised notions of blood and fanatical devotion to history of culture that goes beyond proud feeling and goes into the hating of others. Nationalism itself is not a threat. However, Ultra-Nationalism which can lead to goals such as Imperial conquest, ideas of racial superiority, cultural superiority, god given right to rule the world and so forth a constant thorn in the side of peace and the evolution of human civilisation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Asterix Posted July 19, 2004 Author #3 Share Posted July 19, 2004 Nationalism itself is not a threat. However, Ultra-Nationalism which can lead to goals such as Imperial conquest, ideas of racial superiority, cultural superiority, god given right to rule the world and so forth a constant thorn in the side of peace and the evolution of human civilisation. That's really well said. I guess that's what I was after in a first place. Many seem to feel that it's exactly this "cultural superiority" and "god give right to rule the world" that motivates the administration of US. I'm not saying that US would be the only country sending these messages to the world, but definitely the most audacious. Mrs Asterix Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nightbird Posted July 20, 2004 #4 Share Posted July 20, 2004 excellent reply Talon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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